The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has released the results of the 2025 black bear hunt, during which 172 permits were issued and 52 bears were harvested.
Following presentations by FWC staff on regulated black bear hunting options and public comments at Commission meetings in August and November 2025, FWC Commissioners approved amendments to bear hunting rules. These rules took effect during the 2025 hunting season.
The amendments established Bear Hunting Zones within four of the seven existing Bear Management Units. The 172 permits were issued through a random drawing in the East Panhandle, North, Central, and South Bear Management Units. Each permit allowed the harvest of one bear within the assigned zone. The 52 bears harvested account for approximately 30 percent of the total permits issued.
All harvested bears were physically checked by FWC staff and bear response contractors. Data collected from these checks is under analysis, with a full harvest report scheduled for release in the coming months.
The FWC Division of Law Enforcement provided additional resources during the hunt. Increased officer presence and hunter education resulted in strong compliance. One hunter received a warning for a minor Wildlife Management Area violation. No citations were issued, and investigations found no wildlife violations.
Additional information on regulated bear hunting is available at the FWC website.
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
