Proposed Dec. 2025 Hunt Will Include Baiting, Archery, and Packs of Dogs
In a shocking development at Tuesday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting, officials confirmed their intent to move forward with a controversial trophy bear hunt in December 2025—despite admitting that Florida’s black bear population has not increased since 2015.
FWC representatives stated they do not need approval to authorize the hunt, claiming it is already an approved “management tool.” Instead, they will use the May 2025 Commission meeting to propose rule changes that would make this hunt even more extreme and inhumane than the widely condemned 2015 hunt.
PROPOSED RULE CHANGES INCLUDE:
- Baiting stations to lure bears, making them easy targets.
- Archery weapons, increasing the chance of prolonged suffering.
- Permitting out-of-state hunters and children to participate.
- Hunting dogs to chase bears into trees (starting in 2027).
- Allowing up to nine people to fire at one bear, even if only one holds a permit.
These proposals have no basis in science, conservation, or public safety. Instead, they cater to special interest groups at the expense of Florida’s iconic black bears—and against the will of the vast majority of Floridians, who have repeatedly voiced opposition to bear hunting.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Attend the Virtual FWC Bear Meeting
- Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 9 AM–12 PM
- https://myfwc.com/hunting/bear
2. Fill Out This Form & Share Widely: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ 9WQcvSUzNdQ5ujI
3. Sign & Share the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/stop-theflorida-bear-hunt
4. Join the RALLY FOR FLORIDA BLACK BEARS
- At Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando (Northeast Lawn)
- Sunday, May 4, 2025 (12 PM–2 PM)
5. Contact Governor Ron DeSantis
Phone: (850) 717-9337
Email: [email protected]
6. Call the FWC (850) 488-4676
7. Speak at the Next FWC Public Meeting
- May 21–22, 2025
- Make travel arrangements to attend in person and voice your opposition.
8. Email the FWC Commissioners [email protected]
Suggested Subject: I OPPOSE BEAR HUNTING IN FLORIDA
Commissioners (BCC these emails): [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
CC the Florida Senate Environment Committee: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Let your voice be heard. Florida’s black bears cannot fight for themselves—but you can.
- Katrina Shadix, Executive Director of Bear Warriors United
