Florida wildlife officials gave preliminary approval Wednesday for the first black bear hunt since the last one 10 years ago, which was halted early after more than 300 bears were killed in only two days.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 at a meeting in Ocala in favor of a bear hunt in December of this year and annually into the future, allowing the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears. Methods could include bowhunting, similar to rules for hunting deer, and bear hunting in baited areas.

A final vote is scheduled in August.

The commission staff said the goal is to "begin managing population growth" for bears, which number about 4,000 in Florida.

"Managing population growth is important to balance species numbers with suitable habitat and main

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