- Joined
- Mar 11, 2001
- Messages
- 70,011
- Reaction score
- 1,003
Opposition to bill banning dove hunting is mounting
Jim Matthews, ONS
3/26/03
SACRAMENTO -- The California state Fish and Game Commission joined a long list of groups and individuals opposing two anti-hunting bills that were introduced into the state legislature this year.
Late last week the Commission, which has set regulations for the state's wildlife since 1870, sent letters of opposition to the authors of Assembly bills AB 1190, which would ban the hunting of doves in California, and AB 342, which would ban the use of dogs when hunting all mammals, including bears, raccoons and rabbits.
"We believe the Commission has done an exceptional job in both protecting California's natural resources and providing our residents with hunting and fishing opportunities," said Michael Fores, Commission president who signed both letters. "We do not see the need to move outside of our existing processes at this point."
Hunter-conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Doves Unlimited, the California Waterfowl Association, Safari Club, and the California Deer Association, have all gone on record opposition the two bills.
One member of the Assembly Committee of Water, Parks, and Wildlife, which is slated to hear both bills on April 8 (rescheduled from March 26), said she had received "a stack of mail 10-inches high opposing the bill" to ban dove hunting, but only scattered support from animals rights groups.
"The authors of the bills have failed to provide a biological justification for either bill," said Dick Haldeman, the western regional director with Quail Unlimited. "Doves continue to be one of the most numerous birds in North America, and one of the most popular birds hunted in the state and country."
"The is the radical fringe of the animals rights movement trying to whittle away at hunting rights and the rights of people to who choose to eat meat -- of any kind," said Don Small with the Orange Country Chapter of Safari Club International.
Sportsmen have said that Assemblyman Joe Nation from Marin County has repeatedly failed to return phone calls or answer letters and e-mails asking for the rationale behind his bill to ban dove hunting.
Jim Matthews, ONS
3/26/03
SACRAMENTO -- The California state Fish and Game Commission joined a long list of groups and individuals opposing two anti-hunting bills that were introduced into the state legislature this year.
Late last week the Commission, which has set regulations for the state's wildlife since 1870, sent letters of opposition to the authors of Assembly bills AB 1190, which would ban the hunting of doves in California, and AB 342, which would ban the use of dogs when hunting all mammals, including bears, raccoons and rabbits.
"We believe the Commission has done an exceptional job in both protecting California's natural resources and providing our residents with hunting and fishing opportunities," said Michael Fores, Commission president who signed both letters. "We do not see the need to move outside of our existing processes at this point."
Hunter-conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Doves Unlimited, the California Waterfowl Association, Safari Club, and the California Deer Association, have all gone on record opposition the two bills.
One member of the Assembly Committee of Water, Parks, and Wildlife, which is slated to hear both bills on April 8 (rescheduled from March 26), said she had received "a stack of mail 10-inches high opposing the bill" to ban dove hunting, but only scattered support from animals rights groups.
"The authors of the bills have failed to provide a biological justification for either bill," said Dick Haldeman, the western regional director with Quail Unlimited. "Doves continue to be one of the most numerous birds in North America, and one of the most popular birds hunted in the state and country."
"The is the radical fringe of the animals rights movement trying to whittle away at hunting rights and the rights of people to who choose to eat meat -- of any kind," said Don Small with the Orange Country Chapter of Safari Club International.
Sportsmen have said that Assemblyman Joe Nation from Marin County has repeatedly failed to return phone calls or answer letters and e-mails asking for the rationale behind his bill to ban dove hunting.
