|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 Home > News and alerts > You are here: Task force recommends hunt to control bear population Task force recommends hunt to control bear population (10/30/2002) Maryland- In Maryland, one of several states where animal rights groups
have recently focused their efforts to ban hunting, a
governor-appointed, citizen task force has recommended a bear hunt to
control the state’s growing black bear population. The task force, established to provide suggestions for
managing Maryland’s black bear population, voted in early October in
favor of a black bear hunt. The
task force’s findings and the result of the vote will be published on
November 4. A 30-day public
comment period will follow the release and a public meeting will be held
to discuss the issue on November 14 in Garret County. The growing population of black bears, estimated at 300 in
Maryland, has created problems for farmers and could potentially
threaten the safety of citizens. Instituting
a bear season would help to stabilize and allow for control of the bear
population, decreasing the number of human-bear conflicts and protecting
the carrying capacity of local habitat.
The state will also benefit from the recreational opportunities
provided for sportsmen and their families. Take Action! Maryland
sportsmen and sportswomen should attend the public meeting on November
14 at Garret College. The
7PM meeting will allow the public to comment and make suggestions to the
task force. Support the
task force’s recommendation of a black bear season.
Remind task force members that hunting is the most effective,
economical and reliable method of wildlife management.
Sportsmen should attend in mass to ensure that anti-hunters do
not bully the task force into reconsidering its hunting recommendation. A copy of the report and information about the task force can be obtained from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources field offices and on the Internet at www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/. Click on the 2002 Black Bear Task Force findings. CopyrightÓ U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org
|
|
|
|
|
