ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time in 10 years, commissioners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a regulated black bear hunt set to start on Dec. 6.

What You Need To Know • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a regulated black bear hunt set to start on Dec. 6 • Groups of bear-hunt opponents criticized the decision and entered the permit lottery to prevent some bears from being hunted • Some hunters expressed frustration after failing to secure a permit to hunt the bears despite multiple applications • Unused tags must be returned to the FWC 14 days after the hunt ends

Chuck O’Neal, president of Speak Up for Wildlife , opposes the bear hunt. “Well, ultimately, it’s a tragedy. It’s a failing of the FWC to prope

See Full Page