BATH — Friends of Merrymeeting Bay will host a panel discussion on Question 1 — whether baiting, hounding and trapping of bears should be stopped — at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bath City Hall, located at 55 Front St. in Bath. The event will kick off FOMB’s annual speaker series.
This November, Maine voters will consider a referendum proposing certain forms of bear hunting, including the use of traps, bait, and dogs, be banned [Question 1 on the ballot]. A similar referendum was narrowly defeated in 2004. Advocates for this year’s referendum argue it would end cruel and unfair practices, while opponents say the referendum is a public safety issue and keeping these practices assures bear control and minimizes attacks.
FOMB is hosting experts from both sides of the debate. The panel features Daryl DeJoy from the Wildlife Alliance of Maine and Judy Camuso from Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Questions and comments from the audience are encouraged.
DeJoy is the executive director and founder of the Wildlife Alliance of Maine (WAM). The organization’s primary focus is representing non-consumptive interests in Maine who participate in wildlife watching and other related activities. He also has been a Registered Maine Guide for the past 23 years.
Camuso is the Wildlife Division Director for Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. She has worked for the department since 2007, starting as a regional biologist in southern Maine. Prior to that Judy worked as a biologist and the environmental center director for Maine Audubon for 11 years.
Visit www.fomb.org to see the full Speaker Series schedule.
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