KANSAS CITY - The 4th bear hunting season in Missouri has come to an end and the numbers are in.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says just under 6,000 people filled out applications to get one of 400 permits selected through a random drawing. The hunters were let loose to harvest black bears in three different bear management zones, all three are in southern Missouri.
A total of 15 bears were taken this season, 13 by firearms, 1 by bow and arrow, and 1 by crossbow. Ten were males and five were females.
The MDC decided to implement a bear hunting season again after population growth got to a point where they could justify a small harvest each year. Hunters are only allowed to target bears who are alone. If they are spotted with another bear, including cubs, they are off limits.
The MDC estimates there are somewhere between 600 and 1,000 black bears roaming the forested areas south of I-44.
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