N.Y. looking at immoral hunting change

I am very alarmed about the Department of Environmental Conservation’s “Black Bear Management Plan for New York State.”

Among its proposals are to “Assess the potential benefits and concerns associated with bear hunting practices currently prohibited by the environmental conservation laws (e.g. hunting with the aid of bait or dogs, trapping with cable restraints, taking bears less than one year of age) and consider other options (e.g., spring season) that may increase bear management capacity at some future date.”

The DEC says “the controversial use of traps, dogs and bait, all currently outlawed, should be reconsidered to spur interest in hunting.” They feel there is not enough bear hunting in New York State. I believe hunters have a right to hunt bear, but to consider allowing these practices at some future date is not only unsportsmanlike but also morally and ethically wrong.

Your readers should tell the governor and their legislators that these currently outlawed practices should remain outlawed. We have to be the voice for these beautiful creatures.

Shirley Merriam Cornish, Old Forge