AUGUSTA – In case there was any doubt, it’s clear now: Maine voters will decide whether to impose new restrictions on bear hunting in November.

The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee formally notified the Legislature on Thursday that it has voted unanimously to kill the citizen initiative, LD 1938, which would ban baiting, hounding and trapping bears.

Unless the Legislature passes an initiated law just as it’s proposed, it must go to voters, and that’s the case with the bear question.

Those pushing for passage say baiting, trapping and hounding are unethical and unsportsmanlike, but opponents say they are part of a sound game management program.