Vote Could Fly Either Way Today

Published March 31, 2004. By Cris Christoff. Detroit Free Press.
Hunting vote could fly either way today

The effort to legalize dove hunting is headed for a showdown in the Senate today, but unless lawmakers put the question on a ballot, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she'll veto it.

The Senate Judiciary Committee broke a logjam Tuesday and voted to lift a 99-year-old ban on shooting mourning doves in Michigan, sending the bill to the full Senate. The bill already passed the House.

"The governor will support it only if it's put before the people for a vote," said Granholm's spokeswoman, Liz Boyd.

But that seemed unlikely. Neither side wants a referendum on the emotionally charged issue.

Hunters who support the bill say they fear it would lose, as polls consistently have shown the public opposed to dove hunting. Those opposed to a referendum include the bill's sponsor, Rep. Susan Tabor, R-Delta Township, who promotes dove hunting as a family activity.

Groups that oppose the bill say they don't want to spend money fighting a referendum that is backed by the deeper pockets of the National Rifle Association and hunting groups.

"Such a small percentage of people want it, it's distressing that this is happening," said Eileen Liska, spokesperson for the Michigan Humane Society, after Tuesday's committee vote. Liska argued that shooting doves is cruel and unnecessary.

"I think we would win a referendum," Liska said, but "we're all charitable organizations. You think we want to have to raise money" for TV spots?

In 2000, a bill to allow dove hunting was defeated in the Senate by one vote. Then, Gov. John Engler was poised to sign it.

Lawmakers say the issue always stirs an outpouring from constituents.

"Very few issues inspire my neighbors to come knock on my door and tell me how they feel," said Sen. Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, who joined three other Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee in approving the bill Tuesday.

Three committee Democrats voted against the bill, saying their constituents don't want it.

"I hope we can get back to working on the budget deficit, health care and things that need to be addressed," said Sen. Liz Brater, D-Ann Arbor.

The bill would allow -- not require -- the state Natural Resources Commission to create rules for a dove season.

The bill would require dove hunters to purchase a $2 state stamp, in addition to buying a small-game license. Half of the dove stamp proceeds would go to state hunting programs; the other half would go to the state Non-game Wildlife Fund.

Proponents say that mourning dove hunting would help Michigan's economy by attracting an estimated 40,000 hunters.

Becky Brown, 34, of Charlotte said dove hunting is especially easy for women hunters. Brown and her two sons, 2 and 4, attended Tuesday's Senate committee hearing to support the bill.

"It's something I can have my girlfriends over to my house" to do, Brown said. "We can hunt in my front field. We don't have to plan for baby-sitters or go out of state."

Asked what she would do if the effort fails, Brown replied, "We'll try again."