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.
