Media Coverage - On Target for Nature, Doves
Published November 8, 2006. Editorial. Detroit Free Press
Coo ... coo ... come together now.
It's not total unity, of course, but Michiganders showed much more of a common mind than most anywhere else with their votes against dove hunting and for giving constitutional protection to several natural resources funds. In a state where partisan confrontation has come to seem de rigueur, this reminder of concern for nature can help to soothe the soul. Both positions appeared headed for victory Tuesday night by better than 2-1 margins.
The resounding rejection of a hunting season for mourning doves builds on a century of Michigan history. When the Legislature reversed course two years ago and launched a limited season, opponents put up an outcry and petitioned for the measure to go on the ballot. As the vote demonstrates, they were more in touch with the people than lawmakers and the governor were.
Still, it behooves those against dove hunting not only to be gracious in victory but also to reassure hunters that they do not intend to restrict or eliminate other game opportunities. There's no denying that this was largely an emotional vote. Sentiment probably runs nearly as strong, though, for preserving other long-standing outdoor traditions: the workplace-emptying deer season, the array of birds and game already available to hunt, and the ability to fish in waters ranging from the wide-open Great Lakes to the shadowed nooks of fabulous trout streams.
Support for outdoor sports would seem to be borne out by the even larger vote to keep tight controls on the license fees paid by those very same hunters and anglers, along with money paid by visitors to state parks and marinas. By giving the funds constitutional protection, voters have ensured the money will go only to enhance those activities. It guarantees that a budget-strapped Lansing cannot siphon dollars away for other programs. Even in the midst of hard economic times, Michiganders obviously have a lot of their values tied into the glories of these very special peninsulas. On Tuesday, it remained our common ground.
