Outfitters took their fight against Ontario's plan to cancel its spring bear hunt to Premier Mike Harris' back yard on Saturday.

Four hundred people showed up at a rally in North Bay.

Hunters and outfitters hope to pressure the province to re-instate the hunt.

While there was no shortage of emotion in the hall, the massive crowd outfitters had hoped for, didn't materialize.

Outfitters blame animal rights groups for ending the hunt. They say the groups have exaggerated the number of orphaned bear cubs.

And they say a slick advertising campaign aimed at southern Ontario also led to the government's decision.