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Sportsmen unite behind Michigan hunting rights campaign (10/16/2003) The campaign to ensure passage of legislation to make Michigan the 40th state to permit mourning dove hunting is unifying sportsmen. Turkey hunters, bowhunters, trappers, houndsmen and other sportsmen are joining forces with the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance to advance the bill. Over the last week, three conservation organizations have joined the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign, the sportsmen's coalition working to ensure passage of House Bill 5029, which will allow dove hunting. Rep. Susan Tabor, R-Delta Township, introduced the bill. Michigan Bow Hunters Association, Michigan State United Coonhunters Association and Michigan Trappers Association signed on to champion the legislation and are appealing to their members and other sportsmen to do the same. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says doves number nearly 450 million in the United States," said Jim Wale, president of the Michigan State United Coonhunters Association. "Hunting has been proven to have little impact on dove populations, so there is no reason that Michigan sportsmen should be denied this hunting opportunity." "Wildlife professionals say that Michigan has enough doves to support a hunting season," said Mike Seelman, president of the Michigan Trappers Association. "Thirty-nine other states, including our neighbors in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois and Pennsylvania, are allowed to hunt the nation's most popular game bird. The sportsmen's community in Michigan must let legislators know that we want a season." A key element in the passage of HB 5029 is the unification of Michigan sportsmen. Michigan Bow Hunters Association President Lou Leavens points out the importance of a unified front. "The sportsmen of Michigan are working together, not simply to open a dove season, but to show the legislature that we are a powerful voice in this state," said Leavens. "We must unite to get the job done. I urge sportsmen across the state to rally in support of House Bill 5029." Charter members of the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign include the Commemorative Bucks of Michigan, Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan Hunting Dog Federation, Michigan State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the National Rifle Association and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance. Also supporting the effort to pass HB 5029 are the Michigan Chapter of Safari Club International and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Michigan sportsmen's organizations that are ready to stand up for their hunting rights should join the Michigan Hunting Rights Campaign. Contact the U.S.Sportsmen's Alliance at (614) 888-4868 for more information. Sportsmen should also contact their legislators and tell them to vote "yes" on HB 5029. To find your representative and for contact information, use the Legislative Action Center on the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance homepage, www.ussportsmen.org, or go to www.michiganlegislature.org and click on the "Related Sites" link. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers nationally in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868. CopyrightÓ U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org
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