Keith Lusher 03.27.25
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding three virtual public meetings to gather feedback on proposed regulations for a potential black bear hunt in Florida, which would be the first since 2015.
This consideration follows the FWC’s December 2024 five-year update on the Florida Black Bear Management Plan, where the commission reported that bear populations have grown to approximately five times above minimum population objectives. Florida’s black bear population is estimated at over 4,000 animals, rebounding from just several hundred in the 1970s which is considered a conservation success story for the state.
“Florida’s bear population is thriving, and it could easily support a limited and highly regulated bear hunt,” said Mark Barton with Back Country Hunters and Anglers during a December hearing. The FWC contends that another hunt would provide recreational and economic benefits for hunters while helping to maintain balanced populations in high-density areas.
Despite Florida having more than 17,000 square miles of suitable bear habitat (46% protected), statewide bear-related calls have reached an all-time high—up 42% since 2016, with more than 7,000 calls reported in 2023. About 60% of these calls are bear sightings, while 40% are complaints.
How to Participate
The meetings will discuss proposals based on feedback from both stakeholders and the public following the March 13 consultation. All three sessions will cover identical material:
- April 2 from 12-3 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 3 from 5-8 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
- April 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT: Virtual meeting via Zoom
The proposals for “highly regulated black bear hunting” will be presented to FWC commissioners during their May meeting.
Those interested in attending the meetings can join by going to myfwc.com/hunting/bear/ and clicking on the links. Participants must have the Zoom app installed.
Comments can also be submitted via email to BearComments@MyFWC.com.
The feedback gathered during these virtual meetings will be incorporated into the final proposals presented to Commissioners at their May meeting, where a decision on the potential bear hunt will be considered.
Keith Lusher is an award-winning outdoor journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outdoor column for the Slidell Independent Newspaper. He also writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Commission’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He is the former host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Show and is on the board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. Keith contributes to numerous publications both online and in print and prides himself on promoting South Louisiana’s unique fishery. To contact Keith email: keithlusherjr@gmail.com
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