MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Most people voting during Department of Natural Resources hearings on hunting and fishing rules said an independent agency, not the governor, should appoint the DNR secretary.

More than 27,000 people turned out for the county-level hearings Monday.

While the DNR attributed the record attendance to interest in a proposal to allow mourning dove hunting, there were 69 other proposals on the agenda.

One proposal would let the DNR's Natural Resources Board appoint the DNR secretary. The governor currently makes the job an appointive cabinet position.

The vote was 8,474-436 in favor of allowing the board to handle the choice.

Another measure to reinstate the Office of the Public Intervenor was approved 6,591-981.

Until the Legislature reduced its authority, the office could sue businesses and municipalities for violating antipollution laws.