he Wayne County Coon Hunter’s Club in Romulus. Arnold Welch had the vision and determination to put together a hunting dog lobby to combat the threat to free-casting hunting dogs afield that exists in the animal rights movement and within the minds of the misinformed. Arnold’s vision has grown into a viable organization that has proven to be an effective weapon in the arsenal of all who fight for dog owner’s rights in the state.

The MHDF holds an annual fund-raising banquet and this year’s event, held Friday night in Capac, was attended by some 250 hunting dog enthusiasts. The banquet featured a buffet dinner, door prizes, raffles, and a live auction in which all-important dollars were raised for MHDF’s pro-hunting war chest.

Senator Alan Sanborn of Michigan’s 12th District, McComb County, is a sworn protector of hunter’s rights and the newly named chairman of the Senate Hunting, Fishing, and Forestry committee. Senator Sanborn was the guest of honor and pledged his support to issues of importance to dog hunters here.

Having served on the board of directors of MBHA for the past four or five years, I have seen first hand the effect the organization has had in preserving the right to free cast hunting dogs. Organizations such as MHDF are vital and every state should have a strong lobby in its state capitol for dog owner’s rights.

The PKC table at the MBHA banquet provided a great time of fun and fellowship for PKC members and their wives. Shown left to right: Jody and Kim Holling, Steve and Carol Fielder, John and Linda Tunney, and Ray and Laura Stein.