State, Linn go against people’s will with doves

More than 70 percent of Iowans are against dove shooting. So what did the Iowa Legislature and governor do? They used sleight-of-hand legislation with no debate and they passed it.

Then the Iowa Department of Natural Resources had a public comment period on the legislation. They got 1,000 letters; 900 were against it. So what did they do? They passed it.

The vast majority of people are against using lead shot, which poisons the environment. So what did they do? They made it legal when hunting doves. Baiting is illegal in other types of killing of animals. So what do they do? The state set up baiting plots on state property and people sit and shoot at the doves as they come in for food.

The Linn County Conservation Board set up the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center to foster respect for nature and what do they do? They sponsor hunter training classes for children so they can learn how to kill doves. They are teaching children to use violence to kill innocent, defenseless and living beings for pleasure.

If you are a parent or spouse, forbid it. If you are a property owner, don't let them on your land.

Harold Hensel

Cedar Rapids