FWC to vote on Florida bear hunt at Aug. 13 meeting in Havana

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The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will vote on the first bear hunt in Florida in a decade.

Conservation groups oppose the hunt, citing concerns about the bear management plan and public opinion polls showing overwhelming opposition.

The FWC argues the hunt is necessary to maintain a healthy bear population and prevent overpopulation issues.

The FWC, or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is expected to approve the first bear hunt in a decade when it meets Wednesday, Aug. 13 in Havana.

And a coalition of conservation groups intend to be there to make clear they hate the idea.

The vote expected during a two-day meeting in rural Gadsden County, about 20 miles north of the state capital, will culminate an eight-month battle between wil