On Tuesday the Legislature will hear arguments to continue recreational bear trapping, one of which may be for its economic value to Maine and to individual guides. Since only 130 bears were legally trapped as recently as 2005, it is clear that the cost of ending such a practice for the state is quite negligible, as noted in University of Maine professor and economist Charles S. Colgan’s 2004 report “The Bear Economy.”

According to this survey of Maine guides, bear guiding brought in 63 percent of a guide’s income, with only 3 percent from bear trapping. In short, bear trapping, as reported in a survey of Maine guides, only brought in approximately $2,040 per guide in 2005.

Of course the loss of this can be considered burdensome for some folks in Maine, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. For example, in the 1970s Colorado ended bear trapping. In fact, they eventually ended recreational trapping of any kind.

Some will argue that this would lead to the proverbial slippery slope, that is the doom to hunting as a whole. In fact, it did not; rather, regular bear hunting has consistently increased. In 2006, 8,216 bear permits were issued, and they expect to provide 10,335 in 2007, even though bear licenses cost up to $500.

With our comparatively low fees, we might expect more hunting opportunities in Maine as out-of-state hunters learn that we have caught up with the 21st century. In addition, those who wish to experience wildlife without preying upon it will be encouraged by this ban to enjoy Maine’s wildlife for its own sake.

Contact your legislator today and tell them you support LD 1635, a bill that will end recreational bear trapping in Maine. We must no longer remain the last state in the union to engage in such an inhumane, unnecessary and outdated form of “entertainment.”

Susan M. Jenssen

Bangor