Missouri’s First Black Bear Season: A Successful Endeavor Just Shy of Harvest Quota
Missouri’s inaugural modern-era black bear hunt concluded on October 27, resulting in the tagging of 12 bears, as reported by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Limited to Missouri residents, only 400 random-draw bear tags were available, with a harvest quota of 40 bears. Surpassing expectations, over 6,330 hunters applied for these coveted permits in the hope of participating in the state’s inaugural modern black bear hunt. Currently, an estimated 800 black bears inhabit Missouri.
According to Laura Conlee, MDC state furbearer and black bear biologist, the set maximum of 40 bears represented a mere 5 percent of the state’s total bear population. Out of this population, only a dozen bears were harvested, accounting for a scant 1.5 percent.
“Given the highly regulated nature of our season, the widespread distribution of bears in the state’s rugged wilderness, and the unfamiliarity many hunters had with bear hunting, our first bear hunting season in Missouri can be considered an overwhelming success,” said Conlee in a press release. “The harvest of 12 bears during our inaugural season is a testament to the skills and commitment of our hunters. Bear hunting is an extremely demanding challenge, especially within the parameters we established. Many hunters embarked on this new hunting opportunity, invested their efforts, and achieved success.”
Three bear management zones were designated in the southern half of Missouri, each with its own harvest quotas: 20, 15, and 5 bears, respectively. Permits were specific to the assigned Bear Management Zone (BMZ) and could be utilized on public or private property within the corresponding area. The Associate Press reports that hunters harvested nine bears in southwest Missouri and three in the western zone. No bears were collected in the zone stretching from southeast Missouri to St. Louis, according to the department.
The bear population in Missouri has experienced a significant upswing over the past half-century, with forecasts indicating substantial growth over the coming decade. Despite the success of restoring the bear population to a level suitable for hunting, the hunt received substantial backlash in national media coverage.
According to the MDC, the bear population in Missouri is increasing at an annual rate of approximately 9 percent and is expected to double within a decade. Following years of public input, including open houses in 2019 and a public-comment process in the spring and fall of 2020, the MDC proposed a limited and highly regulated black bear hunting season. A staggering 87 percent of the 700 residents’ comments collected during public meetings expressed support for the highly regulated hunting season, while 89 percent deemed MDC’s black bear management plans to be reasonable.
“The inclusion of this iconic species in the extensive list of hunting opportunities available to Missourians reflects the tireless bear research and management conducted by MDC staff,” stated MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “An annual limited hunting season is crucial in effectively managing Missouri’s growing black bear population.”
“The inclusion of this iconic species in the extensive list of hunting opportunities available to Missourians reflects the tireless bear research and management conducted by MDC staff,” stated MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “An annual limited hunting season is crucial in effectively managing Missouri’s growing black bear population.”
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.