A Florida conservation organization is offering hunters at least $1,000 each to surrender their bear hunting permits as the state prepares to expand its controversial December hunt with 25 percent more licenses than last year.

Bear Warriors United Takes Aggressive Stand

Bear Warriors United, led by executive director Katrina Shadix, is mobilizing a multi-pronged strategy to prevent bear deaths during Florida’s upcoming hunting season. The group plans to purchase permits from licensed hunters, recruit non-hunters to apply for permits they will never use, and file legal challenges including an emergency injunction. Shadix defended the tactics against critics who accuse the organization of exploiting loopholes in the system.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is issuing up to 215 permits this year, a significant increase from the 172 permits authorized in 2025. Last year’s hunt, which ran for 23 days, resulted in 52 bear deaths. The state justifies the hunt as necessary population management for an estimated 4,000 black bears statewide. Applications remain open through September 21, with the hunting season scheduled from December 5 through December 27.

Population Debate Intensifies

Shadix challenged the state’s scientific justification for expanding the hunt, citing recent population studies that she says contradict official estimates. According to Bear Warriors United, one study revealed a 67 percent decline in North Florida’s bear population, which the organization considers an alarming signal that hunting should be restricted rather than expanded. The group is pursuing legal action to have black bears relisted on Florida’s state protection roster.

This year’s hunt introduces a new element allowing large private landowners to permit bear hunting on their properties, extending hunting opportunities into areas closer to Central Florida. The expansion comes nine years after Florida resumed bear hunting in 2015 following a lengthy suspension of the practice.

What This Means

The confrontation between conservation advocates and state wildlife managers highlights growing tensions over wildlife management approaches. Bear Warriors United maintains its tactics are legal, moral, and effective responses to what it considers flawed state policies. The group reported success with similar strategies during last year’s hunt and expects expanded participation from bear advocates this year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has not yet responded to requests for comment on the organization’s challenges or the disputed population data.