As a life-long North Carolinian, I understand the importance of the hunting heritage in our state. I appreciate the tradition of fair chase. Upon hearing that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is trying to open up baiting for bears through a proposed regulation, I found myself at odds with the state that I have loved for so long.
There is no chase, there is no skill, and there is no sport. If baiting were allowed in our state, it would cast an overwhelming shadow on our hunting heritage, and likely cause major problems for our bear population.
Bear baiters dump garbage cans full of food in the woods. Often, cameras are installed to monitor as bears and other animals begin a habit of visiting the site for their meals. A mother bear leads her cubs to the food piles, made of various foods often not found in the natural environment. They become accustomed to this bait pile and rely on it as a food source.
This practice is completely unsporting and it’s no surprise that most states prohibit it. But the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is considering a dangerous proposal that would allow this irresponsible method of killing bears.
Peggy, I read this same posting in the Dispatch on Sunday. In my myopic view of the world our heritage of hunting was to gather meat, hides, and skins for food, shelter and clothing. If that is the heritage purpose for hunting, I need to understand the difference between bear baiting and lacing a field with corn for the deer? Again if our heritage of hunting is for gathering meat, hides, and skins what is the difference between bear baiting and the practice by the plains Indians of running a heard of buffalo over a cliff then gathering the meat and hides from the carcasses leaving the injured animals to fend for themselves. I think you are perplexed about a perceived unfairness of bear baiting, yet consider your technological superiority over wild animals as a fair chase.
We need to remember that Teddy Roosevelt declined shooting a roped bear. He considered it wrong. From that example the beloved Teddy Bear was born.