Concerned citizens throughout the state have recently contacted the Songbird Protection Coalition (SPC) regarding misleading and deceptive solicitation calls they have received to "donate to the mourning doves."

A "group" claiming to be the Michigan Mourning Dove Association has apparently hired telephone solicitors to call Michigan citizens and ask them for a donation of $50 with their credit card to the "charitable organization." People are told they cannot send a check to an address, they insist on your credit card information over the phone. When citizens question what this organization is about...what they do, an address, phone number, etc...the telemarketers are evasive and call themselves a "rescue organization in Lansing" and won't give specifics. If citizens mention the SPC or Michigan Audubon Society they are immediately hung up on by the solicitors.

As of this date, this group is not legally filed as a corporation, non-profit, or charitable organization within the State of Michigan...and because they hang up on people who ask for their license to solicit charitable funds, they are suspected to be a dove shooting group operating illegally and in possible violation of State and Federal laws.

If you have, or think you have, been approached for a donation or have donated to the Michigan Mourning Dove Association, please contact the SPC and/or the Attorney General's Office immediately. Your rights, the rights of other citizens, and the mourning doves must be protected!