The debate over hunting hinges in part on bird numbers. Federal scientists tracking the species say Michigan's population has been stable for at least four decades. But U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service surveys for the past year suggest that numbers actually rose 7.7 percent. Small birds marked by distinctive calls and a soft gray color, mourning doves are commonly seen at back yard bird feeders and in farm grainfields. Although Ohio, Indiana and Illinois all have dove seasons, opponents of Michigan's bid point to the recent discovery of disease in New York's doves.
Scientists report thousands of birds there have perished from throat parasites.