Local hunters, conservationists anticipate first Florida black bear hunt in a decade

Florida Black Bear Hunt Approved

Local hunters and conservationists are anticipating the first Florida black bear hunt in a decade.

In August, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a three-week black bear hunt starting in December.

In 2015, a similar hunt was called off after just two days, as hunters harvested bears more quickly than anticipated.

Animal activists worry a hunt is inhumane and will diminish the bear population.

The commission accepted applications in September for a random permit lottery.
The FWC began controlling the black bear population through regulated hunts in the 1930s.
The practice was discontinued in 1994 and briefly reinstated in 2015.

Author's summary: Florida black bear hunt resumes after decade.

The Independent Florida Alligator — 2025-10-13