When I was younger, I did a fair bit of black bear huniting. Over those years, several experiences occured that gradually changed my mind about hunting them..........
First, I noted that when they were skinned, the carcass had an erie human like quality it. Later, while hunting in northern MB, a native elder I encountered ( I think he was Cree ) told me that to many First Nations people they were the re-incarnated spirit of a person. That combined with what I just mentioned after skinning, made me think. Also a little too dog like for a dog lover like myself.
The rugs were gorgeous, but a bit of a waste when I could not seem to come up with a decent recipe for the meat that I liked. In fairness, I have eaten bear prepared well on one occassion and enjoyed it, just could never duplicate it.
So in the end, it came down to the adventure and experience for me. I chose to keep hunting other big game and from then forward, whether or not I came home with anything it did no matter in the least. I was out enjoying the Canadian wilderness, and that was all I ever really needed.
On the other hand, the hunter in me will still possibly pick up a tag when they are in season with other big game in the fall, just in case that record black or ultra rare color mutant were to cross my path. Not being able to take that shot in a situation like that may haunt me for a good looooonnngg while.
Great topic for discussion.....