Charles: Perhaps Bird Studies Canada hasn't taken a political position on the dove hunt because, in the absence of facts to the contrary, they believe in tolerance and open-mindedness towards the endeavours of others, knowing full well that birders wish for that same respect.
I read the article you provided, and apparently you missed the part about how the doves are hunted across much of North America without a problem, and will be eaten. Many people eat meat Charles, maybe even you. Some people are brave enough to go out and do the dirty work themselves, and others pretend there is no killing involved when they get their meat at the store. No group deserves to pay for the sins of the bad apples among them - not birders, not photographers and not hunters. 'Over-hunting' is a huge and valid concern, but I suspect your post is based on a more narrow bias. Learn how to get along! Keith Linton Orono Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: Charles Cecile <[email protected]> Sender: "ONTBIRDS" <[email protected]> Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 21:02:57 To: <[email protected]> Subject: [Ontbirds] Ontario Doves Hi Birders, The Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada) has changed its Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations to allow the hunting of Mourning Doves in central and southern Ontario starting this fall. This is an area of Ontario that hosts many breeding and migrating bird species. My understanding is that the hunt is mainly for target practice and sport for hunters. But how many other bird species will be shot by frustrated or ignorant hunters? Shame on Scott Petrie (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Long Point Waterfowl) for pushing to get this hunt approved. He is reported to have said that "the dove hunt will be great for young hunters. "Because we have so many (doves), it's a good opportunity for them to get out and shoot and practise their skills." http://www.therecord.com/news-story/4051895-doves-get-another-reason-to-mourn-in-september/ Apparently, Birds Studies Canada (Port Rowan) hasn't taken an official position on the hunt. If you care about this issue, let your opinions be known to those who make these decisions! Write to: Jack Hughes, manager of population conservation with Canadian Wildlife Service Ontario, Environment Canada. Charles Cecile _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
