Using the terms “culture” and “tradition” as excuses for practicing the barbaric bear hunting methods of trapping, hounding and baiting does not absolve us of the guilt attached to these uncivilized methods.
Fairness is a Maine “tradition.” For a “sport” to be fair, the opponents must be equally likely to win. Using these methods for bear hunting makes the hunt no longer a “sport” because the fairness has been removed.
Gov. Percival Baxter, in his 1925 farewell message to the people of Maine, specifically denounced bear baiting and cruel trapping. He was referred to as the “humane governor,” and I am certain that he would vote “yes” on Question 1 in November as will I and others who want Maine to be known for a tradition of fairness.
Judith Estee
Orland
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