Michigan dove vote set (1/30/2004)

As the battle to gain mourning dove hunting in Michigan comes down to the wire, anti-hunters are waging a war of words using lies and deceit to defeat the issue. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign want sportsmen to know that their presence is needed at the State Capitol next week to support the dove bill.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will hear House Bill 5029, the dove hunting bill, on February 5 in Lansing beginning at 2:00 PM in room 324. Sportsmen are urged to don their hunter orange hats and fill the halls of the State Capitol. A significant sportsmen turnout is vital to demonstrate strong support for HB 5029 and the advancement of sportsmen's rights.

Anti-hunters have distributed a statement among state senators from an unknown source saying sportsmen have referred to Michigan legislators as "puppets" who are under their control.

Anti-hunting groups are also asking their supporters to hide anti-hunting views from their legislators.

In a communiqué to anti-hunting supporters, Michigan Humane Society's Eileen Liska stated "If you are totally anti-hunting, keep that view to yourself."

The anti's want legislators to believe that the sportsman's community is divided over dove hunting. They expect to use this trickery to fool Michigan senators.

"The Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign is a coalition of sportsmen who enjoy all types of hunting," said Rob Sexton, vice president of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, a founding member of the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign. "From bear hunters to turkey hunters, bowhunters to trappers, Michigan sportsmen have united to back this bill. It is the anti-hunters, whose goal it is to end all hunting in the state, that want to see it fail."

Members of the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign include the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, A L S Enterprises Inc., 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 National Wild Turkey Federation, Michigan State United Coonhunters Association, Michigan Trappers Association, National Rifle Association and the Professional Kennel Club, Inc. Michigan United Conservation Clubs and Safari Club International are also supporting the effort.

Take Action! Michigan sportsmen are urged to attend the Senate hearing on February 5 at the State Capitol. Be at the State Capitol by 11:00 AM wearing a hunter orange hat in support of HB 5029. Sportsmen who are unable to attend the meeting are urged to call their state senators today and ask for a "yes" vote on HB 5029. Explain to them that doves are America's most popular game bird. Wildlife professionals in Michigan say that the state can support a hunting season. To find your senator and for contact information, use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org or go to www.michiganlegislature.org and click on the "Related Sites" link.

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