Sportsmen storm Capitol in support of Michigan dove bill (11/4/2003)

Over 1,000 sportsmen descended upon Lansing this morning in support of dove hunting. The Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign, a coalition of sportsmen's organizations developed to pass House Bill 5029, the dove-hunting bill, coordinated the rally.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance recently helped organize the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign.

Sportsmen gathered to hear conservation leaders and legislators speak about the benefits a dove season would bring to Michigan and will meet with legislators as a demonstration of support for dove hunting.

"T urkey hunters, bowhunters, trappers, houndsmen and others who believe strongly in the advancement of their outdoor heritage united and turned out in force for the rally," said Rick Story, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance senior vice president and a featured rally speaker. "Today's events including the impressive sportsmen's rally and the movement of the dove bill thus far are proof positive that sportsmen are an active constituency and that they have a powerful voice in the legislature."

Other speakers included Rob Keck, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
"Preservation of our hunting heritage is key to conservation and we see the dove as a major part of our hunting heritage," said Keck. "But this bill we're rallying behind today isn't just about doves. It's about our time-honored hunting traditions. I'm not asking you to take up dove hunting. I'm asking you to support the future of hunting for everyone's sake. Protecting our freedom is at the heart of being an American. I urge you to take a stand in support of this bill and make your voice heard."

The Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign members include Commemorative Bucks of Michigan, Huron Pointe Sportsmen's Association, Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan Bow Hunters Association, Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, Michigan Hunting Dog Federation, Michigan State Chapter of the NWTF, Michigan State United Coonhunters Association, Michigan Trappers Association, the National Rifle Association and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.

Conservation clubs that want to become part of the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign should contact the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance at (888) 930-4868 for more information.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers nationally in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

CopyrightÓ  U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org

Home > Outdoor news > You are here: Sportsmen storm Capitol in support of Michigan dove bill