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I don't understand how a game animal can be hunted in the majority of states, and not hunted in another state for political reasons. How can anyone justify hunting the dozens of game species we are allowed to take in NY, and decide a dove should not be on the list of game animals? What's so special about a dove?

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From what I read it's not that they are trying to protect the species but rather they never bother classifying the dove at all. Not enough people has put enough pressure on the DEC to categorize the dove and set a season for it. The dove has been completle ignored by the DEC.

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The DEC actually did publish a well written, thorough report on the social and the biological justifications for a dove season. It is out there in cyberspace if you search-engine it.

If we are to have a dove season; we must lobby for it. It is assumable, the DEC has not pursued a season because although NY sportsmen have been proactive about a number of issues (youth biggame; saturday openers; blaze orange; rifles, crossbows, QDM and others); the interest in doves isnt big enough. The USSA,(US Sportsmans alliance), a national prohunting organization, has successfullly helped establish dove & bear seasons in a number of states.

Hunting regulations are based on biological reasons, social reasons, and safety reasons. With doves being the most numerous birds on this continent; it is social reasoning; not biological reasoning. Why are doves classified as a songbird in some states and a gamebird in others? Local hunting traditions & attitudes about what is "sporting"; from decades ago are the framework for many hunting regulations. Some analogies would be: why can you use a rifle for turkeys in some states but not others? Why can you bait in some states, but not others? Why can you hunt biggame with dogs in some states but not others?

Doves have federal status as a migratory gamebird; however some states, including NY, classify them as a songbird. Since it is (I think) called statuatory authority, it cant be changed as easily as a "regulation". It needs to be put through the legistlation process and that means there will be opposition from well-financed National AR (animal rights) groups based outside NY state. It also means it is the suits in Albany (assemblyman & state senate members) who will be the deciders, not the DEC wildlife staff. The above mentioned USSA has succeded against the big national AR groups suprisingly often. Coop-ing with the USSA; an education campaign; and syncronizing the introduction of legistlation with other states; can eventually get it done.

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If that little blue line of script in my last post was a problem..........

Why We Don't Have a Dove Hunting Season in New York

modo1.jpgCurrently, there is no hunting season for mourning doves in New York State; however, mourning doves are one of the most popular game birds in North America, with close to one million hunters taking approximately 20 million birds annually in the U.S. They are one of the most widespread and abundant birds on the continent, and various survey data from New York show a significant increase in abundance of mourning doves over the last 40 years.

Thirty-nine of the lower 48 states have mourning dove hunting seasons, and federal regulations allow states in the eastern U.S. to select seasons up to 70 days in length, between September 1 and January 15, with a daily bag limit of 15 doves. However, New York does not currently have a mourning dove hunting season, and many hunters have wondered why. The simple reason is that State law does not classify mourning doves as either a migratory game bird or an upland game bird (ECL 11-0103); therefore, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) does not have the authority to establish hunting regulations for doves under the current law.

From time to time, hunters and organizations such as the New York State Conservation Council (NYSCC) have advocated or voiced support for legislative action to allow dove hunting in New York. Several bills were introduced in the early 1980s but none were ever voted on by the State Assembly or Senate, and no significant legislative action has occurred on the issue since that time. Nonetheless, limited hunter interest and inquiries continue and NYSCC passed a resolution in 2008 requesting that DEC survey small game hunters to determine the level of support for a law change to allow dove hunting in New York.

In response to the NYSCC request, we included the following question in our 2009 small game hunter survey: "Would you support a law change to designate mourning doves as a game bird in New York State?" Potential responses were: "Strongly Oppose", "Oppose", "Don't Care", "Support", and "Strongly Support". Surveys were mailed to approximately 5,000 randomly selected small game hunting license holders, and responses were received from about 2,400 people. About 23% indicated that they would support such a law change (see chart below). Most respondents (64%) said they "don't care" or did not answer the question at all. Approximately 12% indicated that they were opposed to a law change to designate mourning doves as a game bird in New York.

We did not ask or attempt to identify reasons why hunters would support or oppose a law change; however, a related question that we included in the 2006 small game hunter survey was "Have you ever hunted mourning doves in any state other than New York?" Only about 11% of respondents indicated that they had hunted doves somewhere else, which suggests that few hunters in New York have any experience or tradition to foster support for a dove season.

There is no biological reason why doves could not be hunted in New York. However, until political support increases to the point that a bill to amend the Environmental Conservation Law is introduced, passes both the Senate and Assembly, and is signed into law by the Governor, we encourage small game hunting enthusiasts to continue to enjoy New York's other game bird hunting opportunities for turkey, grouse, woodcock and waterfowl, available in a variety of habitats across the state.

modohunting.jpg

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The last paragraph in Lawdwaz's post about sums it up. To do that first an education campaign must be started. Then involve the USSA (US sportsmans alliance), a national prohunting organization that has been succesful in establishing bear & dove seasons in a number of states. Then it is key to syncronize the intro of legistlation with other states; simply because the opposition from major national ant-hunting groups would be diluted.

Regarding the survey: 5,000 is not an adequete sample size. The survey was conducted in an era of all time low participation in small game & waterfowl hunting. Why would it be expected to show different stats?

The downward trend in biggame & turkey hunting is negligable; but the decline small game & waterfowl hunting is very significant, and is several decades old. Dove hunting would open up opportunities for youth, women, handicapped persons, and older hunters. Why? Its done in mild weather. There is no water, mud, hills, brush, long hikes, heavy or expensive equipment, low recoil, low noise ammo is used, you can hunt with or without your dog. Tradtional dove hunting is in harvested fields, however doves can be found about anywhere, and thats a big issue for many hunters.

Even people concerned about the lack of recruitment of young hunters dont always agree with special youth hunts. The fact there is a youth hunt for many species, but not deer, makes it obvious. IMO, a dove season should have been implemented; not an early waterfowl, spring turkey, nor an early & extra release of pheasant for kids. Not with 4 million doves on the North American continent.

The economic studies I have read have also shown that dove hunting is a disportionally larger revenue source then other forms of hunting. A large portion of that revenue is to local economies; and another large portion is put back into conservation mostly via excise tax on shotshells.

Doves are quite sporty - hard to hit, and excellent tablefare. A dove season is win-win and its about time!

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Mourning Doves

Mike Rossi

Key Words: Zenaida macroura, human dimensions, ornithology, hunting, shooting, wildlife, ecology, retriever, wildlife-related recreation, Ducks Unlimited, conservation, habitat, vulnerable species, threatened species, endangered species, nongame species, migratory game species, upland bird, wildlife management, biology, wildlife law, windmills

The United States population of doves is estimated to be 400 million birds and they are the nation’s most abundant bird. Long-term annual hunting mortality is 20 million mourning doves. The life span of a dove is considered to be only three years and only 40% live longer than 12 months.

That means 380 million doves die in three years due to natural causes. Since hunting mortality is low at 20 million; doves are an under- utilized resource.

Thirty five of the 48 states allow dove hunting and although the debate continues; the nations dove population does constitute a renewable resource – one that could produce a regulated harvest, and thereby provide food and recreation, without threatening the stability of the dove population. Dove hunting would generate money for the conservation of doves, as well as other species, including nongame and unstable species (vulnerable, threatened, and endangered).

Dove hunting would open up many hunting opportunities; but particularly opportunities for youth, women, handicapped persons, and older hunters. Why? It is done in mild weather. There is no water, mud, hills, brush, long hikes, climbing trees or tree stands, heavy or expensive equipment, low recoil, low noise ammo is used, you can hunt with or without your dog. Traditional dove hunting is in harvested fields, however doves can be found about anywhere, and that is a big issue for many hunters. Doves are quite sporty - hard to hit, and excellent table fare. A dove season is win-win!

It is not disputed that doves are not overpopulated.The aspect of wildlife management which is population control does not apply to this species. The concept of harvesting a sustained yield to provide both recreation and conservation funds certainly does, however. The number of hunters is positively related to the amount of conservation monies. Dove hunting would involve more youth, women, disabled persons, and older hunters. Every ten year old who becomes a life-long hunter makes a collectively significant financial contribution to conservation over the course of his or her hunting career.

The conservation aspect of wildlife management concerns the treatment of small or declining populations. Despite that doves are the most abundant bird on this continent; even the conservation aspect of wildlife management applies to dove hunting. Since the habitat needs of doves overlap with other species; including nongame and unstable species; many species would benefit from the motivation to preserve and enhance habitat and additional conservation funding obtained from a dove season.

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The fun meter is pegged when hunting dove. I just got back from a couple days of turkey hunting and noticed the fields of southern Ontario County loaded with the wonderful little mourning doves. I'll tell you, once you have hunted them once, you'll NEVER look at them the same. I just smile when I see the little buggers. Very cool birds.

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The fun meter is pegged when hunting dove. I just got back from a couple days of turkey hunting and noticed the fields of southern Ontario County loaded with the wonderful little mourning doves. I'll tell you, once you have hunted them once, you'll NEVER look at them the same. I just smile when I see the little buggers. Very cool birds.

Thank You! The 11% of NY hunters who HAVE hunted doves (per survey pasted above) need to tell other hunters about how great dove hunting is to garner "the political support" the DEC wants.

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OK, we got a NY Dove Bill! Lets get it passed!!!

Information provided by USSA.

New York Bill Would Pave Way for Dove Hunting Season

Posted on May 2, 2012

Senate Bill 6968, sponsored by Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse), would classify mourning doves as “migratory game birds,” allowing New York wildlife officials to set a dove hunting season.

While mourning doves are considered migratory by the federal government, they are not classified as such by the state of New York. Thus, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been unable to establish a dove hunting season.

“Doves are one of the post popular game birds in the U.S and there is no reason to continue to prohibit dove hunting in New York,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “For too long, the politics of the anti-hunting lobby, and not sound science, have prevented a dove season in New York. It’s time that New York sportsmen are afforded the same opportunity as sportsmen in other states. New York sportsmen must reach out to their elected officials today to support SB 6968.”

The DEC’s website states that “[t]here is no biological reason why doves could not be hunted in New York” and that dove numbers in the state have significantly increased over the past 40 years. New York is one of only nine states that prohibit dove hunting. Just last year, Iowa opened up a dove hunting season after years of fighting anti-hunting influences.

Senate Bill 6968 is currently pending before New York’s Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.

Take Action! New York sportsmen should contact their state senators and ask them to support Senate Bill 6968. Visit USSA’s Legislative Action Center for your state senator’s contact information.

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OK, here is a form letter. Include your name and address. If you dont know who your state senate representative is, go to the US Sportsmans Alliance website and look it up. Lets get it passed, this is our chance.... Dont wait for the other guy.... As this evolves there probably will be other form letters. Get copies of this to your hunting buddies.

RE: Senate Bill 6968

Dear Senator __________________________________________________;

I am writing to ask you to support Senate Bill 6968. In order for wildlife professionals, such as the DEC wildlife biologists; to properly manage a species; that species must be classified correctly. Mourning Doves are currently categorized with other species that do not share the attributes that ornithologists and wildlife biologists believe makes them similar. Such a misclassification lends to suboptimal management.

Mourning Doves, like other migratory species, have been intensely studied and monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for decades. The USFWS classifies the Mourning Dove as a game bird. Migratory birds are primarily managed by the USFWS (there are international treaties with Canada and Mexico) in co-management with the individual states. The difference in classification is a hindrance to co-management.

Sincerely,

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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OK, here is a form letter. Include your name and address. If you dont know who your state senate representative is, go to the US Sportsmans Alliance website and look it up. Lets get it passed, this is our chance.... Dont wait for the other guy.... As this evolves there probably will be other form letters. Get copies of this to your hunting buddies.

RE: Senate Bill 6968

Dear Senator __________________________________________________;

I am writing to ask you to support Senate Bill 6968. In order for wildlife professionals, such as the DEC wildlife biologists; to properly manage a species; that species must be classified correctly. Mourning Doves are currently NOT categorized with other species that share the attributes that ornithologists and wildlife biologists believe makes them similar. Such a misclassification lends to suboptimal management.

Mourning Doves, like other migratory species, have been intensely studied and monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for decades. The USFWS classifies the Mourning Dove as a game bird. Migratory birds are primarily managed by the USFWS (there are international treaties with Canada and Mexico) in co-management with the individual states. The difference in classification is a hindrance to co-management.

Sincerely,

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Typo: change the third sentence to read: Mourning Doves are currently not categorized with other species that share the attributes which ornithologists and wildlife biologists believe makes them similiar.

I am going to paste the actual bill below this. Note the justification stated for the bill is that by classifying the dove, the DEC would be entitled to federal funds. Dont argue this, because the dove has no classification - if it was classified as a songbird, the dec could still recieve federal funds, but would have no authority to set a hunting season. We want it classified as a gamebird.

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HERE IS THE ACTUAL BILL: read it and make your comment at this link:

http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/s6968-2011

S6968-2011: Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to include the mourning dove within the meaning of the definition of "migratory game birds"

Versions: S6968-2011

Print HTML Page / Print Original Bill Format / / Read or Leave Comments

Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to include the mourning dove within the meaning of the definition of "migratory game birds".

Sponsor: DEFRANCISCO / Co-sponsor(s): RITCHIE, VALESKY / Committee: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Law Section: Environmental Conservation

S6968-2011 Actions

  • Apr 18, 2012: REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

S6968-2011 Memo

BILL NUMBER:S6968

TITLE OF BILL:

An act

in relation to directing the commissioner of environmental conservation

to include the mourning dove within the definition of "migratory game

birds"

PURPOSE:

This bill would reclassify the mourning dove to migratory

game bird status.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 - Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental

conservation to include within the meaning of the definition of

"migratory game birds", as set forth in section 2.30 of part 2 of

subchapter A of chapter 1 of title 6 of New York state codes, rules

and regulations, the mourning dove. It further directs such

commissioner to make any addition, amendment and/or repeal of any

rule or regulation for the implementation of this within 60 days of

the effective date of this act.

Section 2 - Effective date.

EXISTING LAW:

The mourning dove currently does not possess this status.

JUSTIFICATION:

With the reclassification of the mourning dove NYS DEC

can receive federal funds to study, survey, regulate and preserve

theses birds.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to state.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately.

S6968-2011 Text

S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K

6968

I N SENATE

April 18, 2012

Introduced by Sen. DeFRANCISCO -- read twice and ordered printed, and

when printed to be committed to the Committee on Environmental Conser

vation

AN ACT in relation to directing the commissioner of environmental

conservation to include the mourning dove within the definition of

"migratory game birds"

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM

BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The commissioner of environmental conservation is hereby

authorized and directed to include within the meaning of the definition

of "migratory game birds", as set forth in section 2.30 of part 2 of

subchapter A of chapter 1 of title 6 of the New York state codes, rules

and regulations, the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Such commissioner

is further directed to make any addition, amendment and/or repeal of any

rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act within

60 days of the effective date of this act.

S 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

[ ] is old law to be omitted.

LBD15386-01-2

COMMENTS

In addition to forfeiture of federal funding; the state's ability to co-manage a migratory species with the US Fish and Wildlife Service is compromised. It should also be noted the USFWS also co-manages this species with Mexico and Canada with treaty agreements.

The classification is relevant to biological attributes. Similar attributes require similar management. The differences may be obvious between a penguin and a hawk. The differences between a dove and a blue jay may seem subtle, but the two species are much different.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has studied and monitored Mourning Doves for many years and they categorize it as a game bird. M. Rossi

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The other two topics got too long and convoluted - bear with me, lets start fresh on this thread. Thanks!

The link to the actual bill:

http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/s6968-2011

UPDATE:

The bill is getting its "first interview” with the senate en con committee; so that’s were the first round of letters/emails should go. As the bill progresses; you then contact the senate rep for your area; then as it progresses you would contact the assembly rep for your area, then finally the governor’s office.

As the situation evolves; the form letter may change as well, but that’s unknown.

It is important to get these to the senate en con committee NOW! (Individual contacts to each committee member) If the bill survives and goes up the chain, I will keep you informed. If anyone will help people determine their reps, please step up to the plate!

Here’s the form letter: (don’t forget your name and address)

RE: Senate Bill 6968

Dear Senator __________________________________________________;

I am writing to ask you to support Senate Bill 6968. In order for wildlife professionals, such as DEC wildlife biologists to properly manage a species; that species must be classified correctly. Mourning Doves are not currently categorized with other species which share the attributes that ornithologists and wildlife biologists believe makes them similar. Without a status designation; the state’s wildlife agency not only forfeits federal funding, but also the flexibility to manage a species the best it can.

Incorrect status is as bad as no designation. Mourning Doves, like other migratory species, have been intensely studied and monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for decades. Migratory birds are co-managed by the USFWS, the individual states, and through international treaties with Canada and Mexico. The USFWS classifies the Mourning Dove as a game bird.

Sincerely,

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Do you have an email list for those on this committee? I couldn't find the info on the US Sportsman Alliance site - couldn't even find who my state representative would be.

Thats on my list ....Theres a bunch of people who need this, can somebody pull this up and post it? I started a third thread, that shouldnt happen again, please use that one. Stuff on here isnt accurate, I updated it on thread 3. Shouldnt get as long and drawn out.

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Here are all the Senate EnCon committee members. You can write to any or all of these senate committee members even if they are not your direct representative.

I want a dove season! :D :D

Chair: Sen. Mark Grisanti

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Thanks for all the updates guys. Looks like we're in the running for a dove season!

Saw George Maziarz last night at the Smelt Festival in Lewiston. If I'd have been aware of this bill I'd have bought him a beer or three and got him voting for our team..........

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Okay, I just emailed every senator on that list a copy of your letter. I'm either going to be heard or I'm going to be reported as a spammer. We'll see how it goes.

If they think thats spam, society has (another problem). The en con committee got the bill, and they decide if it will move forward for a vote. Mailing the chairman would be sufficient, but these people need to know we know who they are and whether they vote for US. If they dont vote for US we wont vote for THEM.... If they dont kill the bill, then we need to contact every other assembly and senate rep. We should also contact the sponsors of the bill and thank them and tell them NY hunters will support them at election time. If it gets passed by the legislature, the governor still must approve it, at that point it may be wise to contact him.

Dove bills notoriously turn into a series of public comment hearings, with anti - h-u-nters introducing a ton of issues. If that happens, it may be necessary to address those issues with different letters; so please everybody be prepared to contact a lot of people several times.

The state of Iowa, which is a hunter friendly state bordering South Dakota, had a world war over a dove season that lasted several years; before the state finally passed dove hunting about 2 years ago. The hearings are on youtube; just search for Iowa Dove hunting Bill, one anti channel has 10 hearings videos. Please look at these videos to understand what is likely to occur.

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      By now you might understand the utility of the information we are sending you and why we are sending it to you. If you are still cursing us out or scratching your head because you are not quite there yet, please stick around! 
       
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      Categories of arguments are grouped and typical premises of each category are listed.
       
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      Hunter Attitude and Behavior Arguments
       
      1. Lack of interest in retrieving doves.
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      3. Dove hunting practices are cruel/inhumane/unethical/immoral/unsporting
      4. How hunting causes suffering to doves, for example wounding and not retrieving.
       
      Social Imbalance Arguments
       
      1. Expanding hunting opportunity will contract opportunity for non-hunting activities.
      2. Participation in hunting is shrinking and there is more revenue generated and greater participation in other outdoor activities. Policy should favor the majority.
      3. Expanding hunting opportunity will make NY less desirable for non-hunting recreation which will result in lost revenue for the state and local economies.
      4. The vast majority of hunters are middle aged or older Caucasian males.
       
      Power and Control Arguments
       
      1. Decisions should be made by majority rule (voting).
      2. Hunting policy is decided under a rigged system tainted by favoritism, politics, special interests, money, and abuse of power.
      3. State wildlife agencies mismanage wildlife to accommodate hunters because hunting license revenue is their primary source of funds.
      4. A pro-hunting culture exists within the DEC.
      5. There is no anti-hunting representation on the Conservation Fund Advisory Board and the Fish and Wildlife Management Board. At least one representative of the Humane Society of the United States should be appointed to these boards to represent the interests of the broader public, not just hunters.
       
      Public Participation Arguments
       
      1. Anti-hunters claim they are disenfranchised from the decision making process, the extent to which they are involved, the nature of their involvement.
      2. Lack of transparency of the decision-making process exists.
      3. Public notice was inadequate and therefore stakeholder participation was compromised. 
       
      Arguments about the reliability of population estimates, monitoring, and information about mourning doves.
       
      1. Science is not recent enough
      2. Quality of science is inadequate or questionable
      3. Need NY specific data
      4. Imprecise population estimates
      5. There is speculation surrounding dove management.
      6. NEPA requires ESA, EIS before instating a dove hunting season and/or similar action should be taken prior to considering a dove season. 
       
      Wildlife management is a failure/debacle
       
      1. Management of doves and other wildlife is not working/failing/ineffective.
      2. Animal-related problems are the result of human arrogance, intervention, manipulation or management.
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      Dove Hunting is not biologically justified
       
      1. Management need does not exist because doves are not overpopulated or a nuisance species, therefore hunting is not biologically justified.
       
      Dove hunting will not generate conservation revenue or general economic activity.
       
      1. Flawed economic report (flawed because of gross misinterpretation of data)
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      5. Dove hunting will have an impact on ticket sales for concerts and basketball games thereby hurting the economy.
       
      Lack of meat
       
      1. A dove is too small to provide “sustenance”.
       
      Palatability
       
      1. Dove meat has a bitter taste that requires heavy marinades
      2. Crow tastes like wild duck and doves
       
      Doves as Symbols
       
      1. Christian
      2. Hebrew
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      6. Artist Picasso's painting of the Peace Dove.
       
      Public Safety
       
      1. Dove hunting jeopardizes the safety of non-hunters recreating outdoors
       
      Maintain the Status Quo
       
      1. Doves have not been hunted in NY for many years and that protection should remain in place.
       
      Assigning Characteristics to Doves
       
      1. Peaceful, innocent, helpless, loving, devoted, cute, etc.
       
      Incidental Take of Protected Birds
       
      1. Concerns are often raised about hunter’s ability or commitment to identify doves in flight
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      5.  Pb ammunition
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      Characterization of Hunters
       
      1. Real men do not hunt
      2. Hunters are cowards
      3. Hunters are feeble-minded
      4. Hunters are inbred
      5. Hunters are overweight or “paunchy”.
      6. Hunters are backwards
      7. Hunters are hicks
      8. Hunters are Caucasian males
      9. Hunters are an aging and dying breed that is going extinct, in with the new and out with the old!
      10. Hunters are drunks
      11. Hunters are non-athletic or “NARPS” – non-athletic regular person
      12. Hunters can’t fist fight so they need guns
      13.  Multiple contexts of physical inadequacy, sexual inadequacy/etc.
      14. Hunters have the “little man syndrome”.
       
      Core arguments-FD.pdf
    • By Rebel Darling
      In case anyone is interested, the NYS Senate is considering the nomination of Basil Seggos as Commissioner, DEC:
       
      7:40 p.m.
       
      http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nysenate
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