Humans have been hunting with dogs for thousands of years. This November, Mainers will be asked to vote on whether to allow the use of dogs to hunt bears. The people who want to ban this type of hunting use phrases such as “not fair chase,” “trophy hunting,” and “dogs need protection.”

The anti-hunting people are using an emotionally based argument that has no facts to support it. First off, the dogs love to hunt. I’ve never seen a hunting dog happier than when it’s hunting.

Second, many people eat meat. Bear hunters eat bear meat. This is not trophy hunting. This is hunting for food.

Third, many anti-hunters claim hunting with dogs is not “fair chase.” Fair chase is the concept that the hunt will be legal, ethical and done in a way that will bring no dishonor to the hunter, the hunted or the environment. Everyone who eats meat should ask themselves what kind of fair chase was employed to get that roaster chicken or steak onto their plate?

Hunting gets a bad rap these days, but hunters provide much-needed funding to support wildlife and habitat. The latest report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that hunters in Maine spend $203 million annually, and hunters nationwide spend $33 billion annually.

I urge others to join me in voting “no” on this hunting ban in November.

Scott McMorrow

Dresden

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