The Missouri Department of Conservation will host an online program to prepare participating hunters for this year's black bear hunt.
The black bear season opens Oct. 18, and 400 Missourians were drawn to participate.
The public is invited to also attend online special education programs, starting Sept. 30 with "Black Bear Hunting Basics." They will be 6-8 p.m. and hosted by MDC instructors. Register for the events at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZyZ. The program is free to attend, but registration is required.
“This virtual program is not only for hunters who were drawn for the upcoming black bear season, but for anyone who wishes to learn more about black bear hunting in Missouri,” said Laura Conlee, MDC furbearer and black bear biologist.