Florida wildlife officials have taken a major step toward reinstating a black bear hunt for the first time in nearly a decade.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering approval of a black bear hunt for December and into the future, which could eventually allow the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears and use of bowhunting.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission ended four hours of public debate and discussion by voting 4-1 for preliminary rules to guide what would become an annual bear “harvest,” the