Bear: Permits

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Bear hunting permits are distributed by random drawing. Only Missouri residents may apply and purchase a permit.
• You must have your signed permit on hand when you go afield to hunt.
• You may use the MO Hunting app to carry your permits afield.
• Permits cannot be transferred, exchanged, or refunded.
• This permit is only valid in the Black Bear Management Zone specified on the permit.
• There is NOT a separate landowner permit. Landowners will follow the same procedure to enter the random drawing as general applicants and if awarded a black bear hunting permit, may hunt anywhere within the specified Black Bear Management Zone.

Random Drawing for Bear Hunting Permits

• Black bear hunting permits are allocated through a random drawing.
• You must be a Missouri resident to apply.
• The application period is May 1–31. Results are available beginning July 1.
• It costs $10 to apply. This fee is nonrefundable.
• You must apply for a specific Black Bear Management Zone.
• You may submit only one application per year.
• Only one hunter is allowed per application.
• You cannot transfer (give) your permit to another hunter.
• Please do not apply if you won’t be able to hunt.
• To apply, visit mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.

Hunter-Education Requirement

You must complete an approved hunter-education course before you can purchase a black bear hunting permit unless:

• You were born before Jan. 1, 1967.
• You have a developmental disability. See Rule 3 CSR 10-5.205 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

If you can prove you completed a hunter-education course in another state, you are not required to take Missouri’s course. You must be 11 years or older to enroll in Missouri’s hunter-education course. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation.

Purchasing Permits

If you have been selected to participate in the black bear hunting season, you may purchase your permit beginning July 1 using any of the methods below, provided you have met the hunter-education requirement.

• Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges will be assessed.
• Online anytime at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Use your credit card to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Print your permit at home and have it in hand immediately.
• From your smartphone using the free MO Hunting app (see box on this page). Use your credit card to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Your permit will appear on the app immediately after purchase.
• By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery.

Replacing a Lost Permit

If you lose your permit, simply download the MO Hunting app to your Android or Apple mobile device, log in with your Conservation Number, and a valid, electronic version of your permit will appear on the app. Any active, valid permit can be reprinted from home at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Replacement permits can also be purchased from any vendor for $2.