With the election less than a month away, the verdict on Question 1, the referendum that seeks to ban the use of bait, traps or hounds while hunting bears in Maine, looms large. This week’s big news: State wildlife officials have been threatened, and at least one is being protected around the clock by a game warden. Emotions are high on both sides, and a column I wrote for Saturday’s print editions (and Friday’s digital BDN), was well-read … and well-commented upon. More than 500 readers took the time to share their opinions, while still others sent me emails. A recent poll indicated that the “No on 1” campaign, which is fighting that referendum, has a narrow lead heading into the final stretch. One thing’s certain: It’s going to be an interesting few weeks. Stay tuned …
— John Holyoke
State officials receive threats for involvement in bear debate, police investigating
Threats mailed to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife last week have prompted the department to protect certain employees with armed game wardens while state police investigate the “troubling correspondence.”
Readers, please share photos from your hunting experience
Bangor Daily News would like to see photos from your hunting experience in Maine so that we can share them in a slideshow online.
Blog log
Out There: What’s really at stake with the bear referendum
“In less than a month, Maine voters will decide whether they want people to hunt the state’s bears or not. That’s not what the referendum question actually reads, of course. But it’s time to clear the air a bit, and to start calling ’em like I see ’em.”
Act Out With Aislinn: 1-minute hike: Marsh and Brookside trails in Ellsworth
“The Brookside Trail and Marsh Trail are two of four hiking trails currently located in the Branch Lake Public Forest in Ellsworth, which is open for hiking, dog walking, snowshoeing, and, in the right conditions, cross-country skiing.”
George’s Outdoor News: Twenty-four veterans got their moose in the 2014 special Aroostook moose hunt
“Twenty-four of the 25 disabled veterans who got moose hunting permits for the special Aroostook County moose hunt, held in August, got their moose.”
On the horizon
Last weekend, some of John Holyoke’s pals headed into the woods on what has become an annual adventure. They chased birds in the woods near Brassua Lake and hunkered down at night in a cabin they’ve been allowed to use for several years. This year’s trip was a bit different — ownership of the camp is changing, and a new generation will soon be in charge of the rustic abode. But with change comes the opportunity for new relationships to be forged, and new friendships to begin. That was the theme last week, and John will share the story later this week.
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