Florida environmentalists decry wildlife foundation donation to pro-hunting measure

TALLAHASSEE — When longtime environmentalist Chuck O’Neal first bought a wildlife conservation license plate, he thought the extra $25 he paid yearly was going to an organization dedicated to preserving Florida wildlife, especially its dwindling black bear population.

So it seemed like a betrayal to O’Neal when he discovered that organization he supported for nine years donated $250,000 to the group pushing for voters to approve a ballot measure that would enshrine the right to kill bears and other wildlife in the state constitution.

“People unknowingly are buying license plates whose revenue is going to an organization that is promoting activities they...