By Bill Graves
Special to Pioneer Times
I’m not going to tell you how many years I’ve written this column for a bunch of weekly newspapers, but my longevity includes three different editors, one of them for two terms. In all those years I’ve told thousands of stories and offered advice for outdoors-oriented people of all ages and genders, and I’ve made it a point to avoid editorializing. For this article however I’m making it an exception, and I’m going to get up on my soap box for awhile.
A few years ago the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), got up in arms about bear baiting and actually forced a state referendum on the hunt. Thankfully, after a massive campaign effort by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM), as well as dozens of other hunting supportive organizations, the proposal was defeated. But the margin was much too close for comfort. Now it looks like Maine sportsmen have another hunting hurdle to contend with this year.
HSUS is attempting to submit a bill in Augusta seeking to ban hunting bear with dogs and taking of bear with traps. The group also wants to prohibit selling of bear gall bladders and prevent the establishment of a spring bear hunt here in Maine. Apparently the defeat of the baiting referendum has kept that subject off this year’s bill, but any sign of success will surely see that subject revisited in the near future.
Aroostook guides and outfitters spent large amounts of time and money to fight the last referendum in an attempt to maintain their livelihood. With whitetail numbers down and out-of-state hunters staying home due to fewer deer, growing economic pressures, and increasing gas prices, the regional hunting-based economy is reeling and can’t stand to lose bear hunters as well. It’s time for all Maine outdoorsmen to step up with moral and monetary support to maintain our hunting heritage.
Make no mistake, if HSUS, PETA or any other of these zealous anti-hunting groups succeed in pushing bills through state or national congress, it’s just the tip of the iceberg! There’s no doubt in this sportsman’s mind that their ultimate goal is to eliminate all hunting pastimes. And don’t think for a second that backroom meetings and planning agreements aren’t taking place between animal protection activists and gun control groups.
Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Department boasts many top-notch biologists on staff, the bear biologists are particularly knowledgeable. For decades they have studied and kept records on our black bear population and make appropriate recommendations on maintenance and proper hunting regulations. Since we are paying these intelligent people for this job, wouldn’t it be wise to listen to the proposals? Yet for some reason these animal rights activists ignore the professionals and the facts.
Aroostook County could easily support a short, controlled spring bear hunt. The fall hunt isn’t harvesting enough bruins to control a burgeoning population, so nuisance calls and urban edge safety concerns increase every spring. It’s gotten so bad the warden service can’t afford to handle all the calls and relocation projects. Independent contractors have stepped in to trap and move bothersome bears.
Despite the fact that a spring hunt would solve the problem and bring money into local coffers, these groups with their anti-hunting bills keep such proposals at bay. The fish and wildlife department certainly could use money from license sales, guides and outfitters would prosper, and local sporting goods stores, hotel and restaurants could use the extra business, yet no one steps up to propose a bill for a spring season for fear of rocking the boat and causing more attacks on hunting.
I said it during the campaigning for the bear bait referendum in 2004 and I’ll say it again; if I had my way, only Maine residents who had hunting licenses would get to vote on hunting issues! But barring major changes in the Bill of Rights, that’s not going to happen, so it’s on to Plan B. Every sportsman needs to step up and do their part if we are to maintain our outdoor traditions.
For decades throughout the U.S., hounds have been used to hunt rabbits, raccoons, mountain lions and many other game animals. Trapping for sustenance, clothing and money began with native Americans, early explorers and pioneers and continues today. I wonder if organizations are trying to eliminate all of these outings in other states besides Maine?
Sportsmen need to be vigilant. Speak out for what you believe in. Help educate others, especially younger outdoorsmen, with facts about our wild game populations. Listen to the biologists, they’re the trained experts on the front line. If the bill actually makes it to a referendum, don’t depend on “The Other Guy” to contribute funds to the fight, be calm but be vocal, vote, and make sure friends and family cast their ballots as well. Our heritage as hunters, our tradition as true Mainers and our Aroostook economy and way of life depend on it!
