I had some additional…

I had some additional thoughts regarding my opposition to the proposed change of no longer allowing non-residents landowners/tax payers the ability to bear hunt.

Bear hunting is so much more than just harvesting a bear. It truly is a labor of love. I enjoy the entire process; of getting bait, scouting, hauling bait, establishing a bait site, checking cameras, setting stands, etc. When I hunt, I want to do it my way. Having to go through a guide services eliminates all this fun for me.
Plus, their is not a guide within at least a 90 minute commute from my remote cabin. When I take vacation time from work, I want to be at my remote cabin, not at a guides cabin/room with other unfamiliar hunters & guides.
Finally, hiring a guide service is just not within my financial budget or desire. I won't spend $1,500+ extra fees (recovery, meat processing, freezer storage, gas, boat, etc.) to hunt a bear with strangers in an unfamiliar location.
The idea of just showing up, at a baited site & stand, by someone else, who has had other hunter(s) sitting there the week or two before, just is not how I will bear hunt. I simply would not buy a bear license or hire a guide (economic impact) if this proposed change takes place, which means one less hunter managing the bear population, which also impacts the moose, deer, etc. population (environmental impact.)

In closing, please do not take away the privilege to allow non-resident landowners to get their own validation certificate to hunt bears. Thank you for your consideration.