Q: Does bear baiting cause nuisance bear problems by conditioning bears to human food?
There is no evidence to suggest that bears attracted to bait stations learn to associate human food with humans and learn to approach humans as a result. In fact, the areas in Maine where hunting black bears over bait is most common are those with the lowest incidence of both nuisance bear complaints and bears taken in defense of life and property. Wildlife scientists have not conducted studies that would provide clear, objective resolution to this question.

Q: If hunting black bears over bait is outlawed, will the number of nuisance bear problems or bears taken in defense of life or property increase?
Biologists believe there is a possibility that a ban on bear baiting will result in increased numbers of nuisance bear problems in at least some parts of the state.

Q: Why is bait used to hunt bears?
Attracting bears to bait stations is the most effective means of hunting black bear because thick forest cover makes other methods impractical. Baiting is used in all habitats by disabled individuals or those who cannot hike extended distances. Baiting is also popular with bow hunters, who must take animals at close range. Hunting at a bait station provides plenty of time for hunters to carefully examine a bear at close range before shooting it. This minimizes the possibility of illegally shooting a female accompanied by cubs. It also allows a carefully placed shot with bow or firearm.

Q. Why does Maine allow baiting and hunting bear with dogs, when other states prohibit it?
Maine has the highest bear population in the east with 26,000 bears. In order to properly manage these animals you need a variety of techniques to do this. Many states either don't have the populations to sustain these techniques or they are prohibited.

Q: Does baiting involve fair chase?
The perception of fair chase when hunting is deeply rooted in personal values and traditions, and Maine residents hold a wide diversity of personal experience in this regard. Whether or not to hunt, and what methods and equipment are used to hunt, are seen and valued differently among the citizens of our state.

Q: Will eliminating the use of bait stations affect the harvest of black bears?
In most parts of Maine, most bears harvested are taken over bait. If the use of bait is outlawed, the harvest in these areas will likely decline.