Grab yer rifles! We're gonna bag us a bear!

[d_legendary1]

Florida wildlife officials don't know how many black bears live in the state, but they say there are enough to justify a hunt.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday is expected to authorize a hunt of the state's largest native land mammal for the first time in 21 years despite mounting opposition from animal-welfare activists who braved scorching temperatures Monday to protest at FWC's five regional offices.

The Humane Society of the United States also delivered petitions to Gov. Rick Scott bearing signatures of more than 90,000 people against a hunt.

"The commissioners are ignoring the majority of Floridians who have said they oppose a bear hunt," said Bryan Wilson, Winter Springs-based coordinator for the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, which protested at FWC's Ocala office that manages bear populations in Orange, Lake and Seminole counties.

While hunting foes made final appeals to the governor, FWC's executive director Nick Wiley released a four-page statement criticizing what he described as "false or misleading" information about the wildlife agency's motives and the science behind its proposed hunt, which would begin in October.

"There is a misconception circulating that suggests the reinstated bear hunt would be nothing more than a trophy hunt. The primary purpose of a limited bear harvest is to manage the bear population while providing carefully regulated hunting opportunities...," Wiley said in a message emailed by his staff.


http://touch.orlandosentinel.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-83843387/

They don't know how many bears are out there so they're gonna shoot 'em just to be sure the population is down. Typical Florida.

[NV Whino]

1. The would do better to shoot the deveopers

And leave the Bears to self regulate in what is their territory.

[d_legendary1]

2. Developers are a protected species down here

Bears...not so much.

[Rocky888]

3. This makes me soon angry!

Our uber wealthy in collier county started this mess! They leave unprotected garbage cans out and start crying about bears in their yard.
Florida's republican creed: If it grows, cut it. If it moves, shoot it!

My husband has come up with an idea: if they allow hunt by lottery, us animal lovers all apply for a kill tag. Then not use it.

Our wildlife in south Florida has been wiped out because of growth, pythons and poaching. And biggest reason of all is pure republican need to kill and brag!

[d_legendary1]

4. I love your idea!

Where do we apply for the kill tag?

[Rocky888]

5. FWC will probably have online applications.

If this moves forward, I will post the information. I can't start a discussion, but I'm sure someone will, and I will post it there. Thanks for your interest!