Bear Hunting in Maine
Responsive Management worked with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to better understand the motivations of proponents and opponents of Question 1, a ballot referendum to ban the use of dogs, bait, or traps when hunting bears—this research helped inform aspects of Maine’s updated big game management plan.
In addition to a scientific survey of Maine residents, hunters, and landowners, Responsive Management’s data collection for the big game management project included the following:
- Three focus groups on black bear management issues with Maine residents, including hunters and landowners, in Presque Isle, Orono, and Portland;
- An additional focus group in Portland about bear management with residents who had voted “yes” on Question 1 in 2014 (“Do you want to ban the use of bait, dogs or traps in bear hunting except to protect property, public safety, or for research?”);
- Three public meetings on black bear management issues, held in Presque Isle, Orono, and Portland;
- Three focus groups on general big game management issues with Maine residents, including hunters and landowners, in Presque Isle, Orono, and Portland;
- Three public meetings devoted to big game management issues, held in the same locations;
- An online public forum to facilitate discussion among Maine residents about big game management issues, including black bear issues;
- Additional public input and feedback submitted by email, letters, and other correspondence through various channels associated with the project.