The Missouri Conservation Commission recently gave final approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation for the state’s first black bear hunting season framework. The Commission finalized the hunting season framework and related regulations at its December 11 open meeting in Jefferson City. The approved framework limits any future bear hunting to areas of southern Missouri […]
The Missouri Conservation Commission recently approved a proposed hunting framework by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a potential future black bear season in Missouri. The Commission approved the framework at its Sept. 4 open meeting in Jefferson City and is asking for final public input Oct. 16 through Nov. 14. If the season […]
The black bear is one of the largest and heaviest wild mammals in Missouri with some reaching up to 500 pounds. It is also a long-distance roamer constantly in search of food. While black bears are usually very secretive and avoid encounters with people, a growing number of bears in the state is resulting in […]
Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia August 8-18. Visit MDC’s Conservation Building from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 8-17 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 18 to see live fish and other native animals such as snakes, turtles, and amphibians. Learn about and see […]
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri legislature and governor have taken actions to increase penalties for those caught poaching Missouri game animals and other native wildlife species. Missouri Governor Michael Parson signed HB260 into law July 11. Called the Poaching Bill, it significantly raises fines for those convicted of illegally taking Missouri […]
An estimated 350 black bears call southern Missouri home, and as the spring season gets underway, these magnificent mammals leave their winter dens in search of food. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding Missourians to be proactive and “Be Bear Aware.” MDC Resource Scientist and Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee said it is imperative […]
It’s cheaper for a non-Missourian to come into the state, poach an animal, and pay the fine for that than it is to buy an out-of-state hunter tag. The Missouri House has voted to change that. The House voted to send to the Senate House Bill 260, which would increase the fines for poaching wild turkeys, […]
Lawmakers have reintroduced a proposal that would allow judges to order poachers to pay restitution fees ranging from $375 to $5,000. Two identical bills filed in the Missouri House and Senate could gain more traction this year considering three recent cases in which elk were illegally killed. Under the proposed legislation, the fees […]
