TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ( WWSB ) — Time is almost up for hunters hoping to participate in Florida’s first regulated bear hunt in more than a decade.

The deadline to apply for a 2025 bear harvest permit is 11:59 p.m. tonight, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ( FWC ).

FWC approved the controversial hunt last month, setting strict limits on the number of permits available. Only 187 will be issued statewide.

Applications have been open since Sept. 12. They cost $5 each, plus handling fees, and are being accepted online or at licensed agents.

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Permits will be awarded through a lottery-style drawing. While applicants may submit multiple entries to improve their odds, only on

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