Black Bear Hunt Returns To Florida After Decade

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Approves 23-Day Hunt to Address Growing Bear Population

For the first time in a decade, bear hunting is set to return to the state of Florida. In a unanimous decision, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted on Wednesday to approve a 23-day hunt scheduled for December. The FWC states the hunt is a measure to manage Florida’s expanding black bear population.

The decision followed a day of passionate debate and public commentary at the Florida Public Safety Institute. Just hours before the 8:30 a.m. meeting, dozens of supporters and opponents of the hunt lined up outside the venue.

The commission received over 100 public comments during the meeting, highlighting the contentious nature of the topic.

The last bear