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Sportsmen and sound science win in Wisconsin hunting case (1/17/2002)

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 Wanakee, 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 continue to try to stop the dove season. 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.

CopyrightÓ  U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org

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