Dear Enviro-Mich readers,
In response to Connie Zatsick's comments on the
dove rally posting:
First of all,
no one at MUCC asked for this to be posted on Enviro-Mich, a member or other
interested individual must have asked for it to be posted.
Secondly, MUCC has access to Enviro-Mich because
we have worked to conserve Michigan's
natural resources since 1937. Yes, we
are pro-hunting, but hunters were the first conservationists in this
country. They pour millions of dollars
into the coiffeurs of state government's across the country for wildlife
management and habitat protection.
Please also don't forget the millions of other
environmental issues MUCC works on - you can't enjoy hunting without clean
waters, clean air, open space and a healthy wildlife population.
Thirdly, if you think the dove is a docile
non-game like bird, you haven't spent much time in the
fields and woods. Yes, they are docile
in your backyard, but these animals have learned to accept humans and feel safe
around them. So do all the squirrels,
rabbits and deer you see in your yard. We've hunted these for centuries as well and they act far
different in our fields and woods.
Fourthly, Michigan was founded on the fine tradition of hunting. It is a wonderful sport
that puts food on our families' plates.
The mourning dove has long been recognized by the
Federal Government as a game bird - it is hunted in 39 other
states. Why should
Michiganians be deprived of a hunting opportunity enjoyed by over 2.5
million others? If you don't want to hunt mourning doves, that's fine. But there is no
scientific reason why they should not be a game bird in Michigan. Their population is abundant, and people in
nearby states like Ohio,
Illinois Indiana and Wisconsin
are hunting the birds that migrate there from Michigan
anyway. The dove’s breast meat is
a succulent dish, and two to four birds make a meal.
Anybody interested in learning more facts on the
hunting of mourning doves will find an extensive Q & A sheet on our Web
site, www.mucc.org
Amanda Hathaway
Public Relations Manager
Tracks MagazineTM
Editor
Michigan
United Conservation Clubs
2101 Wood Street
Lansing, MI 48912-3785
517/346-6488 did
517/371-1505 fax
ahathaway@mucc.org
www.mucc.org
