2014 Maine Question 1

In 2013, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) decided to push for a restrictions on bear hunting in Maine. Maine voters previously rejected a ban on using traps, bait, and dogs to hunt bears on 2 November 2004, with 389,455 opposed and 344,322 in favor.{{cite web |url=http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/2004n/ref.htm|title=Department of the Secretary of State General Election Tabulations |date=2 November 2004 |access-date=22 October 2014}}

With support from HSUS, some Maine residents formed Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting (MFBH). On 9 July 2013, MFBH began collecting 80,000 signatures to place the question on the November 2014 ballot. 57,277 signatures were required to do so.{{cite web |work=NECN |url=http://www.necn.com/07/09/13/Group-wants-bear-baiting-referendum-in-M/landing.html?&apID=93451a64361a4a87a26cf62a29118553|title=Group wants bear-baiting referendum in Maine |date=9 July 2013 |access-date=26 June 2014}} MFBH submitted the signatures on 3 February 2014.{{cite web |work=MPBN.net |url=http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/5347/ItemId/32047/Default.aspx |first=Patty |last=Wight |title=Maine Bear Baiting Opponents Deliver 80K Petition Signatures |date=3 February 2014 |access-date=26 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207221340/http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/5347/ItemId/32047/Default.aspx |archive-date=7 December 2014 |df=dmy-all }} On 5 March, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap certified 63,626 valid signatures.{{cite web |work=WMTW TV |url=http://www.wmtw.com/news/citizens-referendum-to-restrict-bear-hunting-methods-advances/24818322#!4vZ2W|first=Sharon |last=Handy |title=Citizen's referendum to restrict bear hunting methods advances|date=5 March 2014 |access-date=26 June 2014}} Under Maine law, MQ1 was then submitted to the Maine Legislature for action as LD 1845 IB 1.[http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280051852 "An Act To Prohibit the Use of Dogs, Bait or Traps When Hunting Bears Except under Certain Circumstances"] Maine Legislature Retrieved 30 November 2014. On 25 March, the legislature indefinitely postponed action on MQ 5, thereby sending it to the voters.

Secretary Dunlap released the final wording of the question on 25 June. It was "Do you want to ban bear hunting using bait, traps or dogs except to protect property, public safety or for research?" As the only citizen referendum to reach the ballot, it was designated Question 1 per Maine law.{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://stateandcapitol.bangordailynews.com/2014/06/26/state-releases-final-ballot-question-on-bear-referendum/|first=Aislinn |last=Sarnacki |title=State releases final wording of ballot question on bear referendum|date=26 June 2014 |access-date=26 June 2014}}

Opponents of the petition gathering effort announced the formation of Save Maine's Bear Hunt (SMBH) on September 23, 2013. SMBH had the support of the three major candidates for governor in 2014, and of 80 state legislators and 20 organizations. SMBH characterized the referendum as a vote on how to manage wildlife in Maine, and not on hunting methods, believing that wildlife professionals know best how to manage the bear population. They further criticized the intervention of HSUS in a local matter.{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/09/23/outdoors/maine-bear-hunting-referendum-opponents-unveil-coalition/|first=John |last=Holyoke |title=Maine bear hunting referendum opponents unveil coalition|date=September 23, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2014}}

MFBH stated their goal was to end what they call "cruel and unsportsmanlike" practices, which they claimed were not necessary to control the bear population in Maine. They also claimed the previous referendum effort failed due to "scare tactics" and misinformation.{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/08/07/politics/groups-join-in-effort-for-new-maine-bear-hunting-referendum/?ref=relatedBox|first=John |last=Holyoke |title=Groups join in effort for new Maine bear hunting referendum|date=August 7, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2014}}

MFBH was almost entirely funded by HSUS. From 28 May to 15 July, HSUS gave $780,000 to MFBH. In the same period, SMBH and other opponents raised about $250,000. HSUS president Wayne Pacelle personally canvassed homes in Portland on August 10,{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/08/11/politics/visit-by-u-s-humane-society-president-brings-national-view-to-maines-bear-baiting-vote/|first=Aislinn |last=Sarnacki |title=Visit by U.S. humane society president brings national view to Maine's bear baiting vote|date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=August 11, 2014}} and in Bangor on September 13.{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/09/14/news/bangor/humane-society-ceo-goes-door-to-door-in-bangor-to-solicit-support-to-ban-inhumane-unsporting-bear-hunting-practices/|first=Nick |last=McCrea |title=Humane Society CEO goes door to door in Bangor to solicit support to ban 'inhumane, unsporting bear hunting practices'|date=September 14, 2014 |access-date=September 15, 2014}}

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) and DIF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock officially opposed MQ1. MFBH sued DIF&W on September 30, demanding that DIF&W comply with MFBH's Freedom of Access Act requests, cease campaigning against Question 1, and repay state funds used for campaign activities. MFBH stated "We do respect the agency's right to provide factual information to voters, but they've repeatedly gone above and beyond that, and it's time for that to stop." Commissioner Woodcock called the lawsuit politically motivated and meant to "generate headlines".{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/09/30/outdoors/bear-referendum-proponents-sue-maine-wildlife-department-for-campaign-activities/|first=Aislinn |last=Sarnacki |title=Bear referendum proponents sue Maine wildlife department for campaign activities|date=September 30, 2014 |access-date=September 30, 2014}} MFBH asked for an emergency injunction to stop DFI&W's campaigning.

In response, DIF&W announced on October 17 that it would stop using state funds to oppose the referendum, while maintaining that its actions were lawful.{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/10/17/outdoors/maine-wildlife-department-halts-use-of-state-money-to-campaign-against-question-1-in-response-to-hearing-3/|first=Aislinn |last=Sarnacki |title=Maine wildlife department halts use of state money to campaign against Question 1 in response to hearing|date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=October 17, 2014}}

Maine Superior Court Judge Joyce Wheeler denied the request for the injunction on October 22, stating that "The public interest would be adversely affected if plaintiffs' request for a temporary restraining order were granted when DIF&W's speech is on topics squarely within 'its competence as governor'" of Legislative directives. The Maine Attorney General's office called the ruling a victory for free speech, while MFBH said "Our government shouldn't be telling us how to vote."{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/10/22/politics/elections/judge-maine-wildlife-department-can-campaign-on-bear-hunting-question/|first=Judy |last=Harrison |title=Judge: Maine wildlife department can campaign on bear hunting question|date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=October 22, 2014}}

After the failure of the referendum, it was speculated that its presence on the ballot aided Paul LePage's reelection as Governor, as it brought out voters also amenable to supporting LePage.{{Cite web|url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/11/05/the-point/a-shock-upset-or-inevitable-victory-how-lepage-won-a-second-term-as-maine-governor/|title = Shock upset or inevitable victory? How LePage won a second term as governor|date = 5 November 2014}}

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Humane Society of the United States[http://fairbearhunt.com/about/endorsements Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting endorsements]
• International Fund for Animal Welfare
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
• State Representative Alan Casavant (D-Biddeford), Mayor of Biddeford
• State Representative Ben Chipman (I-Portland)
• State Representative Denise Harlow (D-Portland)
• Kesha, musician
• Bernd Heinrich, naturalist, author, University of Vermont biology professor
• Bill Maher, comedian, TV host{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://stateandcapitol.bangordailynews.com/2014/09/15/famous-talk-show-host-bill-maher-endorses-referendum-to-ban-bear-baiting/|title=Famous talk show host Bill Maher endorses referendum to ban bear baiting |date=September 15, 2014 |access-date=September 15, 2014}}
• Paul C. Paquet, wildlife research biologist, University of Victoria professor
• Steve Woods, chairman of the Yarmouth Town Council, former U.S. Senate candidate
• Biddeford Journal Tribune{{cite web|url=http://www.journaltribune.com/opinion/article_3a633a10-3ac0-11e4-8945-0fa9175b3cdd.html|title=Real sportsmen don't need bait, hounds or traps|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140925200543/http://www.journaltribune.com/opinion/article_3a633a10-3ac0-11e4-8945-0fa9175b3cdd.html |archive-date=2014-09-25|website=Journal-Tribune |date=2014-09-13}}
• Brunswick Times-Record{{cite web |work=The Times Record |url=http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2014-05-20/Editorial/Bear_baiting.html |title=Bear baiting |date=May 20, 2014 |access-date=July 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213207/http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2014-05-20/Editorial/Bear_baiting.html |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire Herald{{cite web |work=The Portsmouth Herald |url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20141014/OPINION/141019581/101131/NEWS |title=It's time to ban bear baiting |date=October 14, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20141022192614/http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20141014/OPINION/141019581/101131/NEWS |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |url-status=dead}}

• Angus King, Independent U.S. senator and former governor.{{cite web|url=http://georgesoutdoornews.bangordailynews.com/2014/04/05/maine-woods/senator-angus-king-defends-maines-bear-management/ |title=Senator Angus King defends Maine's bear management |publisher=Bangor Daily News.com |date=April 5, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2014 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20140413093811/http://georgesoutdoornews.bangordailynews.com/2014/04/05/maine-woods/senator-angus-king-defends-maines-bear-management/ |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |url-status=dead}}
• AFL-CIO of Maine
• National Rifle Association of America
• Sportsman's Alliance of Maine
• Shenna Bellows, 2014 Democratic U.S. Senate candidate{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/10/21/politics/elections/collins-bellows-disagree-over-minimum-wage-health-care-in-first-debate/?ref=latest|first=Paula |last=Brewer |title=Collins, Bellows disagree over minimum wage, health care in first debate|date=October 21, 2014 |access-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240613110121/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2014/10/21/politics/elections/collins-bellows-disagree-over-minimum-wage-health-care-in-first-debate/?ref=latest |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• State Senator Emily Cain (D-Penobscot), candidate for U.S Representative
• Eliot Cutler, candidate for governor
• Paul LePage, Governor of Maine{{Cite web |url=http://savemainesbearhunt.com/endorsements/ |title=Save Maine's Bear Hunt endorsements |access-date=2014-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930172220/http://savemainesbearhunt.com/endorsements/ |archive-date=2013-09-30 }}
• Kris MacCabe, Maine Game Warden, cast member of North Woods Law TV show{{cite web|url=http://stateandcapitol.bangordailynews.com/2014/09/02/maine-game-warden-kris-maccabe-stars-in-video-opposing-question-1/|title=Maine game warden Kris MacCabe stars in video opposing Question 1 |publisher=Bangor Daily News.com |date=September 2, 2014 |access-date=September 2, 2014}}
• U.S. Representative Mike Michaud, candidate for governor
• Ted Nugent, musician{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://stateandcapitol.bangordailynews.com/2014/06/26/ted-nugent-speaks-out-against-bear-referendum/|first=Aislinn |last=Sarnacki |title=Ted Nugent speaks out against bear referendum|date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2014}}
• Bruce Poliquin, former state treasurer of Maine, candidate for U.S Representative
• Chandler Woodcock, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner, former state senator
• Bangor Daily News{{cite web |work=Bangor Daily News |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2014/10/17/opinion/editorials/no-on-question-1-the-facts-are-on-the-side-of-baiting/|title=No on Question 1: The facts are on the side of baiting|date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=October 17, 2014}}
• MaineToday Media newspapers: Portland Press Herald, Kennebec Journal, Morning Sentinel{{cite web |work=Kennebec Journal |url=http://www.centralmaine.com/2014/10/19/our-opinion-question-1-too-broad-claims-are-unproven/|title=OUR OPINION: Vote no on Question 1|date=October 19, 2014 |access-date=October 19, 2014}}

• U.S. Senator Susan Collins

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://fairbearhunt.com/ Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting], supporters of the referendum
• [http://savemainesbearhunt.com/ Save Maine's Bear Hunt], opponents of the referendum

{{Maine elections}}

Category:Hunting in the United States

Category:2014 Maine ballot measures

Category:Hunting referendums