The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is taking another step towards reinstating an annual black bear hunt. The commission is meeting Wednesday, May 21, in Ocala to consider rules for a 23-day bear hunt in December and an annual hunt from October through December starting in 2026.

At a December Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting after receiving an update on the commission's bear management plan, board chair Rodney Barreto told staff to develop a bear hunting option for commissioners to consider.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has given preliminary approval for a black bear hunt for December and into the future.

A state plan to resume bear hunting after a decade-long hibernation has deepened the discord over whether a bear hunt is a good idea.