Question One a Citizens Initiative Reads; Do you want to ban the use of bait, dogs or traps in bear hunting except to protect property, public safety, or for research? I ask you to vote no and here is why.

Those who know me know that I am an avid outdoorsman enjoying everything from hiking to hunting. And for those who don’t know me in full disclosure I worked against the referendum the last time around in 2004, however I am not working for either side this time around. Beyond my knowledge of these methods and the importance of their use to control the bear population, there is the fact that Maine’s IF&W biologists, particularly the bear biologists and game wardens are top in their field. We often lament, why don’t we have the best most qualified individual (name the position) in government? Well, we do have the very best bear biologists in their field who have been called upon for expert help by other states and even countries in the past, and yet now we are suppose to disregard the expert analysis we wish all of government had? Not me, I’m voting no.

Jeffrey Stanley
Arrowsic