The USFWS handles distribution of excise tax money collected from sportsmen purchases . Some theorize that the department could leverage states into enacting similar rulings on state-owned properties to receive vital funding . Although this might seem farfetched , as sportsmen continue to be shoved out of the way , anything seems possible .
In fact , several states have already faced such legislation . In early 2023 , New York proposed a lead ban for state-owned properties . Bill A2084A proposed preventing the use of lead ammunition on state lands , as well as lands that contribute surface water to the New York City water supply . Every session for several years in a row , Minnesota has had similar bills introduced .
MICHIGAN DOVE HUNTING Michigan hunters have never known the delight of a dove hunt . In 1905 , the mourning dove was labeled a protected species . Since then , other than a brief stint in the mid-2000s , it ’ s been off limits to Great Lakes State hunters . Several attempts to create dove seasons have been made over the years , but none have been successful . Although the state has long been in the top five when it comes to hunting license sales , the anti-hunters continue to win on doves , including quite handily on a ballot question in 2006 .
Of course , the continued ban is not based on science , research or even sound reasoning . Instead , it ’ s all driven by emotion . Today , it is unlawful to hunt mourning doves in other states , but it is interesting to note that the list of states where dove hunting is permitted ( the vast majority ) includes Indiana and Ohio , which border Michigan to the south .
WASHINGTON SPRING BEAR HUNT In 2022 , with a 4-4 vote , the Fish and Wildlife Commission ended the Washington limited-entry spring bear hunt . Despite heavy public support , and department-based backing , the commission ended the season . It ’ s common belief the commissioners who voted against it did so because they harbored predator-protection biases , as hours of science presented by their own department ’ s biologists was completely disregarded . The spring bear hunt , when taken together with numerous other commission actions , strongly suggests this is the case .
At the time the hunt ended , according to most sources , approximately 25,000 to 30,000 black bears inhabited the state . Historically , only 100 to 150 bears were taken during this hunt . It certainly wasn ’ t negatively impacting the population . Actually , it was raising significant funds to help ensure the longevity of the state ’ s habitat and bear population . Again , put this one in the “ no science , no reason ” category .
HUNTING CONTESTS Coyote hunting contest bans are popping up throughout the nation . In 2014 , after the state legislature refused to pass multiple bills banning organized hunting efforts , animalrights groups focused their efforts on the California Fish and Game Commission , which banned hunting competitions for bobcats , coyotes and foxes . At the time , the tactic was a new approach , but it has since become a favored attack due to several successes .
Other states followed suit in banning organized hunting competitions , including Arizona , Colorado , Massachusetts , Maryland , New Mexico , Vermont and Washington . In 2023 , Oregon and New York did the same . The latter even extended the ban to other species , such as crows , rabbits , raccoons and squirrels . Animal-rights groups commonly tout declining predator populations as the reasoning . That said , in most places , predator populations , especially coyotes , are increasing , not decreasing , and certainly aren ’ t in danger of severe population declines .
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