News

Dove Kill Bill Headed to Gov's Desk

Published June 8, 2004. By DAWSON BELL. Detroit Free Press.
Dove bill heads to Granholm

Legislation that would authorize state wildlife officials to open a mourning dove hunting season in Michigan for the first time in 99 years was approved in the state House Tuesday and sent to an uncertain fate on the desk of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Granholm has said in the past she would veto a dove bill unless it included, as this one does not, a provision for a public vote.

Last month, the governor and some hunting advocates attempted to reach a compromise that would set a limited-duration hunt in the southern tier of counties along the Ohio and Indiana borders.

A spokesman for Granholm declined comment Tuesday afternoon.

State Rep. Susan Tabor, R-Delta Township, the measure's chief sponsor, said she hoped Granholm would sign. "It's exciting that we've finally been able to get a bill to the governor. Now it's up to her," Tabor said.

Tabor said the legislation authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to set a mourning-dove hunt, and leaves game management decisions in the hands of professionals. The NRC could, she said, choose to establish a limited hunt.

But no public vote is needed, Tabor said. Opponents of the dove bill, including the Michigan Humane Society, said they would urge Granholm to veto. They claim she made a campaign promise to block any attempt to authorize dove hunting in Michigan.

If a hunt goes forward, Michigan would become the 41st state in the country in which mourning doves are legal game.

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