Meeting about 1st proposed Florida bear hunt since 2015 fuels debate, draws hundreds

Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel on Mar 15, 2025

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Although it’s been nearly a decade since Florida last allowed hunting of black bears, hundreds who took part this week in a meeting about another possible hunt proved it remains a divisive issue.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff held the virtual event Thursday after commissioners told them in December to explore options for a potential hunt — the first since the controversial 2015 event. The 522 participants were asked to comment on how a hunt should take place — but not if it should actually happen.

Chuck O’Neal, a longtime conservation advocate who runs the Speak Up Wekiva group, attended and told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday he thought the format was a joke.

“It seems right now, as of this moment, the train has left the station and they’re heading for a hunt in 2025,” O’Neal said. “It was to hear public comment in support of a policy that we’ve [the commission] already decided.”

Many meeting participants did express support for a hunt: “Please follow the science that supports a bear harvest. The population can sustain it statewide. This shouldn’t be a matter of emotion.” That comment received 44 likes.

The last weeklong hunt was cut short when 304 bears were killed in days — just shy of the 320 quota. Some of the four hunting regions were closed on the second day and others on the third. A region shuttered on the second day included Orange, Seminole, Lake, Volusia and Brevard counties — 36 animals were killed in Lake, 21 in Volusia, four in Seminole, two in Brevard and one in Orange.

When FWC staff asked where it should take place they got plenty of answers — but not all relevant to the question. One response, “nowhere,” received 87 likes. A response to another question, “For the record, I oppose a Florida Black Bear hunt,” received 131 likes — one of the most among thousands of comments.

FWC told the Sentinel on Friday that attendees provided 3,753 comments. Some suggested requiring Florida residents provide proof of five years of state residency; that there be a five-year applicant suspension for hunters who purposely or unintentionally kill cubs and females; and allowing use of all weapons legal during the last hunt.

Other topics discussed included when and how long it should last; how permits would be issued; whether nonresidents can participate; and hunting methods allowed — such as shotguns, hounds and bowhunting.

Agency staff said the point of the meeting was to provide a transparent process.

“We’ve been listening and talking with nonhunters as well as hunters, conservation groups, hunting groups, landowners and others interested in bear conservation,” said Morgan Richardson, FWC director of hunting and game management. “So this is going to be a very open and transparent process.

“All folks, regardless of their diverse views on bears, will be able to give us their input,” Richardson said.

The agency plans to have three virtual meetings in April where the public can comment on proposals refined by staff using input from Thursday’s meeting. Commissioners will review proposals during their May 21-22 meeting in Ocala where they will again hear public comments. Additionally, anyone who wants to voice their opinion can email the agency at BearComments@MyFWC.com.

Bears were put on Florida’s threatened species list in the 1970s and statewide hunting was closed in 1994. Bears were taken off the threatened species list in 2012. One of the reasons given by the state for the last hunt was population management but further hunting seasons were postponed by FWC in 2016.