Episode 89: Florida Black Bear Management Update
An update on Florida’s Black Bear Management Plan and the role that regulated hunting can play as a conservation tool
This week we’re talking about Florida’s Black Bear management program & history. Our guests are Jim Hasley, a Southeast BHA volunteer leader and Travis Thompson, host of the popular Cast & Blast FL Podcast. We’re talking about:
- History of black bears and black bear management in Florida;
- Florida’s 2012 state de-listing of black bears;
- How many bears were there in Florida at the time of European contact;
- 2015 hunting season – successes, optical issues;
- Polling to take the pulse on Floridians’ approval of bear hunting;
- How hunting fits in to the current management plan alternatives;
LINKS AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Help Southeast Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and their partners advocate for scientific, regulated hunting by clicking HERE
Read the Florida Bear Management Plan by clicking HERE
Provide public comments on the black bear survey by November 6, 2019 – click HERE
Southeast Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Florida volunteer Jim Hasley
