Bob Duchesne’s Wild Maine: Bear Hunting with Dogs [AUDIO]

Last week, we heard from opponents and supporters of a proposed referendum in Maine to end trapping, baiting and hounding as accepted forms of hunting black bear in the Maine woods. As the debate heats up (again), we take a look at the traditional ways of hunting the elusive alusive animal.

Part 1: Is high-tech hunting unfair? Hal Blood, a master Maine guide, says no. Do dogs and bears fight when they come together? If they do, it's not a fair fight, he said.

Part 2: Some bear hounds are worth $10,000. That's right. We said $10,000. Hal Blood explains why they are so valuable, and unlikely to be mistreated as hunting opponents suggest.

Part 3: Supporters of the proposed referendum will get the final word on today's show. Daryl DeJoy, executive director of the Wildlife Alliance of Maine, talks about his nonprofit organization and its belief in "fair chase hunting." The WAM board has a member from PETA as well as a master Maine guide. "Board meetings can get pretty lively," DeJoy said.

Part 4: Are the forests in Colorado and Oregon, where bear baiting is banned, comparable to the Maine forests? DeJoy says they are, and those who think otherwise simply haven't seen those western forests.

Part 5: How do you catch a bear when the bear has the advantage? Same way you get a deer, DeJoy says. You don't see hunters using millions of pounds of junk food to lure in deer, he says. Now, for the statistics.