In V. Paul Reynolds’ column Aug. 29, he pleads for supporters to attend a banquet to fight Question 2. Along with this plea, he includes a series of statements, filled with inaccuracies, typical of opponents of the fair bear hunting referendum.

Mr. Reynolds opens his column with reference to “wealthy, out-of-state animal-rights extremists” who are attempting to threaten Maine’s hunting heritage. Maine Citizens for Fair Bear Hunting, the group behind the baiting, hounding and trapping ban, are not opposed to bear hunting, only inhumane and unfair methods. Nor are they against any other fair hunting practices that encompass Maine’s hunting heritage. Nor are they from out of state. The statement is clearly intended to paint an incorrect picture of the group and what it is trying to accomplish.

How arrogant of Mr. Reynolds to think that Mainers agree with his barbaric and antiquated ways of sport “hunting.” Over 103,000 signatures from Maine were gathered to get this initiative on the ballot.

Mr. Reynolds has been involved in this referendum for some time. Why can’t he get his facts straight as to who the proponents are and what they are trying to accomplish?

This referendum has nothing to do with out-of-state animal rights extremists, anti-hunting carpetbaggers or threatening Maine’s hunting heritage. It was simply created to bring back fair chase and end the cruel and unnecessary suffering of Maine’s black bears.

Voting yes on Question 2 will make certain that happens.

Lisa Haines, Bowdoin