PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ Maine officials say a November ballot question will ask Maine voters if they oppose three methods of bear hunting except under certain circumstances.
State officials released the ballot language on Thursday. It asks: ``Do you want to ban the use of bait, dogs or traps in bear hunting except to protect property, public safety, or for research?''
Supporters of the restrictions passed the threshold months ago necessary to put the initiative on the fall ballot. The vote comes 10 years after Maine voters narrowly rejected a similar ballot initiative.
Opponents of restrictions say the rules would hurt Maine's tourism and economy. Proponents say baiting bears with human food habituates them to human smells and lessened their instinctive fear of people.
Baiting accounts for 80 percent of the state bear hunt.
For MPBN's Your Vote 2014 live election results, click here.MPBN’s elections compendium is brought to you by AARP, MEMIC and Lambert Coffin.Debates:Click here to watch the 1st Congressional District debateClick here to watch the 2nd Congressional District debateClick here to watch the Senate debateClick here to watch the gubernatorial debateResources:Gubernatorial Race: GridPaul LePage (R)Mike Michaud (D): Profile, Maine Calling interviewEliot Cutler (I): Maine Calling interviewSenate Race: GridSusan Collins (R): Profile, Maine Calling interviewShenna Bellows (D): Profile, Maine Calling interview1st District Congressional Race: GridChellie Pingree (D): Profile, Maine Calling interviewIsaac Misiuk (R): Profile, Maine Calling interviewRichard Murphy (I): Profile, Maine Calling interview2nd District Congressional Race: GridEmily Cain (D): Profile, Maine Calling interviewBruce Poliquin (R): Profile, Maine Calling interviewBlaine Richardson (I): Profile, Maine Calling interviewFor a list of referendum questions, click here.