2021 Missouri Black Bear Season

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The Missouri Black Bear is a hunting/conservation group designed to build a real resource for the serious hunters of Missouri. The Missouri Black Bear is the icon species for conservation.

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No. 11 – October 22, 2021 – Est. 500 lbs. Boar, Travis Rasmussen, Zone 1, Barry County, Mark Twain National Forest, No Ear Tags

​No. 11 – October 22, 2021 – Est. 500 lbs. Boar, Travis Rasmussen, Zone 1, Barry County, Mark Twain National Forest, No Ear Tags

Scouting preseason and 3 days during the season, I have been tracking a bear over 7 miles through the forest and was ready to give up.

Sat on a log at the end of the ridge for a few hours and just as was about to stand up and hike out a huge bear came up on the ridge about 60-70 yards in front of me. I was terrified when he first came out because he looked like he was as big as my truck. I raised my Ruger American 6.5 Creedmoor, not the rifle in the picture. I was able to make a broadside shot around 4:20 pm. The shot hit and he barreled down the mountain and I took my time tracking while finding the blood trail. Had my brother Andrew help me track him down. Tracked the bear and found it approximately 8:30 pm. Brought the 30-30 for protection in case we encountered any dangers while tracking the bear down which is shown in photo.


Had to drag the bear back up the mountain and didn't have it loaded in the truck until 2:30 am. Approximate weight was 500+. Took a total of 5 men to get it up the mountain, because the brush was so thick, and the mountain was so steep we couldn't get any ATV down to it. 
Everything about the hunt from scouting to the dress and drag out to the taxidermist was the most exhilarating experience I've never had. I hope to be lucky enough to draw another tag because this was a wonderful experience. I've never felt the feeling of fear and excitement like I did when he walked out. I highly recommend it.

Big thanks to Missouri Department of Conservation for working so hard to make our bears make a comeback and to make this hunt happen. Congratulations to my fellow successful Missouri Black Bear Hunters. We made Missouri history.
And special thanks to my brother Andrew, my lifelong friend David Bowling for all the help getting this bear out.