News - Wildlife Management and the Political Agenda


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	Wildlife Management and the Political Agenda Why do the citizens of Michigan have to continually say no to this issue when it is an overwhelming majority NO? The pervasive influence of special interest and money strongly influence the political agenda of some of our legislators and the Natural Resource Commission. Dove hunters take advantage of the fact that state wildlife departments will receive dollars brought in by dove hunting licenses. While financial contributions of hunters is not voluntary, it is the force behind a system designed to ensure its consumptive use and financial perpetuation. If the citizens of Michigan said no in December 2000, will this issue be brought up again any time soon? You bet. In the January 11, 2001 meeting minutes of the NRC, less than one month of the Senate roll call vote on bill 6147, Carol Bambery, DNR Legislative Liaison, stated that the mourning dove issue will be revisited DURING 2001. In direct and blantant violation of the court ordered injunction and the public trust, the DNR and NRC continue to pursue and promote an open hunting season on mourning doves. What tactical positions are dove hunting forces of the NRA and MUCC, lobbyists, and some politicians taking now? On March 2, 2001 Ross Dykman, Moderator for the MCRGO was asked by a member, "Where's the "new" Dove Bill? Shooters are ready to contact their State Reps and State Senators this time." His response was, "Rep Tabor's working on it, not sure when she plans to launch it yet we've got to build up support for it among the gun owners and the clubs first." HB 4517 was introduced on March 22, 2001. If this bill can be taken at face value, it would remove two rails presently listed as game, which are no longer hunted because they are so rare. But, this bill is presently flagged as a potential vehicle for an attempt to hunt mourning doves by possible amendment to repeal the section of MCL 324.40110, which is what protects our right to participate through accountable representation. If that section is repealed, the NRC would automatically have complete control of the mourning dove. What will happen if the mourning dove hunting bill is passed or the section of MCL 324.40110 is repealed?? The NRC, consisting of only seven appointed commission members, will then have complete control over not only the hunting of mourning doves, but any other species they wish to designate "new" game in Michigan...taking away your right of elected accountable representation on ALL future wildlife issues of this nature. Do you personally have the time and resources to go to the NRC meetings each month in Lansing to represent your interests? Do you think your wishes will fall on deaf ears? How do you feel about "hunting" Cranes next? Do you think the NRC will care how "you" feel?

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