Hunting in Missouri is more than just a pastime—it’s a tradition that draws thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year, and 2025 is no exception. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently released numbers showing just how popular black bear and bull elk hunting remain in the state. With 5,249 applications for black bear permits and 8,409 for bull elk permits submitted last month, the demand for these limited opportunities is clear. For those who love the thrill of the chase, the chance to hunt these iconic animals is a bucket-list experience, and Missouri’s unique landscape and wildlife management make it a prime destination.
The numbers tell an interesting story. Compared to last year’s 9,300 bull elk applications and 5,969 black bear applications, this year’s figures show a slight dip in elk interest but a steady climb for bears. Two years ago, in 2023, the MDC saw 8,562 elk applications and 5,374 bear applications. According to conservation staff, these fluctuations are normal and not a cause for concern. The ebb and flow of applications reflect the passion of Missouri’s hunting community, which remains strong despite changing trends. For hunters, the chance to pursue a black bear or bull elk is a rare opportunity, and the numbers prove that interest isn’t fading anytime soon.
The application process itself is a key part of Missouri’s hunting system, and it’s not just about managing wildlife—it’s also a revenue driver for the MDC. Each application for a black bear or bull elk permit costs $10, a small price for the chance to participate in these tightly controlled seasons. Those lucky enough to be selected pay additional fees: $25 for a bear permit and $50 for an elk permit. Last year alone, the MDC collected $162,940 from application fees, showing just how much hunters are willing to invest for a shot at these prized animals. That money goes back into conservation efforts, ensuring Missouri’s forests and wildlife remain healthy for future generations.
This year, the MDC is stepping up its game for black bear hunting. In April, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved an increase from 400 to 600 black bear permits, giving more hunters a chance to participate. However, the total harvest is capped at 40 bears to protect the population. The black bear season, set for October 18-31, offers a two-week window for hunters to track these elusive creatures across three designated management zones in southern Missouri. The increase in permits reflects the state’s growing bear population and the MDC’s confidence in balancing conservation with hunting opportunities.
Bull elk hunting, on the other hand, remains one of the most exclusive opportunities in Missouri. Only five permits will be issued for the 2025 season, making it a true once-in-a-lifetime draw for most hunters. At least one of those permits is reserved for a landowner in Shannon, Reynolds, or Carter counties, where Missouri’s elk herd roams. The elk season is split into two parts: an archery season from October 18-26 and a firearms season from December 13-21. These short windows add to the challenge, requiring skill, patience, and a bit of luck to bag a bull elk in Missouri’s rugged terrain.
Looking back, last year’s harvests give a sense of what hunters can expect. In 2024, hunters took down 15 black bears and five bull elk, a slight uptick from 2023’s totals of 12 bears and three elk. These numbers highlight the MDC’s careful management, ensuring that hunting doesn’t outpace the recovery of these species. Missouri’s elk population, in particular, is a conservation success story. Reintroduced to the state in 2011 after being absent for over a century, the herd has grown steadily, allowing for limited hunting while still protecting the species’ future.
For hunters, the appeal of Missouri’s bear and elk seasons goes beyond the hunt itself. It’s about the experience—scouting the Ozarks’ rolling hills, tracking signs in the crisp fall air, and testing skills against some of North America’s most iconic game. The MDC’s application system, while competitive, is straightforward. From May 1 to May 31, hunters could apply through the MDC’s website, mobile app, or at permit vendors across the state. The $10 fee per application is a small gamble for the chance to draw a permit, and with thousands applying, it’s clear that Missouri’s hunting community is all in.
The conservation efforts behind these hunts are worth noting. The fees collected from applications and permits fund habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and public education programs. Missouri’s black bear population, once nearly wiped out, has rebounded thanks to careful management. Likewise, the elk herd’s growth shows how dedicated conservation can bring a species back from the brink. For hunters, participating in these seasons isn’t just about the trophy—it’s about being part of a larger effort to keep Missouri’s wilderness thriving.
As the 2025 seasons approach, anticipation is building. The black bear season’s expanded permits offer more hunters a chance to test their skills, while the ultra-limited elk permits keep that hunt as one of the most coveted in the state. Whether it’s the stalk through dense forests for a bear or the careful aim needed for a bull elk, Missouri’s hunting seasons promise adventure and challenge. For the thousands who applied, the wait to see who draws a permit is almost as thrilling as the hunt itself.
