Florida Green Lights Controversial Black Bear Hunt: 187 Permits Up for Grabs!

Florida Green Lights Controversial Black Bear Hunt: 187 Permits Up for Grabs!

In a decision that has stirred both excitement and concern across the Sunshine State, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has officially approved a black bear hunting season. This inaugural hunt, set to unfold from December 6 to December 28, 2025, has been structured around stringent regulations aimed at maintaining a delicate balance between conservation and wildlife management.

The approved hunting zones will encompass four of the seven Bear Management Units (BMUs) established across Florida. A total of 187 permits will be issued, allowing hunters to harvest one bear per permit within designated areas. Bay County, located near North Escambia, will be the closest area included in the hunt, whereas Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties will remain exempt from this new hunting initiative. According to North Escambia, FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto commented that Florida is joining a growing number of states with regulated hunting practices, emphasizing that this move prioritizes conservation efforts while enabling a controlled harvest.

Managing the Black Bear Population

The management of the Florida black bear population has been an ongoing effort since the approval of the Florida Black Bear Management Plan in 2012. The plan aims to ensure the continued success of the species through a strategic, ten-year approach that includes the establishment of BMUs throughout the state. An updated version of the plan was welcomed in 2019 to further support these goals. Each BMU serves as a specific geographic area meant to facilitate community-oriented efforts in bear management and conservation, as detailed by myfwc.com.

FWC has also been proactive in engaging local stakeholders through Bear Stakeholder Groups (BSGs) within each BMU. These groups consist of government officials, landowners, and representatives from non-profit organizations, all working together to ensure effective management tailored to the unique needs of their local bear populations. These groups meet regularly to collaborate with FWC staff on bear-related concerns, providing the community with a platform for public input.

Mixed Reactions to the Hunt

While some Floridians see the regulated hunt as a responsible approach to wildlife management, others are voicing their opposition. Organizations such as the Sierra Club of Florida have expressed significant concerns, labeling the decision as harmful to wildlife rather than grounded in science. Susanna Rudolph, director of the Sierra Club, has openly criticized the hunt and urged Governor DeSantis to halt the approval, citing the potential negative impacts on the bear population and its wilderness habitat. Community response has been vocal, with many expressing their discontent through rallies, calls, and emails to officials.

As the state prepares for this hunting season, the long history of black bear hunting in Florida cannot be overlooked. Regulated hunting began in the 1930s but was suspended in 1994, only to be revived in 2015. However, since 2015, there have been no open bear hunting seasons. Florida’s black bear population has seen significant recovery, with estimates indicating more than 4,000 bears currently roam the state, thanks to successful conservation efforts. This backdrop of growth has prompted the FWC to reintroduce regulated hunting, hoping to manage the burgeoning bear population while addressing community concerns.

With the impending hunt sparking debate on both sides, the focus will inevitably return to the balance between conservation, community needs, and wildlife management approaches across Florida’s diverse landscapes. As residents prepare for the upcoming season and voice their opinions, one thing is certain: how this hunt unfolds will be closely watched by all corners of the state.