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Bear Hunt Permits Go On Sale

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Florida starts issuing permits Monday for the first bear in two decades.

They will be on sale until the start of the seven-day season in October.

The permits are available online and at local tax collectors' offices or retail license vendors. They cost $100 for residents and $300 for non-residents.

Central Florida Bear Hunters Association President Brad Mcnaughton says it should be more.

"That way you get the serious people who are going to take the good shots that are going to be serious about it, and not just somebody, oh, here's $100. Let me go out there and shoot something."

The hunt is aimed at reducing the state's growing bear population that has become a nuisance in many neighborhoods. Bears were removed from Florida's threatened list in 2012.

There's no limit on the number of permits available. Instead the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will end the hunt early as it reaches its goal of 320 bears.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.