In this July 25, 2014, file photo, a black bear in captivity awaits handouts at the the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, Maine. The state's growing bear population may lead officials to tweak regulations. The annual bear hunt has long been a source of conflict between animal lovers and hunters in Maine, in part because the state allows hunting with methods such as laying bait and chasing with hunting dogs. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com

No matter how large the bear, or who pulls the trigger, killing a bear that has been conditioned to come to a barrel of rotted food from a nearby blind is not in any way laudable, sporting, ethical or even deserving of the name hunting.

A kill during a hunt is not an entitlement, it’s something that should be earned along with respect for the animal.

Jerry Stelmok

Atkinson