Critics decry Trump administration rule that lets hunters lure bears with human foods on federal lands in Alaska

A new Trump administration rule allows hunters to bait bears on federal lands in Alaska with bacon, doughnuts, meat scraps or other human foods typically used to help kill the trophy animals at close range.

Opponents say the practice will cause bears to be more aggressive around humans, and allege that the rule change is a political gift to largely rightwing trophy hunters. The rule replaces a 2024 Biden administration rule that banned the practice, and environmental groups criticized the move as “indefensible and inexcusable”.

“We are discouraged to see this rule come back, specifically the bear baiting piece which is cruel and dangerous, not only to wildlife but the public as well,” said Drew Robertson, senior regulatory specialist for Humane World for Animals.

The US interior department on Friday published the rule on the federal register, and it will take effect in mid-November. It marks the latest in a series of rule changes at the state and federal levels since 2023 that allow trophy hunters to use what critics say are barbaric and unethical practices to kill animals.

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  • AWistfulNihilist@lemmy.world
    7·
    10 hours ago

    There’s already a muzzle loader season in a lot of places. Some places designate a season for things like muzzle loaders and crossbows, some will group them all together with auctioned bow permits. Typically you put bow season first because once guns start firing, animals get wary of human sign very quick. The ones that don’t are already harvested and in someones freezer.

    • frongt@lemmy.zip
      32·
      10 hours ago

      Crossbows? Are you sure? I know there’s bow season, but I’ve never heard of hunting with a crossbow.

      I mean I’m sure it’s been done, just not nearly as much as regular compound bows.

      • Fondots@lemmy.world
        3·
        9 hours ago

        A lot of things of course come down to individual state and sometimes local laws/regulations

        But crossbows are definitely very popular for hunting in areas where they’re allowed.

        My state lumps them in with the regular archery season, wouldn’t be at all surprised if other areas have a separate crossbow season.

        We also have a muzzleloader season, and a season specifically for flintlock muzzleloaders (as opposed to muzzleloaders that use a percussion cap)