Hunters protest Governor’s veto of dove hunting bill

Hunters from around Iowa flocked to the statehouse today, vowing to make Governor Tom Vilsack an “endangered species” when he stands for re-election. Dozens of “blaze orange” caps were worn inside the capital as hunters blew their top over the Governor’s decision to veto a bill which would have allowed dove hunting in Iowa. Dan Hull of Burlington predicted there are 300-thousand hunters in Iowa who’ll vote against Vilsack in 2002. Hull disputes the idea that mourning doves are a symbol of peace. Hull says the birds are like pigeons. On Monday, Vilsack said he enjoyed hunting for pheasants and quail, but had never hunted for doves. Yesterday, Vilsack issued a veto message for the dove bill, saying he’s heard from hundreds of Iowans who opposed it.