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Michigan Audubon opposes Mourning Dove hunting
By Dana Richter, President, Copper Country Audubon Club
HANCOCK -- The Michigan Audubon Society is opposed to listing the Mourning Dove as a game bird for several reasons.
1) Probably the most important reason is that many similar sized birds will be shot by mistake, such as robins, flickers, sparrow hawks, etc., all of which will be present during a hunting season. Many of these birds share the same habitat and have similar behaviors, such as perching on lines and feeding on the ground.
2) One of the largest groups lobbying for dove hunting is the ammunition manufacturers. Do we really need another game bird if it is going to be principally used for target practice? Greater consideration needs to be given to the killing of animals instead of economics or profits.
3) Mourning Doves have been designated as songbirds since 1905; they cause no harm to agricultural crops; their call is soothing and loved by many; they play a role in the ecosystem by feeding on weed seeds and insects.
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| Photographer Michael Shupe of Ahmeek shares this
photo he took of a Mourning Dove, adding his support of the Audubon
position against hunting them. "Hunting Mourning Doves makes about as much sense as hunting
dragonflies," Shupe said. (Photo © 2003 Michael Shupe. Published
with Permission) |
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4) Mourning Doves do not have enough meat to be a substantial food source and many will likely not be cleaned and go to waste. Their live weight is approximately that of a chipmunk.
5) Michigan has a long history of both bird protection and game management. Michigan Audubon is one of the oldest Audubon Clubs in the country, clearly demonstrating the importance of bird watching to Michigan citizens. There are a lot more bird watchers, bird feeders and bird lovers in the state than there are hunters.
Personally, I am not opposed to the hunting of valid game birds, but being a bird watcher and a member of Copper Country Audubon, for the reasons above there are significant problems with the hunting of Mourning Doves.
If you oppose hunting Mourning Doves, please call State Senator Mike Prusi at 517-373-7840.
The bill to hunt doves has passed the Michigan House (disappointingly, Rep. Rich Brown voted for it), and it may be voted on by the
State Senate at any time.
It is very important that our Senator hear from those not in favor of shooting doves!
Dana Richter
Hancock
906-487-2149
Editor's Note: Keweenaw Now guest author and correspondent Dana Richter has been president of Copper Country Audubon for the past several years.
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