February 14, 2000
Secretary Sara Taylor-Rogers
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
Ref: Bear Hunting Season in Maryland
It has recently been reported in the newspapers that the Maryland Sportsmen’s Association has asked the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to establish a black bear hunting season in Maryland. MAGIC is deeply concerned that such a step is being considered when the recovering population of black bears in Maryland is estimated to be only about 400.
Although some damage has been reported from bears, we understand it amounts to only $14,000 per year. This is a minuscule amount of damage, approximately equivalent to the cost of one small car. It certainly does not warrant a program designed to destroy bears in Maryland. Decisions regarding hunting should be based on the sustainability of the population, not on whether the species is considered a "nuisance" or causes damage. Studies should be made to determine the sustainability of the black bear in Maryland, and the habitat required for a viable population of black bears. Any decision on hunting should be based on scientific data, not the demands of a hunting association.
Instead of establishing a hunting season for bears, MAGIC recommends the bear stamp program, designed to compensate property owners for bear damage, needs to be improved and expanded. MAGIC recently sent information on the bear stamp program to its members who are individuals knowledgeable about environmental matters in Maryland. The response was overwhelming positive in support of the bears. Surprisingly, few of our members had ever heard of the bear stamp program before receiving MAGIC’s E-mail. A bear stamp program which is unknown to most people in Maryland is not going to be effective. We would suggest that bear stamp funds might be better spent providing habitat for bears in Maryland than providing damage awards to property owners. MAGIC also recommends establishment of an income tax write-off program, where people can designate money for wildlife recovery programs in Maryland.
It should be abundantly clear that the real threat to bear, and all wildlife in Maryland, is the loss of habitat from expanding human population. We have recently asked DNR to place more emphasis on increasing and connecting habitat for wildlife in Maryland. The bear situation is a prime example of this need, and the requirement, to establish a multi-state Appalachian Preserve for wildlife..
Sincerely,
Robert DeGroot
President, MAGIC
The following Alliance Partners agree with and support this letter:
Anacostia Watershed Society
Eyes of Paint Branch
Friends of Northwest Branch
Friends of Mount Aventine
Friends of Watts Branch
Greater Shady Grove Civic Alliance
Neighbors Water Watch
Potomac River Association
Red Lion Farm
South Mountain Heritage Society