Bear hunting season begins tomorrow (Wednesday) in New Hampshire.
It began Monday in Maine, but that three month long hunt could be the last of its kind.
As in New Hampshire, Maine allows baiting and hounds to lure and kill black bears.
But Maine is the only state in the nation that allows a third way of hunting bears as well....trapping.
State biologists and hunting guides say the techniques are essential for controlling Maine's bear population.
But critics call the practices cruel, unsporting, and unnecessary.
And a referendum this Fall will decide their fate as Maine Public Radio's Susan Chisholm reports.
