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PROPOSED BEAR HUNTING CHANGES
1995 FWOC
Resolution
No. 21:
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There are a number of
methods used in hunting black bears. Several that are finding
increasing disfavor with other sport hunters are:
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1. Hunting bears with
dogs.
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In this method, bears are
scented, tracked and chased by dogs until the bear(s) take refuge in
climbing a tree. While this is on-going, the hunters may be
trying to run along to keep up with the dogs, or perhaps they may
remain leisurely sitting in the pick-up truck drinking coffee until
they can tell by the change in the dogs barking that the bear(s) is
treed. The bear hunters can then mosey over to the affected tree
and shoot the bear(s). Some hunters use radio transmitters on
their dogs to track them while the dogs are chasing after the bear.
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2. Baiting/Shooting
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In this method, various
foodstuffs attractive to bears are set out to lure bears, and the
close-by bears and shot when feeding on this bear bait.
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Neither of these methods
gives the bears a sporting chance. There is no element of taking
game in fair pursuit that most hunters consider essential in a
rewarding hunting experience. Many big game hunters consider such
methods as dogs and bear baiting unethical and unsportsmanlike,
regardless of their traditional use in harvesting bears.
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Some states also permit
spring bear hunting when females are pregnant, or are feeding
cubs. The cubs are left to starve if the mother is shot.
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| The Federation of Western
Outdoor Clubs supports the work of the Humane Society of the United
States in their efforts to see that the game laws are changed to
eliminate both hunting with dogs, hunting using food baiting, and
spring bear hunting. |
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FWOC members and member clubs who have an
interest in this issue should consider sending a copy of this FWOC
resolution to: The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 "L" Street
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-1598, and to state legislators, and the
head official in the state's Fish and Game Department.
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