I would like to clarify some facts about the November vote seeking to eliminate the three most effective methods used to manage a healthy and sustainable bear population in Maine.
First off, Maine is not the only state that allows baiting or hounding. Multiple states allow one or more of these bear hunting methods. Maine’s professional bear biologists, after 30 years of study, determined that with a population of 30,000 black bears, we need these three methods ”“ baiting, trapping and hounding ”“ to ensure an annual harvest that meets a sustainable population goal.
These three methods of bear harvest are effective because of the selective nature of each technique. In each case, the hunter has time to consider the size, age, sex and if a female has cubs, before harvesting the animal.
When asked how we will manage the bear population if this referendum passes, the groups that brought this vote to the ballot have no answer. The bear population will grow to a point that is not sustainable, resulting in more bear and human conflicts. A lack of habitat and enough food to sustain the growing population will lead to starvation and disease. Is this a more humane and ethical management method?
The Maine voters answered this same question in 2004, we voted then to keep the management of bears in the state biologist’s hands. So here we are again, fighting the agenda of well-financed, anti-hunting groups.
I am proud of our Maine hunting heritage and have confidence in our biologists’ management programs. Please do your homework, ask the questions, be an informed voter. All is not as it seems; if this passes, we will soon hear more from these groups.
Randy Meserve, Saco
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