Elk hunting comes back to Missouri

After years of restoration efforts and an untold amount of funding, Missouri is now going to give hunters a shot at bagging an Elk. Elk herds that were native to Missouri were hunted out of existence in the 1800s but were reintroduced to the state in an effort that began in 2001 but was halted and then restarted in 2011. Now that herd population has reached at least 200 and the first elk season will be October 17 through the 25th. MDC will require a $10 application fee for those applying for the general permits. Qualifying landowners will not be required to pay the $10 application fee when applying for the landowner permit. Those selected for each of the five permits must pay a $50 permit fee. General permits can be used in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. Like the landowner permit, general permits are nontransferable. Missouri hunters may apply for the random elk-permit lottery May 1 – 31 online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through a permit vendor. Hunters who are selected for an elk hunting permit will be announced on July 1st, through the Department of Conservation website.