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Jennifer Granholm's Campaign Promise to Voters, February 2001
[via Humane USA and HEAL-PAC]:

Question: MOURNING DOVE HUNTING.

Mourning Dove Hunting: Since 1905, the sport hunting of mourning doves in Michigan has been illegal. Michigan citizens recognize that mourning dove hunting is not necessary to protect agriculture and that the shooting of these birds is little more than target practice for hunters. It is also known that Michigan is part of the doves' breeding range meaning the birds mate and breed here at all times of the year. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has not established that there is a overpopulation of doves here. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service studies have shown a decrease in their populations in this region. Over the decades, public opinion has been against hunting the doves and in favor of feeding and watching the birds at their feeders. Even the majority of Michigan hunters polled opposed dove hunting. Utility companies fear power outages from hunters shooting at doves roosting on power lines. If the legislature finally did pass a dove hunting bill, would you veto such a bill?

Answer: YES

Question: AUTHORITY TRANSFER.

Authority Transfer: In the 1980's the Michigan DNR and Natural Resources Commission (NRC) made an attempt to place mourning doves on the State Game List without going to the state legislature for approval first. The Michigan Humane Society challenged this in court and both the Ingham County District Court and the State Court of Appeals ruled against this NRC and DNR maneuver. The courts clearly stated that a major public policy decision, such as putting an animal on the Game List for the first time, must reside with the legislative branch of government. This branch is considered most representative of and responsive to the citizens of the state - who are also the owners of all wildlife. In 2001, legislation was introduced (but not passed) to transfer the authority to move animals on and off the Game List from the legislature to the non-elected, gubernatorial appointed NRC. If such a bill were passed by the legislature, would you veto it?

Answer: YES

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