Dear Editor:

Is bear hunting with dogs different from rabbit and raccoon hunting? Are they next on the anti-hunt agenda? Baiting is the only way to determine if a bear has cubs or is a harvestable class. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) is being challenged by the anti-hunts. IFW outlawed steel traps for bears and removed bear bounties, which applied to all bears of all ages.

Some organizations provide free hunting trips to disabled veterans. Wars have caused loss of limbs to heroic warriors. If these groups can't bait, then it becomes out of the question. One such group is HouseInTheWoods.org. It was founded by Gold Star families in memory of Sgts. Blair Emery and Joel House, both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

The group is in Maine but serves veterans from all over our country. House received word from one of his clients that he has already recruited, on his own initiative, six disabled veterans for next year. So far, they have provided 400 free hunts for rehabilitating disabled veterans. Would you deny those who have given so much the chance to enjoy things they had enjoyed before getting injured?

Don't just take my word. Notice how little information the anti-hunts are providing? Don't be fooled by the phrase, "fair chase." They don't want hunting anywhere and are willing to spend millions of dollars to that end.

Biologists, including Randy Cross, and game wardens are professionals and dedicated. The lawsuit to muzzle IFW ought to tell you all you need to know

Gary Anderson

Safety Officer, Retired

Department of Inland, Fisheries

& Wildlife

Harpswell