Florida starts issuing permits today 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 your local tax collector's office or retail license vendor. They cost 100 dollars for residents, and 300 dollars 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", Mcnaughton said.
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.