Hunting provides access to the resource, allowing hunters to use the meat, pelt, fat and other parts of any bear they harvest ...

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.

Florida is once again barreling forward with a proposed black bear hunt that would start this year and continue for years to come. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission owes it to the ...

Florida protesters rally against return of black bear hunting as state considers new season 00:49. Florida wildlife officials gave preliminary approval Wednesday for the first black bear hunt ...

Florida black bear hunting is illegal, but this regulated season could allow for 187 black bears to be killed.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposes a limited black bear hunt in 31 counties to manage the growing bear population. The proposed hunt would issue 187 permits, a ...

What to know about the 2025 Florida black bear hunt FWC will consider a hunt from Dec. 6–28. The hunt will be for a total of 187 bears taken from 31 counties divided into four bear management areas.

Florida released proposed rules Wednesday for an annual hunt of the state's largest land mammal, the black bear, but bear advocates said they favor trophy hunters. Skip to content All Sections ...

Florida approves first black bear hunt in a decade. Critics say the plan, which will allow hunters to use dogs and bait stations, will invite trophy hunting. May 24, 2025. 6 min. Summary.

Florida black bear sightings can be reported online to FWC. The last regulated Florida black bear hunt was in 2015. A Florida man was mauled by a 263-pound black bear in May 2025.

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.

The Florida black bear was considered a threatened species from 1974 through 2012. The black bear population has since recovered and officials say there are about 4,050 in the wild statewide.