The meeting that allowed both sides of this issue to say their piece happened yesterday. Nearly 200 people packed a room at the Augusta Civic Center. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to the meeting due to having to go to work. The good news is that those that support trapping outnumbered those who are in favor of banning trapping here in Maine.
Skip Trask of the Maine Guides Association and Maine Trappers Association was there and spoke for these two groups.
“You’ve already heard all the reasons why the animal protectionists want you to ban bear trapping,” said Skip Trask, who spoke on behalf of the Maine Professional Guides Association and the Maine Trappers Association. “Their agenda goes way beyond bear trapping, but they are focusing on bear trapping this session because it represents their best chance for success.”
The committee is schedule to vote on the issue sometime today. Depending on this outcome it will either be completely dropped and trapping will continue or it will be forwarded to the House for further discussion.
I have put in a personal email to Skip in hopes of finding out some detailed information on this meeting. I will also continue to search every crook and corner for more details as they unfold. When I find articles such as the one in the Kennebec Journal I will pass that info on. Hopefully this bill is shot down when the committee votes today and we can go on with business as usual.
