By SUSAN M. COVER
Staff Writer Friday, May 11, 2007

Rep. Jane Eberle, D-South Portland, was the lone holdout, voting in favor of the ban on recreational bear trapping. She said personally, and as a representative of southern Maine, she wanted to support the bill.

"There would still be ample hunting opportunity available," she said.

Although the bill will officially go forward for House and Senate consideration, such a strong committee vote against the measure means it will be an uphill battle. And Gov. John Baldacci has already said he does not support the measure.

The vote didn't faze bill supporter Daryl DeJoy, who said the members of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee don't represent the views of most Mainers. He's optimistic the House and Senate will feel differently.

"I'm pleased we have one representative on the committee who's capable of making an informed and impartial decision," said DeJoy, who leads the Wildlife Alliance of Maine, which works on behalf of wildlife and wildlife watchers.

Rep. James Schatz, D-Blue Hill, brought the bill forward earlier this week in front of a large crowd at the Augusta Civic Center. The bill would ban recreational bear trapping in Maine, but would allow bears to be trapped for scientific research, animal damage control or public safety.

The measure comes three years after Maine voters rejected a citizen initiative that sought to ban three types of bear hunting -- using bait, hounds or traps. That failed in Nov. 2004 by a 53-47 percent margin.

Before voting against the trapping ban, Rep. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, said he believes the voters spoke clearly on the issue in 2004.

"If you want to go for another referendum and you get it, that's fine," he said.

Supporters of the bill argued that although the citizen initiative failed, most Mainers oppose bear trapping.

Maine is the only state in the country to allow the practice.

Trappers and the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said the methods used are effective and a humane way of killing bears. Each year, trappers kill about 130 bears, which is part of the approximately 3,800 bears taken by hunters and trappers.

The department said although trapping is not necessary to control the bear population, it continues to meet their criteria for a safe and ethical activity.

Sen. Walter Gooley, R-Farmington, said the department did change its rules following the 2004 vote to outlaw the steel jawed trap.

"The department has gone the extra mile in changing the rules," he said. "It's still a part of the overall bear management program in the state of Maine. I feel it should be continued."

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com