Missourians interested in hunting black bear or elk this fall can apply for permits starting in May. The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer 2,000 permits for black bear hunting, with a harvest limit of 60 bears across three management zones. The increase in permits and harvest limit is in response to the growing black bear population in the state. Additionally, five permits will be available for hunting bull elk, with one reserved for qualifying landowners. The elk hunting season will include both archery and firearms portions. More information on the permit application process can be found on the MDC website.