I oppose a spring bear hunt…

I oppose a spring bear hunt. Hunting seasons impinge on the rights of those of us who enjoy walking on crown land without fear of being shot. Hunters do not always follow the law and it is impossible to provide adequate manpower to police it.

The practice of baiting bears is unsportsmanlike and inhumane. Many hunters at bait stations are unable to distinguish between male and female bears, risking orphaned cubs.

There is no evidence of economic benefit from this hunt. In fact it discourages cottage and nature tourism.

I lived in a rural area for over a decade and as long as I kept my garbage inaccessible, the numerous bears that came on my property were never a problem. I did, however, have problems with hunters who shot too close to the property and did not keep their dogs under control as required by law.