Treeing a bear with dogs is unsportsmanlike. It is closer to an execution than hunting.
Heck, there are still some states that allow deer hunting with dogs. I agree, it isn't sportsmanlike, it's lazy as far as I'm concerned. Some hunting, duck for example, needs dogs. Big game does not. As far as taking the nine year old on a bear hunt, I think it's too dangerous and she's too young. You have to consider what would happen if the nine year old became separated with only the single shot 20 facing a bear on her own. It probably wouldn't happen, but the possibility is there.
Now for a mini-rant (not directed at you School): What is it with some of our Freepers who have assumptions about who a conservative is? Some seem to think that the word conservative means "just like me". Being a vegetarian does not mean being a leftist.
See comment# 284. Whether it is sportsmanlike or not, these critters need to be controlled. If someone uses dogs, that's their business, IMHO.