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

FWC is scheduled to vote on the bear hunt one final time in August, and then it's expected that 187 permits will be issued.

They are questioning the hunting dog rule, rallying supporters on social media and even planning an end run around the bear ...

FWC staff will discuss the black bear hunt during their commission meeting on May 21 and 22 in Ocala at the College of Central Florida. Visit FWC’s website to read the entire draft proposal for ...

The FWC’s plan is about restoring long-term balance. The proposed hunt is tightly controlled and grounded in data. It allows for just 187 tags across four Bear Management Units — less than 5% ...

FWC 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.

On May 5, a bear attacked an 89-year-old man and his dog in Collier County, marking a tragic end to a long life.It all comes as FWC plans for a black bear hunt in December.

What people have told the FWC about the bear hunt When the agency tallied the 3,941 unique emailed comments received from Dec. 6, 2024 through April 20, 2025, there were: 3,201 anti-hunt, 81.2% ...

In a statement, the FWC said it will present rule amendment options during its May 21–22 commission meeting in Ocala. The agency says its goal is to create a sustainable, repeatable hunt ...

OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is moving forward with proposed amendments to black bear hunting rules, despite public protests and recent bear ...

The FWC says regulated bear hunting occurred in the state in the 1930s and continued until it was closed in 1994. The agency reopened hunting in 2015, and after meeting its quota, closed it again.

FWC weighs ‘Bear Hunt’ as people on both sides speak out. ... — A proposal to allow bear hunting in Florida is drawing sharp reactions from both conservationists and animal rights advocates.