News

Mourning Doves are Not Game Birds 

Published October 19, 2005. By Harold S. Riter, Editor. Ontonagon Herald. 
Mourning Doves are Not Game Birds

The issue of hunting the mourning dove, which has been protected in Michigan for the last 100 years is being discussed throughout the State.  

In November 2006, the voters of Michigan will be able to decide once and for all whether the officially designated Michigan State Bird of Peace is a songbird or a game bird. Though this small bird has been protected by law since 1905, legal dove hunting was conducted in six counties in southwest Michigan on a trial basis in the fall of 2004 from September 11 through October 30th. Fewer than 3,000 hunters purchased the $2 stamp which legalized "bagging" up to 750 birds for the season. There would seem to be a demonstrated lack of interest in hunting doves as a game birdthe only motivation to kill doves would be simply for wing shooting practice, an activity which is easily accomplished on the nearby skeet range.

A committee consisting of the Michigan Audubon Society, the Michigan Humane Society, the National Humane Society, and other local partnership groups began gathering petition signatures to put the issue of hunting doves on the ballot to allow the people to decide. Over 5,000 volunteers throughout Michigan collected petition signatures 159,000 were requiredand over 275,000 signatures were collected. There would appear to be overwhelming support for putting the issue on the ballot, most of which expressed the opinion that the Mourning Dove should continue to be protected.

When the petitions were certified by the Secretary of State, dove hunting was suspended for 2005 and 2006. In November of 2006; the voters will decide the issue at last. Many hunters helped collect petitions as hunting this small bird did not agree with their ethic of sportsmanship, fair chase, and their hunting heritage. There is no practical need to either shoot or manage this small bird, which many consider to be a friend of farmers for the fact that it lives largely on weed seeds. One hit with a shotgun, and there is nothing left to eatthey weigh 3.5 oz. which is hardly worth the effort of preparing them as a meal. The flavor of dark breast meat is somewhat bitter and most do not consider it pleasant to the taste. 

Dove hunting is legal in many other states, but this does not necessarily make it right. Because of its small size, other small birds can be mistaken for a dove.

Some contend that hunting doves will not damage the population, however, Mourning doves "pair bond." That is they mate for life. The mourning dove nests until mid October, and shooting the doves destroys the nesting unit. Both parents are active in nurturing the young so hunting doves could easily lead to destroying the dove population.

The real issue, is what we value as a society, and the ballot results in November of 2006 will determine how Michigan residents view the Mourning Dove. Voters are urged to vote "NO" on the hunting of doves. As this is a referendum rejecting an existing law which legalized the hunting of this bird, voting "NO" is the appropriate response to maintain the current policy banning the hunting of this unique Michigan songbird, the designated Michigan bird of peace.

Welcome | News
| Action Alert | Your Representation
| Roll Call Vote
| Facts | What Can I Do? | Contact | Your Comments

Copyright ©2005 - Songbird Protection Coalition
Questions or Comments about this site?  Email Us
Page Updated: 12/2/05