June 30, 2025

No ‘sport’ in hunting mourning doves

To the editor:

I’m sorry. I do not understand how someone can find “sport” in killing a defenseless mourning dove. They are the most peaceful creatures in our backyard; and they’re disappearing.

We used to have two or three pair; now we’re lucky to have one. They are gone. I’ve seen a hawk swoop down and almost catch one, though I know the hawks and local cats take care of our dove population, believe me.

Mankind does not have to add additional stress to their gentle souls.

The DNR may have its statistics, but not in our neighborhood. I hope the mourning doves are finding safety somewhere and multiplying.

Susan Townsend

Newton