The campaign to put Initiative 655 on the ballot in Washington
is well under way.

If passed, the Initiative would:

1. Make illegal bait hunting of bears (Black -- and Brown
(naturally))

2. Make illegal hound hunting of bears, cougars, lynxes,
and bobcats.

3. Scientific and government personnel would be able to continue
activities in the current manner.

4. Special regulations concerning spring timber damage by
Black Bears on private lands would continue.

The hound hunting part is probably the most controversial. The
gist of the objection to it is that most hounds are now equipped
with radio collars, making pursuit a near sure thing.

This post is not intended to be advocacy nor do I think the
subject should be a matter of extended discussion in a bird group.
There will doubtless be readers, however, who are interested in
the issue.

For further information, you may contact me at

hammill at u.washington.edu


-Tully Hammill