OQUOSSOC – Members of the Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association once again visited the question to be voted upon at the November election – the referendum on bear hunting.

A no vote will continue proven methods of bear harvesting, thereby successfully controlling the population at a manageable level, said Regional Wildlife Biologist Chuck Hulsey, Pete Norris, George Smith and sportsmen who joined in the discussion.

It was noted that voters should base their decision on sound science. Scientifically proven methods of taking wildlife are held in trust to the citizens of Maine achieving the goal that the public has told the government it wants.

Ninety-five percent of Maine’s bears are harvested through traditional methods, a program that has withstood national peer review. A 23,000 bear population is being maintained through traditional harvesting methods, a $50 million a year economy for Maine.

Officials present said to better understand the challenge of taking a bear, realize that each lives in a 50 square mile area, contrasted to deer who remain in one square mile. Bear are heavy eaters and will find food. Should foods presently provided by hunters be withheld, the animals will have to eat somewhere, ostensibly coming into greater conflict with homeowners and becoming a safety issue.

A question and answer period culminated with agreement that now is the time to get beyond the emotional side of the issue.

Sportsmen said it is time to honor the science proven by a highly professional and dedicated team of nationally recognized bear biologists and its time to face the issue intelligently. The current program works, they agreed. Bear management, a complex issue, must be left to those who are hired to understand the total picture.

To assist in the dissemination of information prior to the election, President Don Palmer presented Pete Norris with a check from club members in the amount of $2,000.

In other business, Stephanie Palmer’s name was drawn as winner of the club’s summer raffle, a two-day, two-night trip for two at Tim Pond Camps. Palmer announced that two club members will attend a recognition dinner at the Maine Conservation School.

A “Thanks for the Support” dining trip is being scheduled for Bosebuck Camps on Oct. 6. For more information, see Elaine Holcomb. Palmer will also attend a meeting focused on the conflicting interests of sucker and smelt fishing methods.

The next meeting, open to all residents and friends of the area, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21, at the clubhouse on Old Skiway Road. A 5:30 potluck meal will precede a business meeting and yet-to-be-announced speaker.