FWC says no black bear hunt in 2016

EASTPOINT (FOX 13) - Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation commissioners heard hours of testimony from citizens and scientists Wednesday, and ultimately decided there would be no black bear hunt in 2016, but hunts may resume in later years.

The commission voted 4 to 3 in opposition of a black bear hunt at the meeting in Florida's Panhandle, about 70 miles southwest of Tallahassee in Eastpoint.

Despite the distance, supporters and critics from across the state packed into a school gymnasium to make their voices heard. The FWC offered the black bear hunt for the first time in 2015. 

Commissioners considered four different proposals, one of which included postponing the hunt.  

Public comment on the controversial topic carried into Wednesday evening.