Overview
- The three-week season ran Dec. 6–28 with 172 single‑take permits in four zones, a far smaller scale than 2015 when nearly 300 bears were killed within two days.
- FWC leaders called the outcome a conservative, science-based success and framed regulated hunting as a long-term management tool.
- Opponents condemned the decision and methods, arguing the science is flawed and criticizing baiting, archery and the planned future use of dogs.
- Conservation groups helped curb kills by obtaining or idling at least 57 tags, while hunters cited fewer permits and early denning linked to cool, wet weather.
- The agency says a full harvest report is coming in the months ahead as lawsuits continue and advocates press for demographic and location details of the bears taken.