It seems some Mainers have forgotten our distinct heritage of humane traditions, as years of unsporting hunting practices have erased that memory. It wasn’t always the case that Maine’s black bears were reduced to “trophy hunting” targets while treed, trapped or being fed.

Maine was the very first state to adopt an anti-cruelty law concerning animals. Maine has a history of valuing fair chase, giving an animal a chance to escape. This is the spirit of traditional hunting: fair chase.

The legacy of Gov. Percival Baxter as a model for humane treatment of all animals is something of which we, as Mainers, are proud, and it should extend to our black bears, as it does to other large game species, such as moose and deer.

It only takes the tiniest bit of vision to see what finally banning the most egregious, unsporting hunting practices of our Maine black bears will do to restore our leadership role as conscious caretakers of all Maine wildlife. Generations yet to come will learn respect for all animals and understand that our wildlife should be treated humanely.

Thanks to the coalition of animal welfare organizations, wildlife organizations, veterinarians, local business owners, independent biologists, traditional hunters and compassionate Maine citizens statewide, we have an opportunity to set an example for our children today. Let’s end cruelty, and restore our fine tradition of fair chase in hunting in Maine. Vote yes on Question 1.

Gina Stoll, Portland