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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  • frongt@lemmy.zip
    33·
    2 days 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.

      • CrimeIsLegalNow@ani.social
        2·
        2 days ago

        Personally I think it’s pretty stupid to ban crossbows when gun season is right around the corner. iTs uNsPoRtInG bitch so is camouflage.

        Real men would be chasing them down with spears.

        • AWistfulNihilist@lemmy.world
          2·
          1 day ago

          There is a spear and unconventional hunting weapons season in some places. There are people hunting down deer with spears. There are ethics issues as to their ability to deliver a consistent, clean kill to the animal.

    • Fondots@lemmy.world
      3·
      2 days 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)