Will Bear Hunting Return to Northwest Florida? Here’s What We Know
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has officially approved the first black bear hunt in nearly a decade, with a 23-day season set for December 2025. This marks the first time since 2015 that hunters will legally be able to harvest black bears in Florida — a move that’s sparked both support and controversy across the state, including here in Northwest Florida.
Why Bear Hunting is Coming Back to Florida
FWC officials say the new hunting season is designed to manage Florida’s growing black bear population, which has rebounded significantly over the last several decades. The commission voted unanimously to move forward with the hunt during its August meeting in Havana, FL.
The season will run for 23 consecutive days in December, unless the quota is met earlier. Hunting zones and harvest limits will be set to help control the bear population while maintaining a sustainable number of animals in the wild.
Passionate Voices on Both Sides
The decision came after over 100 public comments were submitted and dozens of supporters and opponents lined up before the meeting began.
Supporters — Many hunters, particularly from the Panhandle, view the hunt as a longstanding tradition and an important wildlife management tool. Rodney Smith, a hunter from Northwest Florida, told commissioners: “It’s a tradition that kind of made Florida. And it was taken away because of a lack of management.”
Opponents — Animal welfare advocates argue that hunting is not the answer to human-bear conflicts. Kate MacFall of the Humane World for Animals said: “The solution to any conflicts is trash management… We want to protect bears, not hunt them.”
A Look Back: The 2015 Florida Bear Hunt
The last time Florida allowed bear hunting was October 2015 — and it was cut short after just two days when hunters harvested 300 bears, quickly reaching the statewide limit. That season sparked significant backlash and ultimately led to the near-decade-long halt.
What This Means for Northwest Florida
Northwest Florida is home to a portion of the state’s bear population, particularly in the Apalachicola National Forest, Blackwater River State Forest, and surrounding rural areas. Hunters in the region are expected to have access to designated zones during the December season.
FWC has not yet announced specific quotas or exact hunt area boundaries for each region, so residents and hunters should monitor the FWC’s official bear management page for updates.
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