The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mourning dove biologist responded today about
common misconceptions relating to mourning dove biology. David
Dolton, who has worked with doves for more than 25 years, expressed concerns with
statements made in the newspapers about doves and the impact of a possible hunting season.
'It is important for Iowa legislators and the public at large to
have accurate information about the issue so that they can make this decision based on the
facts,' explained Mr. Dolton. 'Mourning doves are the most popular migratory
game bird in the country in terms of numbers harvested. There are an estimated
five million doves in Iowa alone,' he stated. Mr. Dolton provided the following
information about the issue: The mourning dove is in the same family
as the common pigeon. It is not the biblical 'bird of peace'. The
turtledove holds that distinction, which is native to the Mediterranean region, not
North America. The mourning dove is one of the most widely distributed and abundant
birds in North America. This species readily adapts to a wide variety of habitats, breeds
prolifically, and has a fall population of over 400 million. The average life span of a
mourning dove is about one -1 11/2 years, with many young birds not surviving their first
winter. Mourning dove population status and hunting are monitored and regulated cooperatively by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies. Bag limits are
adjusted in relation to population status. Research has shown that when properly
regulated, hunting has no significant impact on dove population trends. Also, research has
indicated that dove hunting does not adversely impact nesting.
Banding studies have demonstrated that suburban (backyard feeder) birds have little
likelihood of being harvested. . Iowa Committee for The Wildlife Legislative Fund
of America PMB 305 - 2643 Beaver.4venue, Des Moines, L4 5031 0 - Phone (319) 3 72-9525
Leaders of the effort to legalize mourning dove hunting in Iowa were stunned Wednesday
as a letter containing an explicit death threat arrived in the mail. Recipients of the
death threat were all members of the Iowa Committee for the Wildlife Legislative Fund of
America.
The letter warned, "We know where you live. Stop your actions now
" and
threatened, "If you do not stop, your homes will be firebombed
your
childrens and grandchildrens throats will be slit
"
The terrorist letters shocked the Committee.
"Youd like to think that this sort of thing is just a hoax, but the letter
was very explicit about my kids, both of whom are very young," said Rick
Tebbs, Ft.
Madison resident and spokesman for the Iowa Committee. "Quite frankly, my wife and I
were unnerved."
Another Committee member echoed Tebbs feelings.
"It really concerns me that a few mourning doves would be deemed worthy of bombing
my house and threatening my children and grandchildren," said Doyle Adams, an
Indianola resident, and former staff member with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
"These people are obviously very sick."
Tebbs reported that all recipients of the letter have filed police reports in their
hometowns as well as with the Des Moines police, the Iowa Attorney Generals office
and the FBI.
Tebbs, Adams and the rest of the committee all agree that the letters provide
additional motivation to push for the dove bill, expected to be debated as the Iowa House
of Representatives reconvenes in January.
"Weve been saying all along that opponents of dove hunting are largely
animal rights extremists who are out of touch with Iowas traditions and values
" explained Tebbs. "This incident just proves how radical some animal rights
folks can be when it comes to animal issues."
Some animal rights extremists go beyond threats, however.
The US Department of Justice in 1997 reported that there have been at least 313
instances of animal rights terrorism in the United States resulting in more than $150
million in damages to research labs, farms and more.
Most believe it is only a matter of time until human lives are lost to this violence.
FBI Director Louis Freeh categorized the animal rights groups performing these violent
acts as "the most recognizable single issue terrorists of the present time."
Just yesterday, the USA Today, reported how violence, in the name of animal rights, is
on the rise.
Edward Walsh, a deafness researcher in Omaha, Nebraska, who has received death threats
and bomb threats, explained, "I never walk to my car without wondering whether it
will be the last time I turn the ignition."
In October, 83 scientists who conduct medical research on animals received letters
containing razor blades intended to slice their fingers. This past week, animal rights
activists were involved in violent demonstrations in Seattle. Numerous medical research
facilities have been destroyed under the flag of animal rights.
Iowa has seen limited animal rights activity to date. One such incident occurred in the
early 1990s when the 19-year-old Pork Queen was smashed in the face with a cream pie
by an activist during the World Expo.
This latest incident should act as a wake up call to all Iowa citizens that the goal of
animal rights terrorism is to cause fear.
David Adams, an Iowa Committee member from Lytton agreed with that assessment.
"These people are scary. All Im working for is a chance to pursue a bird
hunted in 38 other states. Surely this issue isnt worth threatening my family. I
hope the authorities take this as seriously as we do. Whats wrong with these
people?"
Joe Hanner
By being part of the Iowa Committee for the WLFA you have brought attention to yourself.
We now know who you are and what you stand for!! We as the protectors of God's symbol of
peace will not stand for your actions. The Iowa Committee for the WLFA is a bloodthirsty
giant that must be slain. By cutting off his head the rest of him will fall to the ground
and rot away. We know where you live! Stop your actions now, you have been warned!! If you
do not, your homes will be fire bombed to stop your propaganda machine. Your children's
and grandchildren's throats will be slit and their bodies will be left to our maggot
brothers. Your bad seed must be stopped. We have thousands of committed souls willing to
lay down their lives to protect those that can't speak for themselves and a war chest
large enough to buy off any politician. We already have several key people in our back
pocket, so you will not win. We are watching your every move, this is your final warning.
DEFENDERS OF ANIMAL RIGHTS EVERYWHERE
PROTECTORS OF ALL THAT IS RIGHT
CHOSEN BY GOD'S SYMBOL OF PEACE
BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO ALL GOD'S CREATURES
RIGHTS OF ANIMALS MUST BE PROTECTED,
DESTRUCTION WILL BE USED WHEN IT IS NEEDED
NOW WHO'S THE SAVAGE BEAST !!
ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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