BANGOR (AP) – Advocates of Question 2 on the November ballot are challenging an economic study by opponents of the initiative that said Maine could lose up to $62 million if voters ban bear hunting using bait, traps or dogs.

Bob Fisk, a pro-ban spokesman for Maine Citizens for Fair Bear Hunting, said Thursday he does not believe the economic impact can be determined precisely.

An analysis released Thursday by Fisk’s group called the previous study commissioned by Maine’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council “flawed and useless,” charging that it displayed statistical problems and evidence of bias.

The pro-ban analysis did not offer alternative estimates.

“If they don’t agree with our numbers, then where are their numbers?” asked Edie Leary, spokeswoman for Maine’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council, a coalition made up primarily of hunting groups that aims to defeat the referendum.

Fisk said he believes Maine would lose some income during a “transition” if the referendum passes, but that guide services and other businesses that depend on the bear season could attract new business, even increasing their profit in the long run.

Hunters who now avoid Maine’s bear season because they dislike baiting might participate in “fair chase” hunting, the type of stalking hunt that would remain if Question 2 passes, he said.

The report concludes, “Successful passage of Question 2 will not damage Maine’s economy and will not lead to significant job losses. Conversely, banning bear baiting, hounding and trapping may possibly lead to a stronger bear economy in Maine.”

Leary said the coalition stands by its figures.

Maine’s bear population has been estimated at 23,000, a 28 percent increase over the last 14 years, according to the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which opposes the referendum proposal.

That population is the largest east of the Mississippi and biologists say the killing of 3,500 to 4,000 bears annually has kept the stable.

Question 2 asks: “Do you want to make it a crime to hunt bears with bait, traps or dogs, except to protect property, public safety or for research?”