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.

Share

Print

Discussion