News

With Appropriation In, Dove Bill Could Be Out

Published November 8, 2003. By Howard Meyerson. Outdoors Editor. Grand Rapids Press.
With Apprpriation In, Dove Bill Could Be Out

Tabor's bill must pass the Senate before going to Gov. Granholm for a signature. It now sits in the Senate Appropriations Committee where, eventually, it will be heard. Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, indicated it could move as early as December, though not until the budget and jobs package has been dealt with as well as one other sticky matter. "We're going to take the appropriations out," said Bill Nowling, Sikkema's press secretary. "There's no way to pass it with that in the bill."

The appropriated funds are an issue because it makes the bill referendum-proof. It was added at the last minute for that purpose, according to Nowling. The state constitution bars holding up any appropriations. Having it in the bill neutralizes any citizen attempt to put the dove hunting issue on the ballot. "We don't buy the argument that there is that much up front cost for this," Nowling said. "We think we can work around it. The money could be shifted to a supplemental bill."

Some area hunters are languid about passage of the bill.

"Some of us were talking the other day and it was a 50/50 split," said Bob Smrcina, the president of the Caledonia Sportsman's Club. Personally, I'd like to see it become a game bird, but I am concerned because a lot of guys will be shooting them off the overhead wires."

Dan Ocharzak, a longtime bird hunter, said he has no interest in doves, though he still loves his wingshooting. "I've been hunting pheasants and partridge for a long time, but I'm just not interested in doves." said the 68-year-old Kentwood hunter and member of the Izaak Walton League.

Fred VanOeveren, an avid birdwatcher from Grand Rapids, said he is not against hunting but would prefer that the dove remain a songbird rather than sport. "I just don't see the necessity," said 56-year-old member of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club. "I would rather the bill not pass."

Mike Boyce, spokesman for Michigan Audubon Society, would like the bill shot down. "It is unconscionable that the state legislature would ignore the desires of 99 percent of the population and pass this bill," he said. "This bird has been protected since 1905. It is hardly a game bird."

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