The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shared its initial plan for a limited elk-hunting season with the Missouri Conservation Commission at the Commission’s public meeting June 28 in Jefferson City. The Commission gave its initial approval of the proposed plan, and MDC is asking for public comments.
A news release says MDC will begin offering a limited season for hunting elk once the herd of about 175 animals reaches a minimum of 200 with an annual herd growth rate of at least 10 percent and a herd ratio of at least four cow elk for every bull elk.
According to MDC research, the herd will likely reach 200 animals by 2020. With that in mind, MDC has designated a nine-day archery season for elk- October 17-25, 2020, and a nine-day firearms season for elk- December 12-20, 2020.
The number of permits for a possible 2020 hunt has yet to be determined.
It was pointed out that if the elk population is below desired numbers in early 2020, the Conservation Commission may choose to not open the online application process or issue any permits for a fall 2020. Then the focus will be on 2021.
MDC hopes to eventually reach a target population of 500 animals and will use hunting to manage herd size and location.
Elk are a native species in Missouri but were hunted to extinction in the state through unregulated market hunting during the late 1800s. MDC worked with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to reintroduce the native species by capturing and transporting wild elk to a remote area of the Missouri Ozarks. The reintroduction effort took place in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with most of the 108 relocated animals being cow elk with some calves and immature bulls. Their numbers have grown, and their range has expanded in recent years to cover portions of Carter, Reynolds and Shannon counties. The area consists of nearly 80 percent public land interspersed with tracts of private property.
MDC held several public meetings in communities around the elk restoration zone last December. Staff discussed possible elk-hunting details. MDC also offered a statewide online comment period. As part of the rule-making process, MDC is now again asking for public comment on the proposed elk-hunting framework through August 31 at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z49.