I am of the school of thought that believes if you don’t like something, don’t do it. It is a simple philosophy and easily followed. This leads me to Question 1, the Bear Referendum.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is trying to convince the people of Maine that there is a problem with how the bear population is managed. If Question 1 passes, baiting, trapping and using dogs will be banned as a means of control.
HSUS wants us to believe that 7 million pounds of junk food is dumped into the woods by bear baiters. How do they know how much is dumped? Are they weighing it? Even if the weight is correct, isn’t it a good form of recycling? That would be 7 million pounds less put into the waste stream!
The traps are not what some people imagine. The old traps with teeth and strong springs haven’t been used for decades. You might see some in old cartoons, but not in the woods.
Even if hounds are used, the bear isn’t eliminated each time one is treed. The chase is the best part for some hound owners. It’s a sport.
But the economic impact caused by a ban of the three most effective methods of bear hunting would be tremendous. The northern half of the state and Washington County would feel the blow the hardest. With few full-time jobs, people in that area depend on hunting and guiding to make a living.
Before the 2004 Bear Referendum it was estimated that Maine would lose almost $62 million per year if the referendum passed. This was determined by Charles Colgan, a professor at the University of Maine. He also determined that Maine would lose almost 770 jobs.
Fortunately, the measure did not pass. Maine can’t afford to lose that many jobs.
The head of HSUS, Wayne Pacelle, is on record saying that he would like to see all hunting banned. Is Question 1 the first step in that direction? Please ask yourself, before you vote, “If I vote ‘yes’ on Question 1, how will my life be affected?” Then think about how a “yes” vote will adversely affect the people who depend on hunting to make a living. Please vote “no” on Question 1.
Darrell Clark
Woolwich
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