For the first time in a decade, Floridians will be legally allowed to hunt black bears in the state. The move was unanimously approved by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this month, but not without opposition from some conservation and animal rights groups.

Come December, Florida hunters will grab their rifles, put on their hunting caps and legally declare that it’s bear hunting season.

Hunters will need to apply for permits to participate in the December 2025 bear hunt. The last bear hunt in Florida occurred in October 2015.