In that decision, Dane County Circuit Judge Dan Moeser agreed with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance’s contention that animal rights groups lacked legal standing to bring a lawsuit to stop the hunt. In other words, the judge maintained that the anti’s could not substantiate their claim that a dove hunting season would do the animal rights group irreparable harm.

"This is nothing more than sour grapes," said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance manager of government affairs. "The anti’s are now claiming that Judge Moeser doesn’t understand this case. They certainly sang a different tune when he granted them a temporary restraining order last year."

Judge Moeser issued that order just days before the anticipated opening of the inaugural dove hunting season scheduled for September 1, 2001.

"Once the judge was able to look at the entire case, he quickly realized we were right, and now the anti’s don’t think he knows what he’s talking about," added Sexton. "I hope the judge will see this for what it is and quickly dismiss this frivolous claim."

Numerous sportsmen and conservation groups were involved in last year’s case to protect the dove hunting season. According to Sexton, their resolve continues to be very strong.

"It would be a mistake to underestimate our group’s dedication in seeing Wisconsin hold its first dove hunting season this fall," said Sexton. "The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and our partners in Wisconsin are prepared to fight to the very end."