With only 200-300 bears in Northern Nevada, this hunt is not about overpopulation. And with 99 percent publicly opposing the hunt, it's not because of popular demand. Is it really, as the Commissioner said, “…because we can”? Or is it about money?

OK, so let's look at the money. Nevada is seeking ways to increase tourism economy — so what is the return on investment of a bear hunt?

British Columbia in Canada has provided grizzly bear hunting (and we are on their menu) for decades. Current annual revenue from the grizzly hunt brings about $2.5M to the province — from tags, guides, gear and beer.

However, the newer “sport' is a photo safari of grizzly viewing, a growing tourism activity that brings families to the area (something you wouldn't take on a hunt) who plan their stay around viewing bears. Direct annual revenue from viewing in British Columbia is $7M. But, because family style vacations take time and money eating, sleeping and shopping during their visits and exploring more of the area, the take for the surrounding businesses is times 10, making the annual revenue from bear viewing $70M a year! You travel to see the bear and discover more … feeding the local economy and well-being. Don't believe me? Ask Dean Wyatt of Knight Inlet Grizzly Tours Ltd.

Let's review. That's $2.5 million to kill bears, or $70 million to view them. Which one would benefit (and sustain) our economy and community (human and wild) more?

So, now, do you want to load your gun, or load your camera (and bring friends)?

Why not be in service to the water, land, wildlife and air... we all share?

Jacquie Chandler

Incline Village