With all the important questions facing the Minnesota Legislature this year, you might think that they would have better things to consider than declaring open season on a songbird. But, once again, a proposal has been introduced to allow “sport” hunting of mourning doves in Minnesota, considered a neighborhood songbird and friend of the farmer by most. The mourning dove is a weed seed eater and is beneficial to farmers. In fact, studies show that over 62 percent of the dove’s diet is noxious weed seeds. Minnesota farmers will only have additional problems if dove hunting is allowed. In spite of the farm trespass law, hunters can legally pursue downed birds onto croplands, even without permission. The dove season would likely be held earlier in the harvest season than other hunting seasons, bringing hunters into the fields earlier than in the past. All this for less than two ounces of meat, leaving farmers only to fret and post their lands. Residents of our cities and towns who enjoy the visit of the mourning dove should be concerned about the effect of the hunting season on this friendly bird, which mates for life and is regarded as a symbol of peace and life. The public of Minnesota has never supported a dove hunting season. The Minnesota Legislature has defeated this proposal over 20 different times – this year should be no different. A dove hunting season will give another “black eye” to all hunters in the eyes of the public who enjoy and treasure this gentle bird. We urge you to contact your state representative and state senator to express your opposition to this poor idea. Concerned citizens, including sportsmen, farmers, bird watchers and civic leaders have joined together to stop this ill-based proposal. Membership in our organization is free and open to the public. Please contact Citizens for Doves, Box 752, Lakeland, MN 55043 or by e-mail at CitizensForDoves@aol.com for more information.
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