Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot says: “Do you want to ban the use of bait, dogs or traps in bear hunting except to protect property, public safety or for research?” The topic has been controversial and has reached to the Maine Superior Court.

A judge ruled Wednesday (Oct. 22) that the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is allowed to share their views on the campaign to defeat the ballot question asking voters to change the way bears are hunted in the state.

Superior Court Justice Joyce Wheeler rejected the injunction that was filed by Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting. The group supports Question 1. They filed the lawsuit asking the judge to order the department to remove all political content from their website and also repay any funds to Maine that were used in campaign activities. They also wanted the removal of television ads that featured employees of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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