Mourning dove hunting still not settled at Capitol

Hunting mourning doves has been legal in Iowa for nearly a year, but the issue still isn?t settled at the Capitol.

A Senate subcommittee on Thursday discussed using lead shot ammunition in hunting the birds.

The state?s Natural Resources Commission last year unanimously voted to ban the practice, but a legislative committee put the ban on hold.

Sen. Dick Dearden, D-Des Moines, says the commission overstepped its bounds in banning lead shot. A resolution he backs to overturn that ban advanced out of the meeting.

Environmental advocates told committee members Thursday that lead shot is toxic and can harm animals when eaten. Hunting advocates say the harm is minor and no good alternatives to lead shot exists.

The measure now goes to the full Senate Natural Resources Committee.