Mourning Dove Hunting Again Under Attack
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Mourning Dove Hunting Again Under Attack





Legislation to ban the hunting of mourning doves in Minnesota was recently heard by committees in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate.

In the House, HF 2501 was defeated after being heard in committee, while in the Senate, SF 2329 was heard, but did not receive a vote. Despite these bills failing in committee, many around the capitol believe that the animal rights crowd will push for the dove hunting ban to be inserted as an amendment into the Department of Natural Resources policy bill. The DNR policy bill is aimed at accomplishing many smaller items for the department and will likely be introduced in mid-to-late March.

If the anti-dove language is included, the bill will ban hunting for the nation’s #1 game bird, the mourning dove. More people hunt mourning doves across the U.S. than ducks and geese combined. Anti-hunting groups have wanted to take the Minnesota season away since sportsmen successfully fought to get it established in 2004. Mourning dove hunting is a time honored tradition in 40 states, including Minnesota, and there is simply no justification for ending the hunt.

The USSA worked with Minnesota sportsmen’s groups to pass mourning dove hunting legislation in 2004.

Sportsmen face a similar threat in Rhode Island where Senate Bill 2393, introduced by Senator Rhoda E. Perry (D-Providence) and Senator Joshua Miller (D-Cranston), has been sent to the Senate Environment and Agriculture committee. The bill would make it illegal to take, kill, buy, sell or possess mourning doves. Rhode Island remains the last New England state with a dove hunt despite constant legislative attacks being introduced year after year.

Take Action! Minnesota and Rhode Island sportsmen must contact their legislators today to urge them to oppose banning mourning dove hunting.

To find your Minnesota State Representative call the information desk at (651) 296-2146 and ask them to transfer you to your representative. Ask your representative to oppose House File 2501.

To find your Minnesota State Senator call the information desk at (651) 296-0504 and ask them to transfer you to your senator. Ask your senator to opposed Senate File 2329.

To find and contact your Rhode Island legislator call (401) 222-2466. Ask your representative to oppose Senate Bill 2393.

Legislator contact information can also be found by using the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

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