(KMOX) - Public input is being sought by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on a proposal for a limited and highly regulated black bear hunting season.
MDC is proposing a black bear season in Missouri, for in-state residents only, that would begin in October and last 10 days or until established hunting quotas are reached, whichever comes first.
Hunters would be allowed to use both archery and firearms equipment with allowable methods being the same as those for deer and elk, except the use of an atlatl.
There would be three Bear Management Zones (BMZ) in southern Missouri and hunters would need to call in each morning they intend to hunt to determine if the BMZ-specific quota has been reached. Baiting and the use of dogs would not be allowed at this time but may be considered in the future.
MDC will take comments through June 5 and if the season is approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission, it could be held as soon as the fall of 2021.
According to MDC, over the last 50 years bear numbers in the Missouri Ozarks have increased significantly and today Missouri is home to between 540 to 840 black bears. Bear numbers are currently increasing each year and bear range in the state is expanding.
Click here to read more about the proposal.