RE: HF 43  (Migratory Birds)

It troubles me deeply that a law allowing the shooting of mourning doves may possibly pass our state’s legislative system, and I wonder how this can be. The word about town is that the main reason for hunting mourning doves is not for the meat, for which there is little (less than two ounces), but that they make excellent target practice, a preparation for hunting quail. Is this a legitimate reason to be taking a life? And not just any life either--a beautiful bird that sings an absolutely bewitching mating song, (endearing to thousands of Americans across the country) harms nothing, and, though abundant, is in no way overpopulated as to create a nuisance.

We can be a lot more creative and humane in devising a practice target rather than killing something; hang a can from a string and swing it. I do not doubt the thrill that comes from shooting a live target but I'm in favor of delaying that gratification until one is hunting for the food that one is going to put on the table.

I would like to think that the people representing me in government think in terms that encompass the greatest good to all life. The responsibility in making laws has to go beyond the immediate  consideration of satisfying a portion of constituents, especially in a case like this when so much life is at stake.

Please oppose legislation that permits the creation of a mourning dove hunting season. Thank you.

Sincerely,