Florida votes to move forward with bear hunt: See where black bears may be harvested

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners voted 4-1 May 21 to have a black bear hunt for 23 days in December, but the measure must be voted on again in August to be finalized.

This decision follows a public review period and a draft proposal that outlines a possible harvest quota of 187 bears across 31 counties for three weeks in December. The wildlife conservation commission initially sought public input in March through a virtual public meeting.

The commissioners say they believe reopening black bear hunting will regulate the population and manage growth rates. It would be the first black bear hunting season since 2015.

Florida's last black bear hunt was in 2015, the first in 20 years, and was marred by controversy. There were reports of unlicensed hunters. Originally intended to be a regulated seven-day event, the hunt was closed after just two days due to the rapid harvest of bears. Violations of the hunt's rules occurred, including the killing of cubs and pregnant females. Additionally, some hunters were caught using bait, which had been prohibited.

The Florida black bear population

Black bears are the only species of bear found in Florida. The best scientifically valid population estimates are from 2015 and indicate there are about 4,050 bears statewide.

Where is bear hunting being proposed in Florida?

The plan is to issue 187 permits to harvest black bears from 31 counties divided into four bear management areas. The hunting zones would exist in areas where the bear population exceeds 200.

Sixty-eight bears will be permitted for harvest from 11 eastern panhandle counties, including Franklin, Leon and Wakulla; 18 bears from 12 Central Florida counties; 46 from five North Florida counties; and 55 from Lee, Collier and Hendry counties.

When will the Florida bear hunting season take place?

The wildlife commission is considering a hunt from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28.

Black bears killed each year in Florida

Number of bears killed statewide by either road, management, illegal, harvest, or other causes of death from 2005 to 2024, totaling 5,967 bears.

What to know about the bear hunt proposal

There will be a $5 application fee to enter a random drawing for a permit. If drawn, permits will cost $100 for Florida residents and $300 for out-of-state hunters.

One bear is allowed per permit, and the wildlife commission must be notified within 24 hours of a bear being taken. A tag must be attached to the bear's body before it can be removed.  

Hunters may use all archery equipment, muzzle-loading guns, shotguns, centerfire rifles, revolvers and pistols and pre-charge pneumatic air guns to harvest bears. 

The wildlife commission says black bears are not generally aggressive, but like any wild animal, they can become defensive if they feel threatened. If anyone encounters an injured, orphaned or dead bear, or observes someone harming bears or feeding them, call the commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.  

Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website to read the entire draft proposal for the black bear hunt.

This story was updated to add new information.

CONTRIBUTING Amy Benett Williams

SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission