Will Banning Some Bear Hunting Methods Help Maine's Bears?

by
posted on September 30, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (13)

undefinedThe Issue
The anti-hunting Humane Society of the United States is trying to ban the use of bait, dogs and traps for bear hunting in Maine via voter referendum. The exact language of the referendum, which will be Question No.1 on the Nov. 4 ballot, reads:

“Do you want to ban the use of bait, dogs, or traps in bear hunting except to protect property, public safety, or for research?”

The Facts
According to Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website:

• Ninety-three percent of the bears killed in Maine are hunted with the methods HSUS seeks to ban.

• The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, as well as almost all hunters, guides and game wardens in the state oppose the measure.

• The measure would effectively kill Maine’s $50 million bear hunting industry (much of which goes back into that state’s wildlife conservation programs), hinder its ability to control the bear population, and increase dangerous run-ins with bears. This will lead to more nuisance bear complaints and increased threats to public safety. More bears will die from disease and starvation.

• Maine has one of the largest bear populations in the country at over 30,000 bears. Bear hunting with bait, dogs, and traps currently keeps bears from expanding into more populated areas of the state and decreases vehicle collisions and protects public safety.

The Answer
Despite the Humane Society’s anti-bear hunting campaign that is devoid of biological facts and research, the state’s authorities know that banning common hunting methods will lead to more bear/human confrontations, disease and starvation—all of which are ultimately bad for Maine’s bears.

The Simple Solution
If you are a Maine resident, vote No on Question No.1 on the Nov. 4 referendum.

Latest

Bear Walking By River
Bear Walking By River

A Brown Bear Hunt On Baranof

A spring hunt for brown bear on Alaska’s Baranof Island is a bucket-list experience, and, on the author’s hunt, included buckets of rain. 

Smith & Wesson Adds .30-30 Win. to Model 1854 Line

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. has announced the release of its Model 1854 chambered in .30-30 Winchester.

Hardware Review: Savage Axis 2 Pro

This year Savage has upped the budget bolt-action ante with the introduction of the Axis 2 Pro. You don’t get something for nothing, and upgraded features do bump up the price a bit, but also the overall value.

First Look: Barnett’s Hyper Raptor T-Rex Crossbow

New for 2025, Barnett has introduced its Hyper Raptor T-Rex, transforming the hunting experience with an Integrated Planetary De-Cocking System.

Treestand Site Prep 101: Attract Bigger Bucks

We examine multiple ways to make the bucks you want get close to your stand.

New for 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR Revolver

Charter Arms, manufacturers of 100-percent American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, has announced the introduction of the new Pathfinder II .22 double-action/single-action (DA/SA) revolver, chambered in .22 Long Rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.