Comments

• "Mourning Dove", Words & Music by Karen K. © 1998
• "Mourning Dove Season Opens in Michigan", Cartoon by Wayne S. of Manistique © 2005
• "Choices", poem by Jack S. © 2003
• "Ode to a Dove", poem by Wiley E. B. © 2003
• "Messengers of Peace", poem by Clayton S. © 2002
• "Mourning Doves", poem and drawing by Carrie, Grade 6 © 2002
• "Mourning Doves", poem by Teresa F., © 2004
• "Mourning Dove", poem by James M., Age 15 © 2004
• "To Kill A Mourning Dove", poem by Frank Z. © 2000
• "Mr. Mourning Dove", poem by Lorraine M. © 2003
• "Sweet Little Mourning Dove", poem by Elizabeth B., Age 6 © 2004
• "Song of the Dove", poem by Frederika Bremer © 1854
• "Doves in Pairs", poem by Mabel Hulen Whitson © 2003
• "To Kill A Mourning Dove", letter by L. James B., Sportsmen Against Dove Hunting
• "Lameduck Shot at MI Doves", Animal Channel Video © December 2000. Download free RealOne Player.
• In response to Eric Sharp's column Dove Is Worthy Target (12/20/01) in the Detroit Freepress: No protected songbirds aren't shrimp, they are not disposable, they don't breed like rats, and the voting public is never going to swallow them like peanuts and popcorn! Also, Eric, please get your "facts" straight if you are going to play "expert," your numbers are pure fantasy and fiction. SPC
• Rebuttal to Sharp article, written by a talented 15 year old Michigan resident: I am not an animal-rights person and do not find hunting to be particularly cruel, unnecessary, or wrong. However I do believe it rather arrogant to assume that the mourning dove is a "disposable animal", and that hunters have the inexplicable right to hunt anything...read more. John V., Age 15
• This looks terrific! Please take care and thank you for undertaking such an essential endeavor. Scott H.
• Here we go again. I would like to know why this issue keeps coming up again and again. What is the driving "need" to be able to shoot and kill a mourning dove? I hope and pray the powers that be will not allow dove hunting to occur in Michigan. We will be a sadder place for it. Marilyn S.
• The most incredible aspect of Michigan's annual dove hunting legislation is the complete disregard for the will of the voters of Michigan. Rep Susan Tabor openly and arrogantly ignores the will of the people by making this the center of her legislative mission. She is catering to the whims of out of state special interests at the expense of Michigan. C. Hyde
• We love this beautiful songbird, please never let them change mourning doves to game birds. Hunters do not need live targets for shooting practice. The world is cruel enough now. Georgette H.
• The population of Michigan birds is in the process of being decimated by West Nile Virus. This alone poses a great threat to our bird population in general. Hunting Doves could result in a repeat of the fate of the Passenger Pigeon. Ted & Barb M.
• A season on doves isn't about sportsmanship and good hunting ethics. It's senseless killing. I have written our legislators in Lansing stating my opposition. Perhaps we should consider replacing legislators who admit they are not qualified to do what we sent them to Lansing to do - listen. That's what I'm thinking of doing when the next election is held. M. E. Shaffer
• I would like to note that 15 of the 20 people [who signed the petition] are corrections officers for the state and most are avid deer hunters. But they are against dove hunting too. So it's not an anti-hunting issue in Michigan. KEEP UP THE FIGHT! Joe B.
• How to wipe out the mourning doves! Good lord, where are our priorities and our common sense? Is this all our legislators have to waste the taxpayers money on? They need to leave the poor mourning doves alone and concentrate on much more important matters. Joanne M.
• I'm very interested in this and feel the need to be proactive, because killers of doves WILL return. Joyce J.
• I think it is a poor introduction to hunting ethics, teaching children that living things can be killed just because they make good targets. Both hunters and non-hunters need to have their voices heard regarding issues that affect public property and resources that belong to ALL of the states residents. The only way our legislators can represent us is if they hear our voice. We should also let them know they may lose our vote if they fail to represent us on issues that are important to us. Mindy S.
• It is with foolish nonsense that those who act like spoiled brats who don't get their way, disparagingly criticize mourning dove defenders as "emotional" for loving a gentle bird of peace, enjoying their presence, and opposing their needless slaughter...when these preposterous extremists are entrenched in emotions: greed, lust, fear, and indifference. Jack S.
• Killing mourning doves for food, is ludicrous; for sport, a sad commentary; and for any reason, UNNECESSARY! Doris D.
• There is no better model for us than these humble creatures. Each of us is called to live as they do: to live out our purpose for being here on this earth, being well grounded and spiritually expanded. It is my hope and prayer that we will be blessed with the gifts of the wisest among us--the sacred doves of the wild. Rev. Daniel M.
• They attempt to label birders "anti-hunting" for wanting to KEEP the dove a protected songbird - that is unreasonable and they are extreme. Alice & Hugh E.
• The majority of MI residents have said it BEFORE and will say it AGAIN and AGAIN...No to hunting doves! There is no sound scientific reason to hunt the dove, which is what Proposal G and the DNR are suppose to be about, right? Judy B.
• The Mourning Dove is cherished by the vast majority of Michiganders. Those who choose to add this songbird to the list of the other unfortunate birds who are killed are in a small minority, they talk big because they have ample $ from special interest groups. But, they forget we all cast 1 vote each. Powerful! Jim D.
• It is wrong, wrong, wrong to kill a dove. That's not hunting and we don't want a bunch of city fools coming up here and shooting doves. We'll close our land to ALL hunting. Herbert S.
• As America mourns the tragedy of acts of cowardly terrorism on home soil, Representative Susan Tabor's legislative priorities are focused on killing Michigan's bird of peace. What is wrong with this woman? I'm angry and disgusted! Tameka K.
• Those who support dove hunting characterize those who oppose dove hunting as "extremists", part of a society of "whining idiots" bent upon destruction of our historical hunting culture. This is argument by epithet. Roger L.
• Doves are a symbol of peace and provide much joy to those of us who participate in the most popular hobby in the U.S. - birding. Robbin R.
• I oppose any dove hunting in Michigan. I have hunted doves in the south for many years. It is not unusual to see many hundreds feeding in a single field there, you do not see that here. Michigan does not have that many doves. Michigan also does not see the hatches per year or migrant doves as they do in the south. Not in Michigan! Dr. Richard S.
• The Michigan Audubon Society had a booth at the Detroit Zoo for Earth Day. My daughter, Margaret age 11, was told of the petition, she took it to school and had all of her friends sign it. Lori H.
• To those who think that dove hunting is the "ultimate challenge" I suggest you try "hunting" doves with a camera. If you think blasting them out of the sky is a challenge, just try to get a good, close-up, in focus, properly exposed photo of a Mourning Dove in flight. Jackson A.
• There is no public need or benefit for a dove season in Michigan. When determining whether a protected species should be hunted for recreation, there should at least be a management "need" such as overpopulated, harmful to agriculture, etc...shooters have not demonstrated any need and there is no economic benefit because they admit they are cheap to hunt. Therefore the wishes of the majority, who "pay" to feed live birds, should be respected. Jamie J.
• My first feeling is sadness, then anger, then disgust with anyone who has a hand in trying to massacre the doves. Marna W.
• I can't think of a more ridiculous sight than some big, hulking, beer-bellied guy with a cannon blasting away at what are essentially sitting ducks. You might just as well go hunting in an amusement arcade. There's no skill in such hunting. K. Handyside
• In spite of huge cuts that must be made in Michigan's budget, the state House has time to pass a bill allowing hunting of mourning doves. What is worse is that the House added $350,000 to the bill to make sure the citizens will not have an opportunity to vote on this, as they know it would be soundly defeated. The money the House is willing to spend on mourning dove brochures would be enough to pay the salaries of several teachers, provide much needed services for the mentally ill, or fund MEAP scholarships for 140 students. Jack B.
• As a hunter myself, I am appalled that our state House committee approved a bill to hunt mourning doves. Are we running out of things to kill? Will robins be the next thing we'll hunt? The DNR complains that the number of hunters is dropping every year and I wonder why. Where is the hunter's ethics? The bill is a scam. Barney E.
• Even if you shot it properly, without damaging the tiny breast muscle with toxic lead shot, and ate the entire bird - from head to tail, including feathers and feet - I still wouldn't consider that a human food source. And I don't like the idea of eating songbirds like shrimp, as Tabor suggested. The breast flesh of a bird of peace doesn't belong on the end of a "toothpick!" MA Smith
• I am not an anti hunter but I am against shooting the doves. Rob, NRA and MCRGO Member
• It's outrageous that with the severe budget problems in the State of Michigan, an appropriation would be made to promote killing mourning doves. There can be no valid reason to hunt this small bird - unless you count the thrill of killing something totally harmless. Larain M.
• I am really concerned about the hunters who want to kill doves. They are beautiful songbirds that make gentle sounds and brighten everyone's morning or day.The people who want to kill doves - when seen on TV - seem to be ACTUALLY DROOLING over a dead dove. What's next? Maybe in the winter a nice breast of snowbird? In the summer the wings or legs of a robin or maybe a wren? Please do what you can to discourage this totally unnecessary killing of songbirds. John A.
• I have a lovely Dove feeding outside my window as I type this...Please do not hunt these song birds...N. Michelson
• I believe that a hunting season on the Mourning Dove in Michigan would be totally unnecessary. The Doves have been protected as songbirds for many years. To suddenly open fire on them after they have trusted us, would be inhumane. This is all about the sport, and the thrill of the "kill". B. Meyers
• I've hunted for 43 years, and this legislation does me no good and more than a little harm. Not only am I not interested in hunting doves, this legislation, and especially the shameful way it's been handled, will further reduce the number of landowners willing to allow hunting on their property. So, to our representatives (including my own, Susan Tabor), I say: "Thanks for nothing." Let's hope the Senate shows a little more sense. David B.
• Those gentle birds don't bother anyone. These men who like to kill small animals for fun should GET a LIFE and go hunt terrorists in Afhganistan. J Hulett
• This bill does nothing to improve the non-hunting public's perspective of hunting. In fact it casts hunters in a bad light and is damaging to their image. The vast majority of the Michigan public views the mourning dove as a songbird, not a target for hunting. Mourning doves are enjoyed by millions of residents in their backyards. Just because these birds are hunted elsewhere is no reason for them to be hunted in Michigan. According to a public opinion survey by EPIC/MRA, a majority of the State's residents, including 54% of hunters surveyed, opposed the hunting of mourning doves. There are plenty of other species for hunters to shoot in Michigan." REPRESENTATIVE Clarence Phillips
• In our world today there is so much hate from people, We need to learn love, and peace from The Peace bird " THE MORNING DOVE, "   DON"T HATE   leave wild life alone,  let them live,  life is a gift to them as it is to us.   Who ever is for this law to hunt morning doves,  I Pray that in their next live They come back as the mourning dove. D. Foyt
• Believe it or not, we are evolving as a society and whereas slavery, wife-beating, etc. were once socially acceptable, the time when sport hunting is socially acceptable will also be a thing of the past, eventually. It seems to me that hunters who want to prolong their sport would do well to steer away from pushing such a hard to swallow and socially polarizing issue as dove hunting. You're accelerating it's end! Rick M.
• Dove hunting should never be allowed in Michigan.  Keep your VETO promise Ms. Granholm. Marni H.
• This famous quote sent by Diane M. "Heaven is by favor; if it were by merit your dog would go in and you would stay out. Of all the creatures ever made (man) is the most detestable. Of the entire brood, he is the only one... that possesses malice. He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain." Mark Twain
• Sadly, this country is now being run by the desires of a few. A small handful now make all the decisions in this country, and our elected officials pay no heed whatever to the majority. S. Ross
• Governor Granholm I hope you honor your promise to take the KILLING of the Doves to the public for a vote. I would think in these troubled times we have more to worry about then the killing of  Doves, a symbol of peace...ironic isn't it?...that some want to kill a symbol of peace in these trouble times. T. Bec.
• We all enjoy our local mourning doves, they are of no nuisance and shooting them seems cruel and unnecessary! The fact that this will be affecting part of our local network of backyard birds is too close to home. We all hope Governor Granholm vetoes this bill, from what we know of her, it would be out of character for her to go along with this, whatever the trade off. Joe Y.
• I do not understand the purpose of shooting a mourning dove. Just for target practice? That's pretty sick! I thought a dove was a symbol of peace! What other bird is next on the list? Brian A.
• HB5029 must be vetoed by Gov. Granholm. It is destructive to the environment. Toxic lead shot will be deposited wherever hunting is allowed. This lead shot is absorbed into earthworms, to shrews, to American Robins, raptors, upland birds, and works its way all the way up the food chain to humans. This lead will also leach into ground water. Gov. Granholm must keep her promise and veto this bill. Judi
• When will we learn? The violence we commit against the innocent will be committed again and again. The only way to end it is to end it. Start here. Start where you stand. D. Hardy
• If Granholm signs the dove hunting bill, then she has proven to me and many others who voted for her that she has no integrity! She made a campaign promise that she would veto any dove hunting bill and now she is wavering. That is a sign that she is weak, indecisive and incapable of keeping her word. If she's looking for votes in 2006, she will not receive any from those of us who thought she would keep her word. She never had the votes from the radical hunters in the first place. A. A.
• As we get further and further away from hunting during our evolution as a people, we will come to see how cowardly an act shooting a gun at a defenseless living being truly is. K. Blackman
• Mourning Dove hunting contradicts the values of what hunting is all about. These little birds move slowly and represent little or no challenge to shoot. They can barely be conceived as a source of food and though plentiful, represent no threat to ecological balance. With no real sport involved, hunting Mourning Doves is killing just for the sake of killing. Chris B.
• There's no meat on these birds - what's the point of hunting them? If you want target practice, shoot skeet. NM Porter
• Its a shameful state of affairs that there is debate regarding the hunting of doves. It is symbolic of our relationship with nature that we would look at the blasting of small birds with shotguns and attempt to rationalize it with science. If the ecosystem is so screwed up that the dove species "needs" us to shoot them in the millions nationwide to maintain their health, maybe we should look at the underlying causes. Its pathetic really that someone would get pleasure out of doing this. Bradley B.
• For a so-called "civilized" society, we certainly don't display the morals of one. I love how people describe other countries as "uncivilized." I'm sorry, but if you're shooting at Doves, what are you? Give me a break! Don't people have anything better to do with their time than kill innocent creatures? Yilania
• I really didn't care one way or the other prior to this issue, just watched it because it was so hot in the papers. Now I say NO HUNTING! We're going to close our farms to ALL hunting now. I'm not supporting this behavior or mentality. Their little "victory" loses with us. I find this very interesting. I am NOT impressed with the so called "sportsmen" of this state! Who "learned em how to tawlk"...and spell...not to mention grammar. They are aggressive, defensive, offensive, rude, vulgar, and in-your-face. Steve and Taylor K. (and family)
• There is no wildlife management reason to shoot them, they are not practical to eat, it would purely be killing for fun--the most degenerate kind of hunting. And it would mean the deaths of hundreds of thousands of lives, a far greater number than deer or rabbits killed. Moreover, so many are never retrieved, thus often dying prolonged, painful deaths from their injuries. There's just no responsible way to frame it. N. Mohr
• Hunter- vs. hunted-equity aside, the issue is an elected official who promised the voters she would veto this bill. It takes courage to stand up to folks with guns who like to use them, but that's integrity demands courage. Governor, forget the rhetoric on both sides. Stand up for what you believe in and people will respect you for it. On the other side of the  ideological aisle, Ronald Reagon did just that. Even people who didn't like him or where he stood on the issues respected him for refusing to buckle under pressure. Dante L.
• Why do we need to have another animal to shoot? For target practice? This probably has to do with money collected for licenses--the governor lied since she said she would veto it--does every one in government lie? J. Bergsman
• I do plenty of hunting - when it is necessary for management or my dinner table. Dove hunting serves neither purpose. Veto the bill. Zach C.
• The question of whether or not the Governor should sign the Dove Hunting Bill, but rather one that comes down to ethics and honor. Will our new Governor stand-by her word and veto this bill or will she ignore the will of the majority and desperately try to find a way to rationalize going back her her word to veto this bill? Her decision will tell us what this new Governor is made of and if she is worthy of a second term. S. Carlton
• CLUELESS FREAKS!! Ur stupid. Yall liberal freaks are simply not getting it. The birds dont screach when shot. We dont shoot doves in Forests people. This just shows me how clueless u anti's r and r thinking with ur bleeding hearts and not ur brains. The facts r here people. But Ya'll wouldnt know that because these r facts, and u guys dont know or have any of these. Please quit spewing ur liberal, anti huntin, tree-huggin, democratic crap w/o having any facts or knowledge on anything about hunting, especially doves. They r not "song birds". I mean god, all they do is cooo. U guys have no good arguement for us to not hunt them, NONE. U cant say their too small, u cant say the bible contemds it. Ya'll r goin by ur bleeding hearts, not ur brains. Chris H.
• Makes all hunters look like kill-crazy nuts. Let's keep this a songbird. And I am a very big time hunter. Gr8scout
• What is wrong with this picture!! Has this Gov lost her mind. I have Mourning Doves in my yard and enjoy them so much! What is this all about anyway?? This is so stupid an idea I can hardly believe it. Why pick on the sweet Dove? That's is for this Gov, won't vote for her next election, she has lost all respect I once had for her!! Whats next, take away benefits for the old, young and poor?? Oh ya, she did that already!!! Joanne
• The fact remains, the majority of Michigan's nonhunting population do NOT want a dove hunting season. Gov. Granholm should keep her campaign promise and veto it. Marilyn P.
• Thank God that Ted is just an aging crackpot whacko and Susie is term limited! Bye Bye. I will miss seeing Ted telling me how good Dove tastes. Question, does that recipe include all the birdshot that you will be biting into if you think you are going to get any meat off of this beautiful tiny songbird? Billie
• A small contingent of hunters are out to legalize the slaughter of mourning doves again. They want $350,000 to develop brochures to assist hunters in identifying mourning doves. There is NO sport in killing mourning doves. Legalizing them as game WON'T bring in massive revenues from people flocking here to kill them. Instead, lets spend the $350,000 to develop brochures to teach the doves how to identify Nugent and Tabor! Or better yet, stop wasting state dollars on this when a budget crisis exists. Marion M.
• Please do whatever you can to halt the progress of this bill to allow a season for doves. Although I am not a hunter, I am married to one and friends with many and they all tell me this bill makes no sense from a hunter perspective. Most people who shoot doves do so for 'fun' and target practice, not for food and none of them evern heard of any hunters traveling to another area to shoot doves, despite what some people seem to be saying. VM Anderson
• I am appalled that the occasional mourning doves I enjoy so much at my bird feeder has the chance of becoming a game bird or 'target practice' for hunters. I have hunters in my family so I am not totally against hunting, but where does it end? I feel strongly on this matter and will be paying attention to which way my representatives vote. Pat B.
• It's clear this state government's priorities are completely out of focus. But that's OK right? Instead of dealing with the state's real issues, we get to watch "he-men" slaughter a little bird in the name of a primal need or so-called hunger. George M.
• Is there a more divisive issue we hunters could bring up at this time? The general non-hunting population here in Michigan has proven they just do not support a dove season. We do not have that tradition here in Michigan, nor the great huntable population of birds. What we have is a population of non-hunters who don't and never will understand why anyone wants to hunt those lovely little doves. It's my opinion that we take a hit every time this dove hunting issue comes up. G. Scout, Michigan Hunter
• Why kill gentle songbirds? If people want target practice, encourage shooting clay. While we are at it-- are bird watchers aware there is a season on rails? Marietta K. PhD
• I can't believe that legislators are willing to spend thousands of dollars and hours to get a bill passed that already has been voted down by the citizens of Michigan. Are we being overrun by the dove? Are Doves causing us harm in any way? Or, are legislators pandering to people that try and prove their manhood by killing. To kill a beautiful bird for the sake of KILLING is barbaric at best. "Very Sporting!!" I watch elected officials, what they stand for and how they vote when I go to the poles. Tommie B.
• I have personally emailed everyone and I'm praying that 'the Society' has enough clout to stop this evil and insane Bill! The idea of 'legalized' dove killing has pushed me into a deeper depression. With God's help maybe sanity will prevail. Best Wishes to all Nature lovers! Frank Z.
• Very opposed to dove hunting and desperately want to help. G. Kneller
• I wonder how soon it will be before the GUN slingers will push for legislation to permit hunting: Bluejays, Cardinals, Woodpeckers, Robbins, bluebirds, Sparrows, Chick-a-dees, Finchs, Humming birds, Wasps, Honey bees, Lady bugs, and whatever remains before they are HAPPY?? Arne H.
• Thank you for all your efforts. I have lived in this state for 32 years and believe me I am totally disgusted and am going to relocate not just because of this one particular issue but on many things. The mentality of people that I am experiencing day to day and year to year is depressing. The Dutch in my area (Grand Rapids & Holland) are the most two-faced people that I have ever come across in my life and I am sick of it. They have a double standard for everything. Bonita B.
• Pressing to hunt mourning doves shows that hunters really are bloodthirsty killers. Hunters spend a lot of money so they can terrorize the population and victimize helpless, harmless animals: not for the meat but for the lust of killing. Why else would they go after a four-ounce mourning dove and leave headless deer carcasses behind? That the House would approve this plan to make hunting mourning doves legal tells me that the bloodless and greedy have united. T. Waterford
• It is unethical to hunt mourning doves. The dove is a symbol of peace and by extension, love. We debase ourselves as creatures especially when we prey upon the defenseless. We should protect the meek and mild, regardless of which form our brothers and sisters take. We should show kindness, reverence for life and all encompassing desire for peace and love. M. Owen-Fekete
• The character of our Legislature is being tested by the budget crisis, and so far it's failing. Since when do we stop doing what is best for the people of Michigan, just to make a little money? Tabor wants to speed action on the dove bill. Given time, Michiganders might become angry that some legislators are ignoring the voice of the people who elected them. Wendy S.
• We live in the country and are fed up with problems hunters have caused on our land. Give them yet another species to hunt and our problems are sure to increase. Where are our property rights? We pay taxes, too! This bill is an extremist takeover attempt by the hunting interests to "own" and control Michigan's wildlife. Call or write your lawmakers and ask them to oppose HB 5029. J. Gansen
• Susan Tabor is at it again, trying to rush through a dove-hunting bill. After getting a 38 percent pay raise, she is now using the dove-hunting-for-revenue bit to help balance the budget. How kind of her to be so concerned about the budget, now that she wants to pitch her bill again. If she truly wants to balance the budget, she should be encouraging her cohorts to give back their raises. How much more inhumane are these people going to prove themselves to be? C. Bell
• I am oppossed to any hunting season that would endanger or actually kill the bird of peace. I think our government, Michigan's government is wasting it's time voting on a hunting season for the bird of peace. I doubt any of the Reps or Senator's we have voting on this issue mentioned it during their campaigns. Rachel M.
• It is no wonder those who want to shoot doves seem so dense, they are eating birds contaminated with toxic lead shot from their own guns. I say let them eat them, natural selection will weed them out and make them go away in about 100 years. Of coarse, after seeing in the status reports and the declines of 100 million in the last 30 or so years, doves might go the way of the passenger pigeon by then. D. Granson
• I am astounded that anyone could think that the mourning dove should be considered a game bird. If this legislation is passed, it would allow one more thing of beauty to be slaughtered. These innocent creatures do not deserve it, they bother no one, and they are quiet, lovely and nonaggressive. Shame on those who want to kill them. Joanne H.
• Rep. Susan Tabor and her "dove militia" say the mourning dove is a challenge to kill. If this group truly needs a challenge, it should insist that Tabor work as aggressively as she has on the dove bill by cooperating with the governor to solve our state's financial mess. If she really likes to see her name in the newspaper, this would be a better issue to pursue, and it would serve all people of the state. A. Lawrence
• I don't care either way on dove hunting in Mi. We don't have the right to do it now, so if it doesn't pass we don't lose anything. I've shot my share plus another 100 peoples share while in South Africa and you have to shoot a bazillion of them to have a meal. I just don't see a point in whacking 10 of them in Mi. T Canddis, Michigan Hunter
• I am sick of reading about people wanting to hunt the beautiful, gentle mourning doves. Don't hunters already have enough to kill? What kind of satisfaction can one get from shooting such a gentle creature? It certainly couldn't be for the food. Let's teach our children and grandchildren how wonderful God's creatures are and how much joy and peace they bring into our lives. We need to preserve these birds and their soft cooing, which is so beautiful and calming. Cathy Kuban
• This wasteful and inhumane bill and Rep Susan Tabor (R-71) is attempting to push it through with back door "dealings" that undermine the voice of the people. There are many more important issues facing families in Michigan than adding a shooting season on a designated and protected songbird.  The $350,000 appropriation that Rep Judy Emmons (R-70) attached to this bill that, by design, blocks the peoples right to vote on this issue, should and could be much better utilized than to promote the killing of Michigan's Bird of Peace. Karen A.
• I have read Rep. Tabor's comments about doves being like potato chips - once you start eating them, you can't stop - and I have watched Kayne Rovinson and his NRA band of rabidly "hungry." Need I remind the Christian community that the dove has long been our symbol of both the Holy Spirit and of peace? This is nothing more than an attempt to legalize live and barbaric target practice against innocence. M.R. David
• Dove hunters complaining about emotional appeals against the proposed hunt are quite a laugh. There is also no biological reason to have such a season. Mourning doves control their population naturally without any help from us. They do not cause car accidents or damage crops. Larry V.
• They are peaceful, loving birds. They sit on branches or on bird feeders with their mate in my backyard and I love to feed them along with other song birds. I don't feel we should shoot these birds. The hunters have enough seasons to shoot other animals and game they don't need this. Pam D.
• Why hunt this bird when it is so small you wouldn't get any meat out of it. Kat, Grade 5
• The Mourning Dove should not be hunted because it is part of God's creation, and because it is part of nature, and everyone is part of nature so they are just like family, and that is why we should not hunt them. Eddie, Grade 5
• People  should not be allowed to hunt the morning dove because it is a holy animal. Jason, Grade 5
• I've watched these birds in my yard for several years now. They are little caretakers. They don't massacre their babies, they nurture them. Somehow, I believe they are higher up on the ladder of life than we have been led to believe. I think there is a lot to learn from the "lowly" mourning dove. B. Van Snepson
• I see right through the reason for this new hunting season and quarry. With state Sen. Mike Goschka's backing, greed rears its ugly head once again. It's just the old-boy network going on again, and it is no excuse to go around killing birds that are extremely passive and make a lovely cooing sound. A. Brennan
• I'm upset that grown men say "it's a trill to hunt doves," What hunt? The bird coos and likes people. The hunter is big and armed with a gun. S. Blias
• They claim that hunters bring in money to Michigan. However there is another contingent of people who bring in money. And they do it all year round and not just during designated seasons. They are called birdwatchers. They buy expensive equipment and travel all over our state just to look at birds. They stay at motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, or camp all over the state. They eat at the restaurants and drink at the bars. They go to bookstores and buy bird guides. They buy park passes. They vote. M. Wyatt
• If HB 5029 or any other legislation that would allow mourning doves to be shot in Michigan becomes law, a 100-year experience of waking on a spring morning to the soft mournful voice of these gentle birds will be gone. J. Blakeman
• Adding doves to the roster of game animals will not bring a huge influx of new hunting permits or any other significant income to the state. The only reason Rep. Tabor has been given permission to run with this issue by her party leadership is that it diverts the populace from the budget. And yes, issues only get this kind of press coverage with (Republican) party backing. Patrick O.
• Instead of hunting mourning doves, let's turn the would-be hunters of doves loose on a more challenging quarry, ground moles. The hunters could dress in their favorite camouflage outfits, paint their faces, lie in the grass or weeds for hours waiting for that perfect specimen. They could use all their tracking skills and a whole new industry of baits, weapons, dress and how-to books would soon follow, thus helping our economy. Roger S.
• How can anyone in his right mind want to kill doves? To quote Webster's Dictionary: "Doves have a quiet cooing cry, the dove is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of peace." Doves are small, gentle, peaceful birds. How can anyone want to hunt and kill these sweet, innocent little creatures? You'd have to be sick or cruel. Dolores T.
• I wish to express my full and earnest support for Rep. Susan Tabor's proposed legislation legalizing the hunting of ... passenger pigeons. As all are well aware, there are billions of passenger pigeons darkening our Michigan skies. With such an abundance of passenger pigeons, no one can argue that there aren't plenty for the taking. They make great sport targets, are the perfect introduction to hunting larger game for boys and girls, and are delicious eating. I've had it with bird-hugging crybabies. Start shooting passenger pigeons, now! Mark R.
• I am one of many Michiganders opposed to hunting mourning doves. State Rep. Susan Tabor has been relentless in her pursuit of shooting this peaceful songbird. A great deal of time and money has already been spent on a bill few seem to want, yet Tabor wants to spend $350,000 to produce a dove hunting brochure. Perhaps Senators will listen to their constituents where Representatives have not. M. Whitinger
• The thought is a sad day for many senior citizens who find so much pleasure feeding and watching the mourning doves in their backyard feeders, if the doves will no longer have their safe haven of the state of Michigan from being gunned down by those hunters who seek to eliminate more of our birds. K. Masternak
• “We will not be denied the Yum-yum” rally. The purpose was to intimidate the legislators for their vote. Several weeks ago, a message was relayed to me from a legislator to “back off” writing letters to the newspaper or else? Later, this same legislator contacted me by phone and confirmed the message. Why should I be deprived of my freedom of speech or press when hunters get the privilege to demonstrate? Why am I fearful? Mary B.
• The dove wouldn't be much of a challenge for a true sportsman. The dove is a symbol of peace. The bird's gentle manner, mournful call, and the whistling sound it makes when flying makes it a welcome guest at backyard feeders. Our song birds deserve our protection. We need to make our individual voice as strong . Eugene and Audrey D.
• I still fish and was a hunter for most of my life. What really makes me mad is the proposal by our elected officials in Lansing to slaughter our mourning doves. What will they want to shoot next - chickadees? grandparents?  I walk about four miles a day during the summer and find a lot of dead birds along the road that have been killed by cars. I would be glad to pick them up and deliver them free of charge to any hungry hunters. Francis K.
• I am so very upset about the representatives and senators voting to allow the killing of mourning doves. I feel that special interest groups have pressured them to ignore voters. One senator's [Goschka] rational for allowing the killing is that the birds don't live long in the wild so this is humane. Does that mean we should be allowed to kill everything?  How upsetting!!!!!!!!!  I have been bird watching and feeding birds for many years and I love mourning doves. I only hope if this passes that Gov. Granholm will not sign it. Tom D.
• I grieve to think that doves could be hunted. S. Van Houton
• Certainly, there could be no worse time for MI lawmakers to be promoting war on our peace symbol. However, the MI House has already passed HB 5029 which sets a kill season on mourning doves.  It's up to you, MI Senators, to bring some sense and compassion to the legislature by voting down this bad bill. J. Janicki
• Thank you to Songbird Protection Coalition for making this information available to those of us who DO NOT want Michigan to be a dove hunting state. I love watching the doves at our feeder. They become very tame and trusting. I will be glad to help in any way I can to defeat HB5029. Mary P.
• We live in the country in Michigan and are FED UP with hunters--both the ones who commit illegal acts and the "legal" ones who can hunt so close to houses (even in subdivisions) where kids and pets play outside--where are our PROPERTY RIGHTS since we pay taxes and more importantly where is the concern for little ones??!! Hunting is the only "sport" where people often get killed, injured, etc. And why should we have to put orange on ourselves and our own animals ON OUR OWN 20 ACRES for fear someone will mistake us for targets?? Or worry about asking our kids to walk down our drive to get the mail??? Annonymous
• We love watching the doves feeding in our yard and listening to their soft cooing in the morning. They are an ongoing symbol of peace for us and they are most definitely song birds and not "game" birds. Jeff & Juleen W.
• I am very upset about the possibility of dove hunting in Mi. I have made numerous calls and emails to senators,reps., and the Gov. and they still passed the bill. It seems the special interest groups and their money is going to force the Gov. to sign this into law. It is very frustrating. P. Duffy
• They sit on the phone lines and do nothing. They are no threat and should not be hunted. If people want to hunt doves, then go to Ohio. Doves are peaceful and deserve a sanctuary. Michigan is the state for that. Stephanie S.
• For several years I have read of the diminishing results of deer hunters, turkey hunters and pheasant hunters. If Doves were legal, I truly believe that within four or five years the hunters would be complaining about the dininishing numbers of doves. It seems to me the only thing not dininishing in all this furor is the quantity of hunters. Since they have such a driving need to kill, how about a hunting season on hunters. Cal N.
• Are NON-hunters going to be left without a voice - only to hear SHOTS? I as a citizen of Michigan am afraid that parks, backyards are going to be target ranges and take away from me the peace I hope to have in my own yard - As a Michigan NON-HUNTING citizen - where is MY voice heard - I pay taxes TOO. Mourning doves are not a menance - they seem only to be target practice to hunters that already have been permission to kill - for fun. Leave State of Michigan something peaceful. Audra L.
• I'm a 68 year old dairy man and have had to be up late at night and early in the mourning nearly all of my life. I spend most of the daytime hours outside. I think it is so peaceful to hear the doves cooing. My vote is no hunting the dove and I won't allow any hunting at all on my farms. Duane G.
• I went to talk with Susan Tabor who introduced it and got into an argument after I was told PETA and I support terrorism. He (the aide) had strong beliefs that PETA supports terrorism and any one who supports them do also [people who oppose shooting doves support terrorism]. I was not able to talk with Susan Tabor. Mitch G.
• I see where Sen. Jason Allen voted to allow the hunting of mourning doves. He is the Senator for our part of Michigan. I have emailed him to tell him that we respect his vote, and he'll have to respect the fact that we would NOT vote for him for any elected position in the State of Michigan. S. Wiegman
• Hunters want to selfishly steal nature away from the rest of us who are equally entitled to enjoy it and our lawmakers are helping them. It isn't enough that hunting is a cruel pasttime and unworthy of an evolved civilization. In order to make people listen, you have to express this violation of life in terms that benefit humankind. These doves have every right to enjoy the sun and being alive just as we do. We are supposed to be the caretakers of nature not the bane of all other life. We should all be ashamed. Annonymous
• We live in the country in Michigan and are FED UP with hunters--both the ones who commit illegal acts and the "legal" ones who can hunt so close to houses (even in subdivisions) where kids and pets play outside--where are our PROPERTY RIGHTS since we pay taxes and more importantly where is the concern for little ones??!! Hunting is the only "sport" where people often get killed, injured, etc. And why should we have to put orange on ourselves and our own animals ON OUR OWN 20 ACRES for fear someone will mistake us for targets?? Or worry about asking our kids to walk down our drive to get the mail??? Annonymous
• We love watching the doves feeding in our yard and listening to their soft cooing in the morning. They are an ongoing symbol of peace for us and they are most definitely song birds and not "game" birds. Jeff & Juleen W.
• I am very upset about the possibility of dove hunting in Mi. I have made numerous calls and emails to senators,reps., and the Gov. and they still passed the bill. It seems the special interest groups and their money is going to force the Gov. to sign this into law. It is very frustrating. P. Duffy
• They sit on the phone lines and do nothing. They are no threat and should not be hunted. If people want to hunt doves, then go to Ohio. Doves are peaceful and deserve a sanctuary. Michigan is the state for that. Stephanie S.
• For several years I have read of the diminishing results of deer hunters, turkey hunters and pheasant hunters. If Doves were legal, I truly believe that within four or five years the hunters would be complaining about the dininishing numbers of doves. It seems to me the only thing not dininishing in all this furor is the quantity of hunters. Since they have such a driving need to kill, how about a hunting season on hunters. Cal N.
• Are NON-hunters going to be left without a voice - only to hear SHOTS? I as a citizen of Michigan am afraid that parks, backyards are going to be target ranges and take away from me the peace I hope to have in my own yard - As a Michigan NON-HUNTING citizen - where is MY voice heard - I pay taxes TOO. Mourning doves are not a menance - they seem only to be target practice to hunters that already have been permission to kill - for fun. Leave State of Michigan something peaceful. Audra L.
• I'm a 68 year old dairy man and have had to be up late at night and early in the mourning nearly all of my life. I spend most of the daytime hours outside. I think it is so peaceful to hear the doves cooing. My vote is no hunting the dove and I won't allow any hunting at all on my farms. Duane G.
• I went to talk with Susan tabor who introduced it and got into an argument after I was told PETA and I support terrorism. He (the aide) had strong beliefs that PETA supports terrorism and any one who supports them do also [people who oppose shooting doves support terrorism]. I was not able to talk with Susan Tabor. Mitch G.
• I see where Sen. Jason Allen voted to allow the hunting of mourning doves. He is the Senator for our part of Michigan. I have emailed him to tell him that we respect his vote, and he'll have to respect the fact that we would NOT vote for him for any elected position in the State of Michigan. S. Wiegman
• Hunters want to selfishly steal nature away from the rest of us who are equally entitled to enjoy it and our lawmakers are helping them. It isn't enough that hunting is a cruel pasttime and unworthy of an evolved civilization. In order to make people listen, you have to express this violation of life in terms that benefit humankind. These doves have every right to enjoy the sun and being alive just as we do. We are supposed to be the caretakers of nature not the bane of all other life. We should all be ashamed. Anonymous
• I have hunted for over 45 years and have taught over 2,000 individuals (mostly kids) hunter safety. In these harsh economic times it is foolish to add another $350,000 appropriation for something that won't get paid back. It would take over 2500 NEW (additional) licenses to make up the difference or the sale of over 500,000 boxes of shotgun shells to generate enough tax to pay for this appropriation. Richard S.
• I am already involved in saving the doves in MI, we thought we were out of the woods but it is up for a vote AGAIN. These birds do no harm whatsoever and are not destructive. What is the problem with leaving them alone? Hunting just for the "fun of it" is inhumane and cruel and supported by idiots!!! Just my opinion and that of many others! W.M. Little
• What fun is there in watching a bird feeder and waiting for doves to land on it and shoot them? Why don't we just have robin, cardinal, and finch season while we're at it? Fred
• I am very worried about the little songbirds. I watched them at my feeder today, and felt sick at the thought of them becoming target practice for the "big hunters", looking for a thrill. I have been writing letters, making calls, and sent a letter to "the editor" of my local newspaper. Betty M.
• Sometimes it seems that if something moves it must be shot at. I see no reason to hunt doves. Dove hunting is just killing for the "fun" of it. Doves offer very little meat so I don't see they have any value as a food source. R. Fritz
• I am sickened by this bill and will certainly not be voting for anyone that supported it.  Lisa R.
• I talked with rep. Jamnick at her office in person and she said she was against it, I talked with Liz Brater's (senator) staff and they told me she is against it and I went to talk with Susan Tabor who introduced it and got into an argument after I was told PETA and I support terrorism. He (the aide) had strong beliefs that PETA supports terrorism and any one who supports them do also. I was not able to talk with Susan Tabor. Mitch G.
• I hope that you can help Gov. Granholm to stop this bill. Our mourning dove is Michigan's Bird of Peace. Florence C.
• They sit on the phone lines and do nothing. They are no threat and should not be hunted.  If people want to hunt doves, then go to Ohio.  Doves are peaceful and deserve a sanctuary.  Michigan is the state for that. Stephanie S.
• Please stop them from killing the doves. D. Gruetter, Ohio
• I see where Sen. Jason Allen voted to allow the hunting of mourning doves.  He is the Senator for our  part of Michigan.  I have emailed him to tell him that we respect his vote, and he'll have to respect the fact that we would NOT vote for him for any elected position in the State of Michigan. S. Wiegman
• I sincerely hope that the majority will rule and this bill will be defeated.  The Governor must honor her commitment to VETO this bill.  Gayle J.
• The ciizens of Michigan voted against the hunting of doves several years ago. Why do we have to keep teling these "shooters" to leave our beloved doves alone. Tabor is just blowing her own horn for attention.  Tell her to go home and cook a chicken and stop trying to stuff her killer instincts down our throats. S. Macina
• I am sick that they are considering to kill the doves. R. Myers
• We rarely see more than the two timid pair (one at our house and one at our office) that coo softly and always stay close together.  Sound like great sport to me! Let's see... 30% of the doves we see is about 2/3 of one bird. Get real Michigan. J. Carter
• I am appalled at the Michigan Senate for passing a law to kill Mourning Doves, they are the sweetest bird and hurt no one. I am remembering the people that voted for this law and I will not support them in the coming election. Mary S.
• I lived in Michigan more than 63 Years . I am TOTALLY opposed to the hunting of such a wonderful song bird as the Morning Dove. What kind of a person in there right mind would even think of killing such a small bird? Do they really think they are going to get some meat from this bird? I hardly think so. And by the way I have been a hunter myself and there is know way that I myself would lower my self to hunting the morning dove. Ralph A.
• It is inhumane and uncalled for, but then, what is to be expected from those who can only kill for "fun"killing the bird of peace and calling it "sport." They should just hunt each other if they need something to do. S. Lapham
• I love your website and your mission, I smiled as I read your descriptions. These birds add a sincere joy to my life, the thought of someone harming them by blasting their bodies out of the sky is heartbreaking. To enjoy the maiming and/or killing of a creature who is merely going about his or her business of survival is pure cowardice. We have much to learn before we can really call ourselves civilized. M. Chipman
• I am totally against this bill. I hope the names of all the senators who vote for this bill are published, so we, the little people, who pay their salaries, can vote them out. Barbara C.
• Three years ago, a male mourning dove adopted me. I've learned alot about doves from observing him. I've discovered that he makes 4 distinct sounds, depending on what he's trying to convey to me. He'll follow me around the house. He's become my friend and I hope he'll remain to be for many years. James B.
• Rep. David Mead. He had voted for HB 6147. He had numerous outcries from his constituents and has therefore taken a different view of the mourning dove. He has stated that he will not vote for an open season on the mourning dove, nor will he vote to give that authority to the NRC. Evidently we have representatives who respond to our concerns. David Mead will be running for a senatorial seat in 2002. Let's remember him as someone who listens and responds to his constituents. N. Mateer
• I am VERY much a hunter and sportsman. I cannot think of any valid purpose for hunting doves. They are too small to truly eat the meat that's left over from the wounds. Also, they are not an over populated animal. So other than a moving target, why do we need to hunt doves? MCRGO member, NRA member, Jon S.
• The mourning dove should have never been considered a bird to hunt. In the early 1900s when it was brought up to hunt them, the person, or persons, should have found the nearest psychiatrist and had their minds examined. Anyone hunting with a large gage shot gun would blow this bird apart. I am 68 years old and have done a lot of hunting in my time, these birds and others (woodcock) should be removed from the hunting list. Ronald J. P.
• I hope you can save the Doves in Michigan, we lost our effort to save them in Ohio. Betty Jean H., Ohio
• Our business caters to the backyard bird feeding hobbyist...fewer doves at the feeders would greatly impact our livelihood, not to mention the enjoyment live songbirds offer so many people. Ann L.
• I'm passionate about protecting the Mourning Dove as I am about all animals and the environment. Thank you for making this beautiful sight available to concerned people. There are currently quite a few birds that are hunted in Michigan, is it the goal of certain people to kill everything that tries to exist here? Aggie M.
• I have often wondered at the rewards involved in shooting a four ounce bird. After cleaning, it would hardly seem worth the effort. I suspect that substantially fewer may reach the table than are annually shot down. An open season on mourning doves was declared one year in Ontario, but such was the public outcry that it was not continued. In the northern parts of their range, mourning dove populations have a difficult enough time getting through the winter without having to endure a prior decimation in an autumn shooting season. J A Livingston, Canada
• I love blasting doves with my 12 gauge shotgun. Shooting these gray rockets is about the most fun you can have and Michigan hunters should be able to hunt doves too. Since they can't, they should start shooting people like you. I resent you...so go cry about something a little more important. N Bender, Pennsylvania
• The logic...they are "fun" to shoot...all for the wee rush of adrenaline when the trigger is pulled at a moving target...I find this shocking, cruel, illogical, uncivilized, unreasonable and wasteful! S K Richardson
• How barbaric is this? After you shoot them, there's not enough bullet-free meat to consume. What a "lovely" concept to teach the children. Anna M.
• Well, here's a view from a dove hunter. Once a year I go south of the boarder to hunt doves in Mexico...not to shock you bird lovers, but there is NO bag limit. In one morning or afternoon shoot we may bag 200-400 birds. The shoot can get so intense you need to wear gloves just to keep from burning your hands due to the heat from the gun's barrel. Chip W.
• My husband and I just had the great pleasure of observing a couple of mourning doves raise 2 baby doves in our hanging flower basket, here in San Clemente, California. They were here for about 4 weeks altogether and the little doves took flight for the first time last Saturday. My husband and I are both from Europe (he's French, I'm German) and we were fascinated with these beautiful birds (we don't have them in Europe). We came across your website the other day and we would like to salute you for your efforts in trying to stop the barbaric custom of hunting these wonderful creatures. Good luck for your mission and many thanks. Ellen and Olivier E., California
• There is no sound scientific reason to hunt doves! I'm also worried to learn doves are significantly declining, but that's what happens when you make "wildlife management" a business...decisions are based on what "certain" consumers may "want" vs. real dove biology. We have to keep Michigan safe for them! JT Snyder
• This continuous whining from dove hunters is ridiculous. CW
• Certain members of the legislature have the audacity to call mourning dove killing a "sport" and clean family "fun," everyone should question the unethical nature of this and the manor in which they continue to deceitfully ramrod this blood sport through the legislature - regardless of the repeated rejection by the majority of citizens. Kristine S.
• We looked up our Representative and Senator on the Roll Call Vote, we will be voting for the doves in the next election! Kevin, Kelly, Amber C.
• All doves are a gift from the heavens, a sign of trinity. I've lived all my life watching and feeding them, I noticed they always came in pairs, but until now never knew they mated for life. People give their children guns to kill for fun and then wonder why the world is as it is. Madeline D.
• I believe ALL life is precious. If "hunters" want fast targets they can join trap shooting clubs...I did! I would hate to see the mourning dove end up like the passenger pigeon. John P Jr.
• It seems to me that people shouldn't deprive endangered peregrines or other falcons and hawks of such a major source of food - mourning doves. Where does the hunting community think these doves "go" when they speak of a high mortality rate among doves. This is nature sustaining itself, mess with it and send a rift through the entire ecosystem. Betty M.
• Michigan has never had an 'outdoor heritage' of shooting mourning doves in the name of sport, in the name of hunting, or in the name of family fun. What ever Tabor wants to call it, it's a disgrace. Tabor is not representing her neighbors! No third term for her! R Leroy
• My teacher wants me to write a paper on a social issue in America. I showed my parents and they said I could be a member. Ashley M.
• As a former employee of the DNR I support the harvesting of deer and other legal game animals and birds. My son and husband are avid deer hunters. I certainly haven't noticed an abundance of mourning doves at the bird feeder. I certainly don't consider them a nuisance bird, they are in fact a delight to hear. Why use them for target practice, which is really the only "sport" they would provide? Susan A.
• Songbirds for food! Compared with this, making kindlings of pianos and violins would be pious economy. John Muir
• As a birder, I enjoy walking through wood edges and fields feeling safe observing birds, flora, and fauna. The allowance of mourning dove hunting will eliminate currently "safe areas" making them unsafe to all birders. Another month of enjoying Michigan will be eliminated from the walkers, hikers, and birders. Judith M.
• Dove hunters can be so irrational and emotional. The dove belongs to ALL of us, not "just" to people who want to shoot at them. They will have to find their "fun" in something else or contribute to the economy by taking a trip south. NJ Thomas
• There is no such thing as hunting doves, only killing doves. Calvin P.
• Never have I heard anyone mention the fact that doves are perching birds. I've seen them sitting on power lines and telephone lines, in rows. It's only a matter of time, if a shooting law goes into effect, some nut is going to shoot at them on the wires. Maybe the DNR should think about this. Bob D.
• There is not enough "meat" on a mourning dove to make its killing anything more than wasteful target practice. Ryan H.
• In our conflict filled world we should not be killing our symbol of peace. C. Anderlik
• I hate seeing the word dove and hunting used together, it only hurts the traditional hunting image in Michigan. The type wanting this legislation passed is not the real sportsmen - they are shooters, not hunters. That image is something Michigan hunters don't need to contend with, it will only decline our numbers further and turn the non-hunting public against hunting all together. GFS
• Let them label those who care as emotional. It's our emotions that make us humane. Jane G.
• When the majority of people oppose the killing of our beautiful songbirds, what does this tell you? There is no more beautiful sight to see doves at the feeders, they are a comfort which we need in these very cruel days. Please save the Mourning Doves! Georgette H.
• If a hunting season were established - I fear that there could be significant interference with fall migrations of warblers and other migrating neo-tropical birds. This is the time most of these severely threatened species move through the state, and additional hunting activity can only further disturb their fragile existence. Carl M.
• There is NO excuse. There is NO way to justify it. There is NO legitimate reason. NO TO KILLING DOVES! As a registered voter I say NOT in Michigan. Paula T.
• You guys are all wacked. Dove hunting is great keeping kids off drugs. Unknown
• It's a waste of taxpayers money and it's WRONG - just plain wrong!!! My three children also agree and are very concerned. Angela A.
• Today men are slaughtering animals for wicked reasons. Doves are slain for just the sport of it, a trophy of man's prowess. God looks on the heart and motives of men when it comes to how we treat His creatures and we shall be judged for it. B. Miller
• I'm opposed to the killing of doves also. I don't live in MI, but I've had what I believe to be the same pair of doves nesting around or next to my home for at least five years Currently, they are nesting outside my back door in a wall planter and I can't wait to get a picture of the parents feeding the babies! Karen M, South Carolina
• I understand the argument about the power lines, a lot of hunters wouldn't take that discretion and a shotgun would take down an electrical wire pretty easily. Jon O.
• How can some legislators totally fail to see why a legal songbird shouldn't be hunted. They claim they haven't heard compelling reasons why Michigan shouldn't have a mourning dove season. I say to them, because WE THE PEOPLE SAY SO and that's their job to represent the majority on issues put before the legislature. George S.
• Another fight over mourning doves will only serve to besmirch all recreational hunting in the public eye, anyone who thinks the mourning dove will be a "trophy" for the hunting community is dead wrong, we can't afford a "victory" like that. Jay R.
• They are delicious, and like shrimp, you just need several for a meal. Zippy
• I have done my share of hunting, game of sufficient size to make at least one meal at my table.  How many doves make a meal? At one time hunting was a necessity, and then it became a recreational way to obtain additional meat for the table.  I began hunting in the 1930s, and I still like to hunt. Hunting today is a privilege, not a right, and certainly not a necessity.  Along with that privilege goes some responsibility.  To hunt just to kill, or solely for trophies, is not acceptable.  You don't need additional targets, regardless of what has been done in other states. Delavan S.
• We must be diligent. The scene is strife, protecting Peace is a strenuous battle against ignorance and greed. It is true of the whole world. A. Nolan PhD
• The "Nuge" is the perfect spokesman for dove hunting...I can just picture "Meathead Ted" running around in the woods biting the heads off of doves. Someone needs to tell him he can't make up for his lack of talent or "size" that way. Sandy L.
• 30 years for the DNR, 16 years as a conservation officer...It is all about ego, ego, ego. Anything to get the kill. There is no thought to the quality of the outdoor experience or the skill required to be a hunter. Craig S.
• I am not against hunting. I don't know of anyone who has had the experience hunting doves but since they seem small, how many would one have to kill to get a meal? Also it seems like adding doves to the list of animals that can be hunted in Michigan would add strain to the DNR when they seem strained enough as it is. Unknown
• I am totally disgusted with the priorities of my representative. Tabor won't be putting her "neighbor" re-election sign in my yard next time. Tom F.
• Dove hunters use a lot of ammo for each bird they get. As an environmentalist, I don't feel the need to pack our fields in Michigan with lead shot. Ali K.
• They aren't good to eat. I hunt grouse and woodcock here in Michigan and I once hunted mourning dove in Texas. I won't hunt anything I don't eat and doves taste terrible! Anyone who has tried them for the first time knows and I was told its an acquired taste...they have a pungent sour citrus flavor. Bill R.
• We love all birds, especially the doves. We feed them all year round and enjoy their company on our deck. It is senseless to allow them to be used for sport. Thanks for the great website! Tom & Barbara K.
• I would like to comment on the annoying argument often put forth in favor of dove hunting; namely that mourning doves living in Michigan will be dead before the year is out, so hunters should be allowed to "harvest" them instead of letting them "go to waste." Such an argument shows the true arrogance as well as ignorance of ecology and the laws of nature. I don't see droves of dead doves littering our fields, woods, or backyards. Nature does not "waste" doves. D Applebaum
• There seems to be a gradual movement in this country toward a more humane and civilized attitude toward the non-human creatures that share our planet. I think the legislators have a moral obligation not to encourage barbaric cruelty. Janet M.
• Dove are good eats and while you decry that "one ounce of meat" as not being sufficient for a meal, when you add 10-12 others, it can. William J.
• The mourning dove should never be hunted. I would never vote for Susan Tabor or any legislator who supported her bill. Marie T.
• Does mankind have this urge to kill other life forms because they dread to contemplate their own mortality? Does life become more intense and meaningful knowing that the life force has been sacrificed in some other creature? There is a definite psychological malaise at work here; it is neither natural nor wholesome to destroy and maim. Keep up the good work. Dave G, United Kingdom
• Doves are symbols of the Holy Spirit in Christianity. Yet, in some states the mourning dove is considered the "#1 target." This is a tragedy of suffering for these gentle creatures and humanity itself. Frank & Mary H.
• I love to fish. I love to hunt. I just can't understand this one. Why would any sportsman want to kill a mourning dove? The only thing different from shooting skeet clay pigeons and shooting mourning doves is the movement. The doves present a more challenging target. Is this enough reason to kill them? Where is the sport in killing a small songbird just because it's fun? Eric W.
• We don't want our voices silenced by non-elected commissioners. While interest groups hover around them and presume first rights, where does that leave the rest of us? Commissioners need to be qualified with real credentials not just because they are friendly with the current Governor. D. Duncraft
• Unlike Rep. Cameron Brown, a lot of us do not look at mourning doves as objects to be consumed and destroyed, we look at them as an enhancement of our lives, for companionship, for something more satisfying than material acquisition. I. Piconne
• The intent of HB 5478 is dangerous. Allowing a commission, people you don't elect, exclusive and complete authority is insane. Some want to hand the power over just so they can get the dove. I am not happy with them and my vote will reflect that this fall. They need to have their temper tantrum somewhere else - out of public office. K. Thompson
• Hunting doves in Michigan is extreme. As hunters, we must learn to separate ourselves from the radical gun nuts, those who would oppose every common sense firearm or hunting restriction. Otherwise, we'll be lumped in the crackpot pile. Dale B.
• This (HB 5478) is a thinly veiled attempt to move legislation that has failed time and time again, an attempt to override the "people's" voice when they know there are not enough votes in the legislature to do it. It is bad representation and an affront to the people of Michigan. Chris K.
• I do not believe the legislature, who's members are elected by the people, should relinquish its historical responsibility to make decisions (HB 5478). Particularly in the era of term limits, I believe elected officials should be answerable for the positions they take, rather than abdicating to a board appointed by the governor. I feel strongly that the most effective government is government closest to the people. Rep Dave Mead
• The hunters of backyard songbirds are both laughable and despicable. Jospeh M.
• This is not an issue of Hunters vs. Anti-Hunters. This issue crosses way beyond those lines. The voters were led to believe with Proposal G that the NRC is made up of biologists who make decisions based on "sound science." The fact is the NRC has no scientists, they are often criticized for ignoring important research that is "inconvenient" to hidden agendas, and they don't have to listen or answer to anyone, not even to the biologists who advise them. Steve S.
• Why do some people think that dove shooting is a sport? Shooting doves we don't need. I will remember at election time! Irene R.
• The hunting cult going after our children through peaceful doves reflects how this group is truly disconnected as to what is important in a child's life and future well being. Clara R.
• I wear a necklace that my mother gave me, it's the bird of peace, a dove...it says on the back: "Toward a millennium of peace, follow this dove. To a world filled with beauty, harmony and love." A. Wong
• A dove shoot is a blast. Especially to get the kids to blast the little suckers. Unknown
• We have a couple of pairs of mourning doves in our neighborhood; one of the pairs comes into my yard to eat the sunflower seeds I put out. While I am an NRA member, I'm not a big fan of hunting unless it's for food or, possibly, population control. Long live the mourning doves! Tracey C.
• Silencing the 'coo' I shall be greatly saddened, were the soft, soothing "coo" of the dove be silenced by gunfire. Alice C.
• We are a family of four and wish to express our opposition to this so-called sport. We are not against hunting in general and have friends who hunt, but they are also against the hunting of the dove. Jack & Nancy L.
• Some people want to kill doves, some also like cock fighting, bullfighting, and dog fighting....all legal blood sport somewhere, but that doesn't make it OK here in Michigan. Gladys C.
• We whack em and stack em. I went on a field hunt in Ohio, our group bagged lots of birds and the same field that gave us the bounty is now barren as far as dove go but not to worry, they are awaiting a new stock of doves with Michigan accents! Buster
• I find the argument of this bird being used for target practice, especially for our children, deplorable. As an educator, I believe that children should not be taught to kill any harmless species for recreation. I do not believe my view to be "extreme," rather, that supporting "killing for the fun of it" to be the extremist point of view. William C
• This is a bird of peace, and in view of everything that's going on in our country right now, I would think that it would be political suicide to introduce a bill of this nature. I have talked with several hunters and non-hunters about this matter, the interest just isn't there! God bless the mourning dove. Clarence C.
• It is a shame so much killing goes on in this so-called civilized society fo ours. Let's not add the mourning doves to the list of victims. Howard S.
• Just because some of us don't believe in killing God's creatures for the sake of "sport" doesn't mean we are attacking anyone. Rep. Susan Tabor is the one who attacked the citizens of this state by stating that "if we didn't buy a fishing or hunting license that it was none of our business." I'm concerned about a lawmaker with that attitude. C. Bell
• A majority of voters made it clear several times that we do not want to legalize dove hunting. We really don't care if other states allow it. That's their problem. Al M.
• I strongly oppose any type of hunting in the State of Michigan. All birds and wildlife belong to the people of Michigan. 95% of the people do not hunt! Pete S.
• Our family has chosen the mourning dove as our favorite bird. We feed a large number of them. It has taken us many years to earn their trust. We staunchly oppose any Bill or Legislator who supports killing them or attempts to take away our right to protect them. Steven, Suzy, Betsy N.
• Please keep us on your list. We admire your sincere dedication to this issue, you have gone to great efforts. Sandra R.
• There is a special place in Hell for those who would use the mourning dove for target practice. Mike E.
• I am a hunter, as is my husband. Neither of us can understand why some people would like a hunting season for doves. I've heard all the arguments made by people who push this and they make no sense. I realize that many other states currently hunt doves, which gives us another reason NOT to. There has to be somewhere they can go to have a safe haven and raise their young. Annette & Ron K.
• Senator Dave Jaye: proud chairman of the Committee on Hunting and Fishing. He's been caught: race baiting, drunk driving, beating women, violating several other laws, misusing his official traveling privileges for personal hunting trips...if this is what a hunter or special interest Senator is today, we've got a lot of cleaning up to do and it starts in the voting booth. Malcolm D.
• This dove petition is great, everyone wants to sign it. Robin R.
• Hunting fraternities are after the future dollar, that's why they are going after doves, children are their true target and the next trophy "buck" happens to be green. JR Barkley
• It was a great relief to know of this coalition and that a forceful effort can/will be made to stop this pointless push to hunt doves in Michigan. One could hope that there might be some spin off in other states in stopping it for good. Ron & Ann K.
• The right to bear arms was given to us by our founding fathers and that right also was not intended to be abused. If radical gun activists want to use the dove to get to the kids young, they are way off base and they will lose support for what ever it is they really stand for. If they want to lose the real general public, just let them go after our doves. Pat F.
• Compassion is the foundation of the great religions of the world. It is of great tragedy, the falling of doves. It is a killing of spirit, a killing of peace with the loss of compassion and empathy. Prof. Norm P.
• The thought of these birds being killed because its "fun" makes me sick. Irma R.
• I was outraged at the sneaking in of that bill [HB 6147] after the election and before recessing a lame-duck session. That tactic was to try to stop public outcry and any recourse at the voting booth. What part of NO don't they understand and how many times do we have to say it? John L.
• I love seeing these peaceful birds come to the feeder. I thank God the Father for them; they help make it a good day. Rep. Tabor has it that they have hunting seasons in other states. They also have the death penalty and that doesn't mean we want it here. I will vote against anyone I can who votes to kill the mourning dove - they are a symbol of peace. Marilyn E.
• It was because of public objection to dove hunting that ALL attempts to legalize it were defeated. Sensitive to its constituents, the Michigan Legislature voted it down whenever a bill arose. If the authority were given to the NRC, the public would be deprived of its voice. Marie & Bob F.
• Susan Tabor must be really cold-hearted to want her kids to slaughter innocent tiny birds. What a "great" mother she must be to want her children to watch a tiny creature screech in pain while it vomits its lifeblood over the ground and flops in terror trying to get away. Unknown
• I consider myself a concerned citizen and bird hobbyist. I love the doves at my feeder. They know me and aren't even afraid anymore. I don't want people walking up to them and shooting them down. Kay M.
• You all need to get off your high horses and get real. Its my right to hunt WITH GUNS what ever I want. BOB
• Shoot doves and call yourself a hunter. Hahahahaha. But I guess when your parents are brother and sister you could think that way. Those aren't hunters and that's not hunting!!! Jimbo
• I cannot understand why hunters would target the bird. The only reason someone would shoot a dove is because they enjoy killing something. Jessica P.
• Several hunters have signed the petitions because hunting mourning doves will hurt the image of hunters more than it will help it. Allison H.
• Going through your site it saddens me to know that some people only feel they can enjoy the outdoors by consuming or taking from it doves in hand. Keep me informed. Gretchen P.
• I'm so glad to have someone out there keeping track of this. I don't have time to keep track on my own. Let me know when to call and email. Ron L.
• The way I see it, the gun lobby is trying to hide behind the hunters. It's the radical gun groups who are really pushing this, they say the Dove Bill is designed to help produce the next generation of gun owners and that getting the dove is important because they can use them to recruit and retain young people. Keep this in mind when they spout their rhetorical jargon. CJ Brown
• It is simply cruel and I believe that these birds should continue being protected. Emily Y.
• What does state Rep. Susan Tabor have against doves? I thought this issue was settled and the doves were safe.What's next? Chickadees? I would like to see this woman voted out of office. I would think she could find more important issues to work on than trying to kill innocent birds. Carol S.
• I'm 74 years young and I have hunted and fished in Michigan since 1947. True sportspeople do not want to hunt songbirds, that would be nothing more than target practice. None of my children or grandchildren (all adults) would ever consider shooting a mourning dove. Lenora A.
• I am a friend of mourning doves, I love mourning doves, they are wonderful eating. :) Rod
• I have been a gun owner and hunter for thirty years. I don't hunt for anything that I don't eat. If you want a season for doves just to have a target that bobs and weaves, your sick and in need of help. As a human being I feel a sense of loss for every animal I harvest. And I can't see taking the life of a little bird for a tiny amount of meat. So as a hunter I don't need a "victory" like this. MCRGO member, NRA member, JDB
• The world might be a better place if the military adopted the dove as emblem of its missions. Don B.
• I am an activist, a bird enthusiast and a concerned citizen. I want to see that the dove hunting issue is put to rest forever and we need to plan now because this will come up again. Candise S.
• Did you know that there are more mourning doves killed by so called hunters in this country than all of the other hunted species combined. That makes me sick! Erica G.
• I believe that hunting skills can be taught in other ways (e.g. clay pigeons) than teaching young people to shoot these lovely songbirds. It is important to build positive attitudes in hunters and I do not think hunting doves is one of them. Mary S.
• Here in Texas, we listen to them in the spring... blast them in the fall. That's what birds are for. Rod N. Texas
• Studies have shown beyond any reasonable argument that killing life has never taught the respect of life. Maggie M.
• The hunting myths are shattered and they are showing their true twisted colors in the mourning dove. It's not about feed the family, over population, or damage control. Their shallow claims are proving to hold no truth. Helga E.
• September 1. The first day of mourning dove season in Central Texas: the day that our big, brave, macho, male neighbors put on their camouflage gear and gather at the lake to blast away. I heard them just after dawn and not remembering that it was dove season, I drove over to the lake to see why all the shooting. In my opinion, there is no justification for this kind of hunting, these "fine sportsmen" don't eat their kill because the dead birds drop into the lake. For the last several years, these intrepid hunters have also shot our telephone wires as they attempted to kill the doves perched there. Fun, huh? Susan K., Texas

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