
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 9, 1993                   TAG: 9306090302
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GIVES THE BEARS A SPORTING CHANCE

FEW PEOPLE know that the Virginia Department of Game and Fisheries has given bear hunters the right to have a "chase season." This gives them the right to chase bears to train their dogs. It starts in September and lasts 30 days. At this time, many cubs are small and dependent on their mothers. The large bear leads the dogs away from the cub, often being chased five miles or more. They are separated forever.

Last year in Alleghany County, many cubs were killed on the interstate as they searched for their mothers. More than 20 were found abandoned; some were near starvation with little chance of survival.

During the regular season, many hunting-club members ride in jeeps, use two-way radios and packs of dogs to hunt bears. This is legal but hardly sporting.

The Department of Game and Fisheries seldom receives input from anyone other than hunters. Please let them know how you feel if you find this offensive.

PHYLLIS BURCH

FINCASTLE

by CNB