OT (somewhat): the bear referendum

[Bruce Bartrug]

Since there are a number of naturalists that work for various environmental or state organizations that frequent this forum, I hope it's not impertinent of me to ask opinions on the bear-baiting referendum we'll be voting on in November.  My gut feeling is to leave this to the wildlife people, who (hopefully at least) know their area of expertise.  Sure, baiting is "unfair,"  but so is putting a worm on a hook.  Any input would be appreciated, and thanks in advance.

BAB

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Bruce Bartrug
Nobleboro, Maine, USA
bbar...@gmail.com
www.brucebartrug.com

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.  - Albert Einstein

[William Nichols]

This is indeed off-topic for the group, but you asked and I will reply: The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is tasked with managing the state's game and non-game wildlife resources. I am a conservation-minded hunter and birder, and I have a huge amount of respect for the knowledge, experience and field work of the Department's biologists. I am not a biologist. I do, however, choose to place my confidence and November vote on the work of these individuals. If they tell me that a species management practice is necessary to maintain a population of healthy animals while limiting conflict with humans, I tend to believe them. 

As far as the ethics behind bear hunting, this could be debated to no end without a consensus being achieved. I personally think that in most cases, a hunt is "fair chase" when the animal is wild and unrestricted in its ability to try to evade the chosen legal hunting method being utilized (think game farms; not "fair chase"). I have shot deer and turkey. Never bear, but I will likely be setting up a bait within the next few years if that hunting method is not voted out. I do not hunt for the kill; pulling the trigger is a small part of the larger picture. I would much rather use a shotgun or rifle to obtain meat than a debit card. 

In closing, vote however you see fit. Just please be well-educated on the issue and make your decision based on science and research.

With respect,

William Nichols

Stockton Springs

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[Susan Guare]

I have a question about baiting, for those who hunt.  Are there restrictions on where the bait can be placed, to avoid encouraging bears to come closer to human habitation than they otherwise might?

[Doug Suitor]

This is totally inappropriate for this forum. Shall we discuss candidates next. The lobbyists have spent enough getting their opinions on tv and signage.
Doug Suitor

Woolwich

[Bruce Bartrug]

Thanks, Will.  That's my opinion as well.

Doug, I don't have a TV.  Well, I do, but we canceled our cable long ago.  That not only saves money, but saves being bombarded (lambasted?) by political ads.  I listed this post as OT, and my only reason was to solicit input from Maine environmentalists.  I apologize if it ruffles your feathers.  Or fur :).

BAB

[Barbara Herrgesell]

This is a broader nature question we should be concerned about, maybe not on a birder list.

OK, so, where to get unbiased education? Is there a site discussing this? Three states report that baiting bears increases population? I have been stymied on this subject. 

~~~

Barbara Partridge Herrgesell
Sanford, ME

herp...@aol.com

[Judith & Reid Scher]

This is completely off-topic and will be shot down quickly and appropriately, (so I apologize to the moderator up front and will not repeat the infraction), but before that happens I will voice my skepticism for the supposed "experts" in the state wildlife dept.  To argue that feeding bears human food and thereby habituating them to associating humans with food as appropriate wildlife management doesn't even pass the straight face test.  Anyone who has traveled to any wildlife area knows that the No. 1 Rule is DO NOT FEED the wildlife. It results in more aggressive bears not less. Arguing the contrary is purely in service of for-profit hunting clubs who sell cheap shots to lazy "sportsmen."  

Feeding bears does increase the population.  Trapping and permitting dogs to terrorize and attack bears, also putting the dogs at risk, is inhumane.   

The IF&W's agenda is showing, folks - pro-hunting of any kind at any cost, not pro wildlife or even sportsmanship. 

I'm sure that the referendum will not pass this time, but the days of these horrific practices are numbered.

Judy Scher
 

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From: 'Barbara Herrgesell' via Maine birds <maine...@googlegroups.com>
To: wnbi...@gmail.com
Cc: maine...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Friday, October 3, 2014 9:27 AM

[Kali Bird Isis]

Thanks, Judy. I for one, appreciate that.

http://www.pressherald.com/2014/10/03/bill-nemitz-whats-scary-state-officials-in-tv-spots-not-the-bears/

Kali

[Fyn Kynd]

Well said, Judy, I agree.

Cheers,
Fyn