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		Letter to Editor Posted November 11, 2003 Letter © 2003 Owen Mills. Published with Permission

Mourning Dove hunting: another viewpoint

By Owen Mills, life member, Copper Country Audubon Club

Keweenaw Now readers,

The issue of dove hunting in Michigan has come up several times before and has been beaten back. Michigan Audubon has taken credit for the effort. But I have to wonder aloud whether their effort really makes sense in the long run. Here's my thinking. 

I believe that there will eventually be a dove hunt in Michigan. If for a moment you consider that, then perhaps bird protectionists are missing an opportunity. Look at the good that has come from funds passed into the conservation community from duck stamps. A great deal of habitat has been set aside for migrating water fowl and other non-game species have benefited. Could it be that if we, bird protectionists, used the dove hunting issue as an opportunity to build a bridge with the hunting community, we could achieve a similar outcome? If that is a possibility, why are we not at least trying? 

While I am personally not a hunter, I can see how the alliances formed with the hunting community have benefited both groups. I hope that a discussion ensues from considering a counter proposal to Copper Country Audubon's and Michigan Audubon's position. Certainly Keweenaw Now readers should know bird protectionists are not all of the same mind.

Owen Mills
Life Member, Copper Country Audubon
Hancock, MI 

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