Florida wildlife officials get earfuls before giving preliminary approval to the state's first regulated black bear hunt in more than a decade.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commissioners heard from nearly 200 people, with sentiment split about whether the state should host another bear hunt.
The proposal for a 23 day hunt in December would allow a total of 187 permits in east panhandle, north, central and south Florida bear hunting zones.
The FWC argues well-regulated bear hunts are needed to maintain a healthy population, with permit quotas set yearly.
A final vote on the proposal is needed before it would go into effect.