Bear hunt

The bear hunt, the first approved by the wildlife commission since 2015, could lead to as many as 172 bears being killed in four regions of the state.

Florida's black bear hunting season is scheduled to begin on Dec. 6.

Arguing against a planned bear hunt in December, Bear Warriors United is seeking an emergency temporary injunction to stop it.

Just 172 permits will be awarded for the December hunt. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will choose winners through a random lottery.

In the lawsuit, Bear Warriors United contends the FWC limited public participation before approving the hunt.

Public comment Wednesday took nearly three hours, but the commission’s unanimous vote in favor came quickly.

The proposed rules include a lottery-style permitting process, up to 187 bears being killed in four areas of the state, and guidelines to encourage hunters to kill males.

A final vote will come next month on plans for the state’s first bear hunt in a decade. We delve into those plans on Speaking Of.

The FWC voted 4-1 for staff members to return with rules for a December hunt that would be held in four parts of the state.

State wildlife officials will hear a proposal next week to create an annual black bear hunt. The proposed December hunt would be the first in over a decade.