|
Opinion

<https://missouriindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Cody-Headshot-1–
116×150.jpg>

<https://missouriindependent.com/author/codyatkinson>

Cody Atkinson <https://missouriindependent.com/author/codyatkinson>

October 11, 2021 5:45 am

<https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/11/missouris-upcoming-black-bear-tr
ophy-hunt-is-reckless-and-irresponsible-opinion/>

The Missouri Department of Conservation announced the state’s first
black-bear hunting season earlier this year, set for Oct. 18-27 (photo
courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation).

With its trophy hunt on black bears in the state
<https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-announces-first-black-bear-season-missouri–
run-fall> set to begin in a few days, the Missouri Department of
Conservation (MDC) has taken a reckless and irresponsible turn. A turn
against science. A turn against ecology. A turn against public values.

Like many wildlife agencies around the country, and driven by its
governor-appointed commission, the MDC is trapped in a century-old mindset,
one that assumes we must kill bears to conserve them.

That’s not right, and a trophy hunt is not what we need. We need a new
approach to the management of bears and…