The Great Florida Bear Hunt of 2015: Did Out-of-Staters Flock to the Sunshine State for Some Ursine Action?
Florida, the land of Mickey Mouse, theme parks, and...bear hunts? Believe it or not, in 2015, the Sunshine State took a furry detour and reintroduced bear hunting for the first time in over two decades. But did this grizzly (pun intended) proposition draw in a stampede of out-of-state hunters eager to wrestle a gator's grumpy cousin?
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| How Many Non-florida Residents Purchase Permits To Hunt Bears In 2015 |
The Sunshine State Says So Long to Sleeping Beauty (Bear Version)
Florida's black bear population had been chilling (literally) for years, delisted from the threatened species list in 2012. With their numbers on the rise, wildlife officials decided it was time for a little population control, hence the controversial bear hunt.
The Permit Power Play: A Tale of Two Prices
Now, here's where things get interesting. The permits for this historic hunt weren't exactly created equal. Florida residents enjoyed a resident discount, snagging a permit for a cool $100. Out-of-staters, however, had to cough up a hefty $300 to join the bear-y fun.
So, the burning question remains: did the high price tag deter out-of-state hunters from joining the Sunshine State's ursine adventure?
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
The Numbers Don't Lie (Well, Mostly)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported a whopping 3,778 permits sold – that's a lot of would-be bear wranglers! But here's the kicker: 99% of those permits were purchased by Florida residents. Yep, you read that right. Seems the high price tag for out-of-staters acted as a pretty effective bear-ier (another pun, I apologize) to out-of-state participation.
So, the dream of a stampede of camouflage-clad tourists tromping through the Everglades chasing bears turned out to be more of a mosey for local hunters.
FAQ: Your Guide to All Things 2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt
Still curious about the Sunshine State's foray into bear hunting? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions:
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How many total permits were sold?
A whopping 3,778!
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How many permits were sold to non-Florida residents?
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Only about 38, a tiny fraction of the total.
Did the hunt impact the bear population significantly?
The harvest resulted in 298 bears, which was within sustainable limits according to wildlife officials.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
What were the permit prices?
Florida residents got a discount at $100, while non-residents paid a steeper $300.
Is bear hunting still allowed in Florida?
Nope, the 2015 hunt was a one-time event.
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