AUGUSTA, Maine_ Following a contentious fight last fall over bear hunting methods in the state, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is on a fact finding mission to gauge how Mainers feel about the way wildlife in the state is being managed.
"We're taking some of the lessons learned from that, and incorporating those aspects of bear management into this process." says biologist Nate Webb. "We're certainly interested in hearing from people on their perspectives toward bear hunting methods, as well as other aspects of bear management."
Webb says it's the first time the department has launched such an extensive effort to gather public opinion as it crafts policies that will direct wildlife management for the next 15 years.
In addition to bear management, Webb expects a popular topic of focus to be deer.
"The tradeoffs between providing hunting opportunity and viewing opportunity, as well risk of vehicle collisions and some of the disease concerns- in particular Lymedisease in white tail deer," says Webb, "So really, those big picture questions about what are the appropriate population levels."
Meetings are planned for Portland, Orono, Farmington, and Presque Isle between mid-March and April 5. The department is also planning to launch an online forum on March 1 for those who can't attend a meeting.
