PORTLAND (AP) — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is denying a request from a group that wants to ban bear hunting methods to expedite the appeal l in its case against the state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Mainers For Fair Bear Hunting is appealing a Portland judge’s ruling that the wildlife department can use its resources to campaign against a referendum to ban baiting and other bear-hunting tactics. Maine’s chief justice Thursday denied the request to fast-track the appeal.
The group sought the speedy appeal in hopes of blocking the wildlife department from doing more campaigning before the Nov. 4 vote.
A spokeswoman for Mainers For Fair Bear Hunting says the group will press its appeal despite the denial.
The group ”“ Save Maine’s Bear Hunt ”“ welcomed the ruling.
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