PORTLAND, Maine — Maine's potentially final season for hunting bears using dogs and traps is about to end.
The season for hunting bears via the two methods ends on Friday. Maine residents are voting on a ballot initiative this year that would outlaw both methods along with the use of bait. The election is Nov. 4.
The season for hunting bears with bait ended Sept. 20. That season accounts for most of the state's bear hunt. Hunters can continue to hunt bear without bait, dogs or traps until Nov. 29.
Proponents of the hunting ban say the three methods are cruel and that bait habituates bears to people. Hunting without those methods would remain legal if the ban passes. Opponents of the ban say the methods are necessary to control the bear population.