The Brief Florida’s December bear hunt has drawn more than 100,000 applications for just 172 permits. Florida hunters have just hours left to apply for permits in the state’s upcoming black bear hunt, a controversial season scheduled for December that has drawn more than 100,000 applications. What we know:Florida’s upcoming black bear hunt, set for December, has drawn more than 100,000 applications with only 172 permits available statewide. The last sanctioned bear hunt in 2015 drew widespread criticism and legal battles. "When there’s an overpopulation of animals … it’s going to take a toll on the vegetation, because there’s going to be too many mouths to feed."