House Bill 1072 was introduced this week to repeal a Wildlife Resource Commission decision permitting bear hunting on three bear management units: Panthertown-Bonas Defeat, Standing Indian and Pisgah. Bear numbers on these units have grown remarkably in recent years with bear-human conflicts becoming more numerous and dangerous over time.
It’s critical that sportsmen voice their opposition to this anti-hunting measure and kindly remind legislators that wildlife management should be based on science, not emotion. Canceling fish and wildlife decision-making is not in the best interest of bears, citizens or the multitude of tourists visiting the state.
“Put simply, the legislature should leave wildlife management decisions of this magnitude to the experts,” said Dillon Barto, manager of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This legislation not only undermines the authority of the Wildlife Resources Commission, but strips tens of thousands of acres away from North Carolina bear hunters.”
Sportsmen should contact their state representatives using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center and encourage them to oppose this dangerous bill.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
