Conservation Seeking Information On Black Bear Poached In Washington County

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking information on a black bear poached in Washington County

The conservation said the remains were reported Oct. 18 and based on the condition of the remains, the bear was killed within the previous two months. Black bear hunting ran from Oct. 16-25.

Killing a black bear out of season or without a permit is a misdemeanor crime.

Contact Washington County Conservation Agent John Lowe at (573) 301-5299 or anonymously call Operation Game Thief at (800) 392-1111.

Missouri opened up bear season in 2021. MDC issues 400 hunting permits by lottery.

Bear hunting is only allowed south of the Missouri River in an area broken up into three Bear Management Zones.

Each zone has its own harvest quota, from five to 20 bears.