The latest campaign reports from Maine reveal an unprecedented level of spending by the world’s most powerful animal rights group. “Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting,” a front group for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), disclosed that the Washington D.C. based anti-hunting organization contributed $700,000 directly to the campaign, while providing more than $98,000 of in-kind support. This accounts for more than 99% of the $705,844 raised during the last three months of 2013.
HSUS is bankrolling the effort to place a ballot issue before Maine voters in November that would ban bear hunting with dogs, bait and bear trapping. In order to qualify, the group must submit more than 57,000 valid signatures.
Mainers rejected a similar proposal in 2004. This time, the anti’s are redoubling their investment by bringing in PCI Consultants, a firm that specializes in signature gathering to qualify ballot issues. HSUS has utilized the Los Angeles area firm for other anti-hunting ballot issues it has financed.
“This latest report leaves no doubt that the anti-hunting lobby intends to tap into their deep pockets to fund this effort from Washington D.C.,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president of government affairs. “The effort to qualify the bear hunting ban is being financed out of Washington and run out of California. The public needs to know that there is little about the so-called ‘Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting’ that is based in Maine.”
Take Action! In order to win, Maine sportsmen and women are going to need your help. To join the fight and donate today visit Save Maine’s Bear Hunt.
