I think the point your not seeing is the "ramification" it has already caused.
You don't need to convince a fellow hunter like me.
I hunt elk because I love the meat.
I hunt MDeer because I am looking for the challenge of finding the elusive "monster buck"
I bring the meat home and consume it when I do pull that trigger on MDeer.....but....
I don't pull the pin very often on deer because they don't carry the bone/challenge.
I will fire on any legal elk I have a tag for ( but ya....you dream it is a 350+ class bull!)
BUT......
You are loosing the support of people who would not oppose GBear hunt if they felt the meat was part of the goal.
(you will never convince vegans!)
And "There!!" is where you have "Lost your support" for GBear hunting in the future"....!!!!
Just because you feel no shame (which you shouldn't)......is not going to help you in this battle with getting support
from the general public.
And yes...it doesn't go to waste in the woods (I'm a hunter....but it's "not MY SUPPORT you NEED").....
Others don't see that out in the public.
You have to look at things from their point/feelings....and then figure out what's the best way to minimize those issue,
and then educate them on the things you are stating.
Not trying to bash you or put you down in any way....
I am just trying to help you help save the GBEAR hunt....I hope you can see it that way.