ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the dates for the state\u2019s upcoming bear-hunting season, but there are some rules prospective hunters should know first.<\/p>\n
WHAT ARE THE DATES?<\/p>\n
Bear harvest permit applications for the hunting seasion are slated to open at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11, and they can be submitted through Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n
Having one of these permits is required to harvest a bear in one of the four selected \u201cBear Harvest Zones\u201d between Dec. 5 – 27. A hunting license is also required to hunt bears, unless exempt.<\/p>\n
WHO CAN APPLY?<\/p>\n
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by Oct. 1 to apply, and they may apply as many times as they want for $5 per application (along with handling fees). <\/p>\n
In addition, permits will be distributed by random drawing, and only one nontransferable permit may be issued per person, FWC officials said.<\/p>\n
These permits will cost $100 for Florida residents, and $300 for nonresidents (along with handling fees).<\/p>\n
No more than 10% of all permits issued will be to nonresidents.<\/p>\n
HOW CAN I SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?<\/p>\n
Once the application period begins, hunters may submit an application online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com<\/a> by logging into their account and choosing \u201cApply for Limited Entry\/Quota Permits.\u201d<\/p>\n Alternatively, hunters can fill out an application worksheet and present it to a license agent or Florida tax collector\u2019s office.<\/p>\n For more information on how to apply, visit the FWC\u2019s website here<\/a> and click on \u201cLimited Entry and Quota Permits.\u201d<\/p>\n