Over the next two months, you’ll surely hear more about Maine’s bear hunting practices than you ever have before. After all, the state is poised to vote on a referendum question — for the second time in a decade — that would outlaw hunting bears over bait, with traps or with hounds. Last Thursday, the BDN helped host a debate on the question at WGME CBS 13 in Portland, and the event proved pretty lively. Ten years ago, voters rejected the referendum question 53 percent to 47 percent. What will the result be this time around? Who knows … but stay tuned.
— John Holyoke
Fiery debate on bear hunting underscores heated campaign on Question 1
In light of the upcoming bear referendum — Question 1 on November’s ballot, which asks voters whether to ban the use of bait, dogs and traps in bear hunting in Maine — a panel of experts on both sides of the issue answered questions from a live audience, as well as from viewers watching the debate via an online stream.
Debate highs and lows: One man’s view from the front row
Panelists from both sides of the bear debate had their high points … and their low on Thursday. Here are a few observations.
Blog log
Act Out with Aislinn: 1-minute hike: Mount Will in Bethel
The BDN’s Aislinn Sarnacki takes you way out west (in Maine terms, at least), for her latest 1-Minute Hike. Enjoy!
Out There: Did you get your any-deer permit?
For some hunters, getting an any-deer permit from the state will spell the difference between success and failure during hunting season. Those permits were determined by lottery on Thursday, and we’ve got the results here.
Life as a Warden Wife: Second year of hermit life at Clayton Lake
“I chuckle when I think of the fears/concerns I had before we took that first ride down Realty Road. Keeping fresh groceries stocked, the condition of the road, medical emergencies/sickness, boredom, flat tires, weather, our general state of well-being … all things that were scary a year ago, but have become a part of our everyday life.”
On the horizon
We’ve got a couple of great features coming your way this weekend. Aislinn’s working on a story about Islesboro’s upcoming vote that will determine how they deal with their booming population of white-tailed deer, many of which are carriers for disease-ridden ticks. Meanwhile, John is heading into the woods with a bird biologist to learn more about an ongoing ruffed grouse research project.
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