Florida’s Bear Hunt: A Conservative Approach in Practice

Quick Glance: Key Facts

• Event: 2025 Florida Black Bear Hunt
• Bears Harvested: 52
• Tags Issued: 172
• Previous Hunt (2015): 304 bears harvested; 3,776 tags
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Conservation Groups Involved: Spare the Bear, Bear Warriors United
• Temperature Impact: Cooler temperatures led to earlier denning

A Cautious Comeback

In December 2025, Florida’s first bear hunt in a decade concluded with a surprisingly low harvest of just 52 bears from 172 permits issued. This figure reflects an 83% reduction compared to the 2015 hunt, which saw over 300 bears harvested in just two days. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), this year’s hunt emphasized a scientifically-guided, conservative approach aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the state’s black bear populations.

The FWC described the results as a “success rooted in sound scientific data,” emphasizing that the limited number of permits was issued in areas with the highest bear densities. This strategy aims to maintain sustainable population levels while allowing opportunities for responsible hunting.

Local Insights: Community Perspectives

Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the hunt’s outcomes. Pete Scalco, a retired park ranger, voiced concerns over the scientific methods driving the hunt. “If there’s an oversaturation of bears, hunting can be a useful tool for managing their numbers, but if the population is low, that may point to habitat destruction, which hunting won’t resolve,” Scalco noted.

Conversely, long-time hunter Don Miley attributed the low harvest to several factors: restricted permit issuance, cooler weather conditions that prompted bears to den earlier, and an overall lack of active hunters. Miley remarked on his own experiences, stating, “I saw nine bears while deer hunting but didn’t have a tag.”

Notably, conservation groups played a role in shaping these results. Organizations like Spare the Bear acquired 43 tags to reduce the overall kill, while Bear Warriors United compensated hunters who chose not to use their permits, bringing the total of unused tags to a minimum of 57.

Field & Conservation Analysis

Conservation & Biology

This cautious approach has implications for the long-term population dynamics of black bears in Florida. By significantly reducing the number of hunting permits, the FWC aims to balance the bear population’s carrying capacity with habitat sustainability. Active monitoring of bear populations will be essential in adjusting future hunting regulations, especially in the face of habitat fragmentation and potential threats to ecosystem integrity.

The Hunter’s Kit

For hunters gearing up for future seasons, this hunt underscores the need for tactical adaptation. Employing scouting techniques that identify active bear areas during periods of cooler weather will be critical. Hunters should also invest in gear suited for more inclement conditions, such as waterproof equipment and suitable tracking devices.

Legal & Access

With new regulations and stricter permit limits, hunters must keep abreast of legislative changes that could affect public land access and hunting rights. Staying informed through the FWC will be vital for maximizing hunting opportunities in a landscape of fluctuating wildlife policy.

This article was adapted from original reporting. View the original coverage here.