Latest news with #BillyWoods
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Florida approves first black bear hunt in 10 years, amid strong opposition
Florida wildlife officials gave preliminary approval Wednesday for the first black bear hunt since one 10 years ago that was halted early after more than 300 bears were killed in only two days. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 at a meeting in Ocala in favor of a bear hunt in December and annually into the future, allowing the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears. Methods could include bowhunting, similar to rules for hunting deer, and bear hunting in baited areas. A final vote is scheduled in August. The commission staff says the goal is to "begin managing population growth" for bears, which number about 4,000 in Florida. "Managing population growth is important to balance species numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population," the staff report says. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, whose fast-growing county hosted the meeting, said his office has received 107 calls about bear encounters with humans over the past nine months — likely only a fraction of actual encounters because many rural residents don't report them. Woods said he supports the hunt. "It needs to be regulated and it should be regulated. I think we keep not only our citizens safe but the state of Florida's citizens safe," Woods told the commission. Clashing views on hunting and conservation Several hunters and representatives of outdoors groups urged the commission to approve the hunt, noting Florida is one of only six states with significant black bear populations that does not allow it. "Bear is a game species. It's time for us to have some level of bear hunt," said Travis Thompson, executive director at the All Florida conservation organization. Hunt opponents contend there isn't enough scientific evidence to justify killing bears and the most reasonable approach is to convince people in Florida's ever-sprawling developments to secure garbage and take other non-lethal steps to limit human-bear conflicts. "I implore you to not allow the slaughter of these majestic animals we have in Florida," said Leslie Carlile, an opponent whose family goes back several generations in Florida. "Trophy hunting is pure evil in my opinion." The FWC has received more than 13,000 online comments about the proposal, about three-quarters of them opposed. At Wednesday's meeting, 170 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Hunt opponent Janet Osborne told the commission it would "take a step backward" by approving the bear proposal. "The problem is the overpopulation of people," she said. Among other things, supporters of the hunt point to a black bear's extremely rare, fatal attack earlier this month on 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog in a rural part of Collier County, in southwest Florida. Bears are also frequently seen in neighborhoods that stretch into their habitat, one even wandering onto Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2023. In the 2015 hunt, hunting permits were for anyone who could pay for them, leading to a chaotic event that was shut down days early. The 300-plus bears killed then included at least 38 females with cubs, meaning the little bears probably died too. This time, the plan is to have a random, limited drawing of permits with a limit of 187. Hunters could kill only one bear each and only in certain parts of Florida where the bear population is large enough. There would be no killing of cubs and none of females with cubs, according to the FWC staff. A permit would cost $100 for a Florida resident and $300 for a nonresident. For 2025, the plan is to hold the hunt from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28. In the future, the FWC foresees a bear hunt between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, subject to more studies about the effect of hunting and the population of the animals. Private landowners with 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) or more could hold what the FWC calls a "bear harvest program" on their property under the proposal. Bears could be hunted at bait feeding stations on private property.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Florida approves first black bear hunt in 10 years, sparking debate
Florida wildlife officials gave preliminary approval Wednesday for the first black bear hunt since one 10 years ago that was halted early after more than 300 bears were killed in only two days. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 at a meeting in Ocala in favor of a bear hunt in December and annually into the future, allowing the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears. Methods could include bowhunting, similar to rules for hunting deer, and bear hunting in baited areas. A final vote is scheduled in August. The commission staff says the goal is to "begin managing population growth" for bears, which number about 4,000 in Florida. "Managing population growth is important to balance species numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population," the staff report says. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, whose fast-growing county hosted the meeting, said his office has received 107 calls about bear encounters with humans over the past nine months — likely only a fraction of actual encounters because many rural residents don't report them. Woods said he supports the hunt. "It needs to be regulated and it should be regulated. I think we keep not only our citizens safe but the state of Florida's citizens safe," Woods told the commission. Clashing views on hunting and conservation Several hunters and representatives of outdoors groups urged the commission to approve the hunt, noting Florida is one of only six states with significant black bear populations that does not allow it. "Bear is a game species. It's time for us to have some level of bear hunt," said Travis Thompson, executive director at the All Florida conservation organization. Hunt opponents contend there isn't enough scientific evidence to justify killing bears and the most reasonable approach is to convince people in Florida's ever-sprawling developments to secure garbage and take other non-lethal steps to limit human-bear conflicts. "I implore you to not allow the slaughter of these majestic animals we have in Florida," said Leslie Carlile, an opponent whose family goes back several generations in Florida. "Trophy hunting is pure evil in my opinion." The FWC has received more than 13,000 online comments about the proposal, about three-quarters of them opposed. At Wednesday's meeting, 170 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Hunt opponent Janet Osborne told the commission it would "take a step backward" by approving the bear proposal. "The problem is the overpopulation of people," she said. Among other things, supporters of the hunt point to a black bear's extremely rare, fatal attack earlier this month on 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog in a rural part of Collier County, in southwest Florida. Bears are also frequently seen in neighborhoods that stretch into their habitat, one even wandering onto Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2023. In the 2015 hunt, hunting permits were for anyone who could pay for them, leading to a chaotic event that was shut down days early. The 300-plus bears killed then included at least 38 females with cubs, meaning the little bears probably died too. This time, the plan is to have a random, limited drawing of permits with a limit of 187. Hunters could kill only one bear each and only in certain parts of Florida where the bear population is large enough. There would be no killing of cubs and none of females with cubs, according to the FWC staff. A permit would cost $100 for a Florida resident and $300 for a nonresident. For 2025, the plan is to hold the hunt from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28. In the future, the FWC foresees a bear hunt between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, subject to more studies about the effect of hunting and the population of the animals. Private landowners with 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) or more could hold what the FWC calls a "bear harvest program" on their property under the proposal. Bears could be hunted at bait feeding stations on private property.
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Florida considers controversial black bear hunt amid strong opposition
Ten years ago, Florida held a black bear hunt that resulted in more than 300 animals killed in just two days before it was halted early. It was controversial from the start and hasn't happened since — until possibly later this year amid strong opposition once again. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission met Wednesday in Ocala to consider a bear hunt for December and annually into the future, possibly allowing the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears. Methods could include bowhunting, similar to rules for hunting deer, and bear hunting in baited areas. The commission staff says the goal is to 'begin managing population growth' for bears, which number about 4,000 in Florida. 'Managing population growth is important to balance species numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population,' the staff report says. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, whose fast-growing county hosted the meeting, said his office has received 107 calls about bear encounters with humans over the past nine months — likely only a fraction of actual encounters because many rural residents don't report them. Woods said he supports the hunt. 'It needs to be regulated and it should be regulated. I think we keep not only our citizens safe but the state of Florida's citizens safe," Woods told the commission. Several hunters and representatives of outdoors groups urged the commission to approve the hunt, noting Florida is one of only six states with significant black bear populations that does not allow it. 'Bear is a game species. It's time for us to have some level of bear hunt," said Travis Thompson, executive director at the All Florida conservation organization. Hunt opponents contend there isn't enough scientific evidence to justify killing bears and that the most reasonable approach is to convince people in Florida's ever-sprawling developments to secure garbage and take other non-lethal steps to limit human-bear conflicts. 'I implore you to not allow the slaughter of these majestic animals we have in Florida,' said Leslie Carlile, an opponent whose family goes back several generations in Florida. 'Trophy hunting is pure evil in my opinion.' The FWC has received more than 13,000 online comments about the proposal, about three-quarters of them opposed. At Wednesday's meeting, 170 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Hunt opponent Janet Osborne told the commission it would 'take a step backward' by approving the bear proposal. 'The problem is the overpopulation of people,' she said. A final decision on whether to hold the bear hunt is expected in August. Among other things, supporters of the hunt point to a black bear's extremely rare, fatal attack earlier this month on 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog in a rural part of Collier County, in southwest Florida. Bears are also frequently seen in neighborhoods that stretch into their habitat, one even wandering onto Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2023. In the 2015 hunt, hunting permits were for anyone who could pay for them, leading to a chaotic event that was shut down days early. The 300-plus bears killed then included at least 38 females with cubs, meaning the little bears probably died too. This time, the plan is to have a random, limited drawing of permits with a limit of 187. Hunters could kill only one bear each and only in certain parts of Florida where the bear population is large enough. There would be no killing of cubs and none of females with cubs, according to the FWC staff. A permit would cost $100 for a Florida resident and $300 for a nonresident. For 2025, the plan is to hold the hunt from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28. In the future, the FWC foresees a bear hunt between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, subject to more studies about the effect of hunting and the population of the animals. Private landowners with 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) or more could hold what the FWC calls a 'bear harvest program' on their property under the proposal. Bears could be hunted at bait feeding stations on private property.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Florida considers controversial black bear hunt amid strong opposition
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ten years ago, Florida held a black bear hunt that resulted in more than 300 animals killed in just two days before it was halted early. It was controversial from the start and hasn't happened since — until possibly later this year amid strong opposition once again. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission met Wednesday in Ocala to consider a bear hunt for December and annually into the future, possibly allowing the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears. Methods could include bowhunting, similar to rules for hunting deer, and bear hunting in baited areas. The commission staff says the goal is to 'begin managing population growth' for bears, which number about 4,000 in Florida. 'Managing population growth is important to balance species numbers with suitable habitat and maintain a healthy population,' the staff report says. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, whose fast-growing county hosted the meeting, said his office has received 107 calls about bear encounters with humans over the past nine months — likely only a fraction of actual encounters because many rural residents don't report them. Woods said he supports the hunt. 'It needs to be regulated and it should be regulated. I think we keep not only our citizens safe but the state of Florida's citizens safe,' Woods told the commission. Several hunters and representatives of outdoors groups urged the commission to approve the hunt, noting Florida is one of only six states with significant black bear populations that does not allow it. 'Bear is a game species. It's time for us to have some level of bear hunt,' said Travis Thompson, executive director at the All Florida conservation organization. Hunt opponents contend there isn't enough scientific evidence to justify killing bears and that the most reasonable approach is to convince people in Florida's ever-sprawling developments to secure garbage and take other non-lethal steps to limit human-bear conflicts. 'I implore you to not allow the slaughter of these majestic animals we have in Florida,' said Leslie Carlile, an opponent whose family goes back several generations in Florida. 'Trophy hunting is pure evil in my opinion.' The FWC has received more than 13,000 online comments about the proposal, about three-quarters of them opposed. At Wednesday's meeting, 170 people signed up to speak on both sides of the issue. Hunt opponent Janet Osborne told the commission it would 'take a step backward' by approving the bear proposal. 'The problem is the overpopulation of people,' she said. A final decision on whether to hold the bear hunt is expected in August. Among other things, supporters of the hunt point to a black bear's extremely rare, fatal attack earlier this month on 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog in a rural part of Collier County, in southwest Florida. Bears are also frequently seen in neighborhoods that stretch into their habitat, one even wandering onto Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 2023. In the 2015 hunt, hunting permits were for anyone who could pay for them, leading to a chaotic event that was shut down days early. The 300-plus bears killed then included at least 38 females with cubs, meaning the little bears probably died too. This time, the plan is to have a random, limited drawing of permits with a limit of 187. Hunters could kill only one bear each and only in certain parts of Florida where the bear population is large enough. There would be no killing of cubs and none of females with cubs, according to the FWC staff. A permit would cost $100 for a Florida resident and $300 for a nonresident. For 2025, the plan is to hold the hunt from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28. In the future, the FWC foresees a bear hunt between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, subject to more studies about the effect of hunting and the population of the animals. Private landowners with 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) or more could hold what the FWC calls a 'bear harvest program' on their property under the proposal. Bears could be hunted at bait feeding stations on private property.
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Billy Woods Is Scary Good at Rapping
When Billy Woods was a child, he was afraid of lots of things. Born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Zimbabwe, where his father was a member of Robert Mugabe's revolutionary government, the boy who would grow into one of his generation's beloved underground rappers was frightened by a storage room under the stairs in his family's house. At night, he imagined that something was beneath his bed, and if his closet door was ajar, that was cause for alarm too. He was scared of apartheid South Africa, which bordered Zimbabwe to the south, and the soldiers he encountered at roadblocks. Sometimes he was scared of his parents. 'I didn't grow up around reasonable people,' he said in a recent interview, a charged understatement about a childhood tumbled by history. Woods typically plans his solo projects around a particular conceit or theme, and 'Golliwog,' his 12th, which was released last week, is a collection of horror stories. Some are darkly comic, others decidedly less so. They draw on his youthful experiences and contemporary geopolitical terrors, as well as more mundane adult concerns, like romance and renting in modern-day New York, where he has lived on and off since 1995. 'Golliwog' arrives at a peak in his decades-long career as an independent artist, carrying on a local tradition of proudly trend-resistant, verbally inventive hip-hop that includes acts like MF Doom, the Juggaknots and Company Flow. All of Woods's solo music is available through Backwoodz Studios, the label he founded in 2002, which also releases the work of like-minded artists including his frequent collaborator, Elucid; together the pair record as Armand Hammer. 'Something that my mother always was stressing was that if you wanted to do art, you couldn't expect to pay your bills with it,' Woods said. He is in his late 40s now, the father of two children, and noted that 'for most of my adult life I have been hustling to make ends meet.' He refuses to own a car, and up until 2018, lived with roommates to save money. Woods certainly works hard. At a dinner in late April in Brooklyn, he was running on little sleep, and later dashed off to an album release party for an act on his roster. Dressed simply in jeans and a flannel shirt, he cut a low profile and spoke in a measured tone; he is serious about what he does, and draws on deep wells of history when making his points. The restaurant advertised its daiquiris, but Woods let the server know he wasn't impressed with the rum options; details rarely escape his notice, but he paints in broad strokes, too. 'I love how impressionistic his lyrics are,' El-P, the Run the Jewels and Company Flow rapper and producer, wrote in an email. 'There's an abstraction and an imprinting of imagery that I love and connect to as a writer.' With his rumbling, stentorian voice, Woods locates unusual pockets inside of beats and deploys a dense, pictorial songwriting style that Earl Sweatshirt compared to Public Enemy's Chuck D, both in volume and his relationship to rhythm. 'Worst dude to try and do any sort of espionage work,' Earl said of Woods. 'He doesn't whisper.' But when it comes to true analogs, 'We're not talking about rappers, bro,' Earl said. 'We're talking about great American authors, bro.' Earl said he hears echoes of his own father, the South African poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, in Woods's songwriting: 'My pops said, 'The most important thing in poetry writing is being serious about playing with words.' Woods is there. He operates there.' Or as Woods puts it on the new record, 'The English language is violence, I hot-wired it / I got ahold of the master's tools and got dialed in.' When Woods's daiquiri behavior came up, Earl wasn't surprised. 'It's so annoying,' he said, teasingly. 'I've watched him come across a pretentious bartender and just break them down so quickly that now they're running things by him, like he runs the restaurant.' Woods started releasing solo LPs in 2003. Billy Woods, which he styles in lowercase letters, is not his real name; he avoids showing his face in photographs. Protective of his privacy, he takes pains to keep his artistic persona distinct from certain details of his biography. But he is well known to rap fans who perform close readings of his regular releases and collaborations with artists as varied as Boldy James, Noname and Pink Siifu. 'Golliwog' is packed with vivid details: a 'dog-eared Timberland boot' sitting on a stoop, a kiss from a polyamorous femme fatale burning for 'all eight stops on the A-C-E,' a 'wild-eyed rocking horse, mouth carved into a frown' idling on the street. The tracks are varied and unorthodox, if not outright challenging. The producer Preservation's beat for one of the album's centerpieces, 'Waterproof Mascara,' is little more than a bass line, wordless singing and a looped, trembling sob. Woods begins his verse describing a traumatic family scene: 'Watched my mother cry from the top of the stairs, scared / When it came through the walls, I covered my ears / Half-hoping You-Know-Who would die, then he did.' Woods lost his father when he was 11, and his family memories are complicated. 'I grew up in a house with a lot of dualities, good and bad in all of the people,' he said. 'I grew up with corporal punishment, which on a very basic level, the purpose of it is for children to comply or learn through fear.' Still, 'there was a lot of love in my childhood,' he said. Books figured prominently. From his mother, a writer and academic from Jamaica, it was Shakespeare, James Baldwin, the Brontës, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Bram Stoker. His father read Marx, Mao, the Guyanese historian Walter Rodney. His older sister shared Stephen King books with him — not a writer his parents would have appreciated — and Woods enjoyed the adult content (including sex scenes) they contained. He's currently working on a book of his own, a memoir that will not include his life as an artist. And unlike his music, it will not be independently released; he is working with a publishing house. 'As of right now, there isn't one thing written about rapping,' he said. Growing up in a household where intense political discussion was the norm — against the violent backdrop of colonialism, liberation and, later, dictatorship — has given Woods a unique vantage on the world. The horror stories on his new album often deal with the products of history: old regimes, old wars, old racist caricatures that won't stay buried. Historic fears take on new forms in the 21st century. 'As soon as they start to say 'These people don't get due process,' eventually it comes knocking at your door,' he said. As a Black American, he added, 'I've always felt that I and my children are vulnerable.' He fears reading itself is at risk, too, and that the consequences could be dire. 'Upon a precipice we sit, in my opinion,' he said of the political moment, and later linked his concerns to the decreasing primacy of consuming books: 'A world where people don't, or haven't, read is terrifying.' And yet he knows a number of talented artists who 'have a powerful grasp of language' despite a disinterest in reading. 'Maybe we'll be all right,' he said. 'Who knows?' He paused. 'Probably not.'
