Florida's Fish & Wildlife on Bear Harvest Science, Data & How The Anti's Have Helped |George Warthen

Florida’s bear hunt became a blueprint for conservation in action—and George Warthen breaks down exactly why. From the controversy surrounding the 2015 season to the more controlled 2025 hunt, this conversation explores how Florida is balancing bear recovery, public pressure, and population management.

Ashley Ellis Smith sits down with George Warthen, Chief Conservation Officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to discuss the decisions behind Florida’s black bear program, the funding that supports it, and the safeguards designed to protect both bears and people.

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Special Thanks To:
George Warthen

[00:00] Florida FWC: What Does It Actually Do?
[02:08] Inside Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Agency
[03:24] How Florida Funds Wildlife Conservation
[07:00] Florida Bear Hunting: Why 2025 Was Different
[07:54] Florida Black Bear Recovery: From 300 to 4,000+
[09:19] Rising Bear-Human Conflicts in Florida
[12:40] Why the 2015 Bear Hunt Ended So Quickly
[13:26] 2015 vs. 2025: What Changed?
[17:02] Bear Hunt Lottery: Hunters vs. Anti-Hunters
[18:36] Florida’s 2019 Bear Management Plan
[19:02] How Anti-Hunting Groups Targeted the Lottery
[21:30] Who Actually Hunted Florida Bears?
[24:24] 2025 Bear Harvest Results Explained
[26:19] Where Bear Hunt Permit Money Goes
[28:18] Why Florida’s Bear Hunt Is Challenging
[30:03] Safeguards Protecting Female Bears and Cubs
[31:04] Florida’s 2026 Bear Hunting Season
[32:07] Bear Dog Training Rules Explained
[34:45] GPS Collars and Florida Bear Hounds
[37:14] Can You Train Bear Dogs Without a Tag?
[39:17] How Hounds Safely Hunt Florida Black Bears
[41:52] Is Florida Bear Hunting Really Fair Chase?
[43:06] Florida Bear Baiting Rules Explained
[47:10] Why 2026 Bear Tags Increased to 215
[47:58] Florida’s Private Lands Bear Hunting Program
[52:59] Public vs. Private Land Bear Tags
[53:50] Florida Black Bear Populations Are Expanding
[55:35] Will Florida Expand Bear Management Areas?
[56:33] How Bear Hunting Can Support Conservation
[58:20] Florida Bear Hunting: A Conservation Success Story

About:
Origins Foundation is a global storytelling initiative dedicated to promoting the truth about hunting and conservation. Founded by Dr. Robbie Kröger, Origins Foundation seeks to bridge the divide between hunters and non-hunters by sharing authentic stories that showcase the role of ethical hunting in wildlife management, habitat preservation, and community empowerment. By fostering meaningful conversations and dispelling misconceptions, Origins Foundation ensures that hunting remains a respected and vital conservation tool.

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