I’m 75 years old from a big family with strong hunting traditions.

People who think killing a bear by whatever means seems cruel should stop by the local slaughterhouse. It’s not a pretty sight.

A bear has a good chance of survival in the woods, unlike chickens, cows, pigs or even calves that are held in small cubicles with no chance of escape and force fed until they’re killed.

If it is cruel to bait a bear, what about dangling a live smelt on a treble hook through a hole in the ice to hook a beautiful brook trout? Hunting and fishing is what it is.

It was a great experience being with my daughter while she paunched out her first deer at age 11 or my three boys on snowshoes shooting dozens of rabbits in front of our beagles.

We ate every rabbit made into rabbit pie. My wife has roasted leg of bear, which tastes much like a leg of lamb when properly dressed and cooked. It is delicious.

People who think it is cruel to shoot a bear in front of hounds should explain the difference in shooting a rabbit in front of beagles or a woodcock or grouse in front of a beautiful pointing dog.

These types of hunting activities have been the trademark of Maine’s strong hunting tradition. If we ban bear hounds now, beagles and English setters will be next.

It is true the vested interest groups with money from afar are trying to alter our very way of life. They may need a picket fence around their property elsewhere but not so here. Maine is a beautiful place to live; please do not allow them to make Maine like the place they come from.

For Maine’s sake, please vote no on Question 1.

David Mosher

Burnham