A total of 20 black bears have been harvested in Missouri since the state's first black bear hunt two years ago, and several more are expected this fall.
Twelve were taken in 2021 before dipping to eight in 2022, when the state's black bear population reportedly hovered around 800.
The population has since increased to around 900, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, which could lead to more success for Show-Me State hunters this fall.
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Sightings of black bears — seen mostly south of the Interstate 44 corridor — begin to increase in May during mating season.