AR-News: (MN)U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance News Release - Revised Re Mourning doves

[Ronda Roaring]

> U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
>
> 801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229
>
> Ph. 614/888-4868 . Fax 614/888-0326
>
> Website: www.ussportsmen.org . E-mail: mailto:info at ussportsmen.org
>
>
>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Doug Jeanneret (614)
888-4868 ext. 212
>
> May 11, 2004 Beth
Ruth (614) 888-4868 ext. 214
>
>
Minnesota Passes Dove Season
>
> (Minneapolis) - Legislators passed a bill last night that will allow Minnesota
to become the 40th state with a mourning dove hunting season.
>
> The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) omnibus bill passed the senate by a
margin of 42 to 24. It covered a number of "housekeeping" measures important to
the management of the DNR including a provision to allow it to establish a dove
hunting season.
>
> An amendment to strip the dove-hunting language failed 33 to 33 despite an
aggressive effort by animal rights groups.
>
> Earlier, the provision passed the House of Representatives. Legislators must
now work out minor differences before sending it to the governor.
>
> "We are thrilled for the sportsmen and sportswomen of Minnesota who have
fought for many years to gain a dove season," said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen's
Alliance vice president for government affairs. "Now, our focus is to convince
the governor to sign the bill."
>
> The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance worked with the National Rifle Association and
other local groups to help mobilize sportsmen to contact legislators in favor of
the bill and educated senators about the economic value of dove hunting.
>
> The Alliance has successfully worked to establish dove hunting seasons in Ohio
and Wisconsin and defended seasons in Rhode Island and California. It has also
coordinated the effort to get a Michigan dove season passed. That bill is
currently awaiting the governor's signature.
>
> "Minnesota sportsmen know that hunters across America are permitted to hunt
doves. They justifiably believe that they deserve the same opportunities as
those hunters in 39 other states," said Sexton. "This decision is also good for
Minnesota's economy."
>
> The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade organization representing
the sporting goods industry, forecasts a $115 million boost to Minnesota's
economy if a mourning dove hunting season is established. One sporting goods
store alone, the Cabela's Outdoor Outfitters in Owatonna, predicts a $1 million
boost in sales with a dove season.
>
> State wildlife experts say that Minnesota has a dove population that can
support a hunting season.
>
> 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 or visit its website,
www.ussportsmen.org.
>
> -30-
>
>

		
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