HuntingNet.com Forums - Wisconsin Dove Season Finally Clears!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Doug Jeanneret (614) 888-4868 x 212
January 17, 2002 Beth Ruth (614) 888-4868 x 214

Sportsmen and Sound Science
Win In Wisconsin Dove Hunting Case

(Columbus) - A Wisconsin judge has cleared the way for the state to hold its
first mourning dove hunting season. The ruling lifts an injunction that was
issued after animal rightists sued to stop the inaugural hunt, which was
scheduled for fall 2001.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (formerly the Wildlife Legislative Fund of
America), Sheboygan County Conservation Alliance, Wisconsin Waterfowl
Association and two local sportsmen, Craig Johnson from Hudson and Dean
Hamilton of Waunakee, intervened in the case to support the dove season
approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Dane
County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Moeser based his decision on the U.S.
Sportsmen's Alliance argument that the anti-hunters were not able to
factually support their claims about dove hunting.

"Sportsmen worked hard to get dove hunting in Wisconsin and we continue to
work hard to protect it," said Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
president. "The people of Wisconsin have spoken, the DNR has spoken and now
the court has spoken."

Animal rightists filed the suit claiming that the Wisconsin DNR illegally
established the mourning dove season. They said that the DNR had no
authority to regulate doves as a game species.

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Moeser disagreed.

"Although we are thrilled to win this battle, this issue is far from over,"
said Pidgeon. "We fully expect the anti-hunters to appeal the case. They
are committed to banning dove hunting and will try to stop the dove season
in the legislature. It is vital that all Wisconsin sportsmen remain
vigilant to protect this and all outdoor pursuits in their state."

Tens of thousands of Wisconsin citizens supported establishing dove hunting
at the Conservation Congress hearings in April 2000. The Wisconsin Natural
Resources Board performed a thorough scientific review and then approved the
setting of a season in May 2000. The issue then went to the legislature,
which effectively approved the hunt. This allowed the DNR to set a season
within the framework of federal guidelines established by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance protects the rights of hunters, anglers and
trappers across the nation in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in
Congress and through public education programs. For more information about
the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, call (614) 888-4868 or visit our web site,
www.ussportsmen.org.