October 27, 2010
Four ‘Right to Hunt’ Amendments Draw RMEF Support
MISSOULA, Mont.—Voters in four states—Arizona, Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee—will have an opportunity on Election Day to protect hunting and other sporting pursuits as constitutional rights. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supports these amendments as a way to protect outdoor traditions and the revenue they generate for conservation.
Here’s a roundup of the proposed measures:
Arizona—The Arizona Hunting and Fishing Amendment, also known as Proposition 109, or HCR 2008, is on the Nov. 2 ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. The proposal would give constitutional protection to the right to hunt in Arizona, and prohibit citizens from using ballot initiatives to make laws regarding hunting and fishing by giving that exclusive authority to the legislature.
Arkansas—The Arkansas Hunting Rights Constitutional Amendment is on the Nov. 2 ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. If approved by voters, the measure would allow residents the right to hunt, fish, trap and harvest wildlife in the state.
South Carolina—The South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Amendment, also known as Amendment 1, is on the Nov. 2 ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. If enacted, the measure would allow residents the right to hunt and fish. Although South Carolina residents already have this privilege, the measure is proposed in order to solidify the privilege as a right.
Tennessee—The Tennessee Hunting Rights Amendment is on the Nov. 2 ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. The proposed measure calls for the personal right to hunt and fish within state laws and existing property rights. Additionally, the amendment allows for hunting and fishing of non-threatened species.
“Every citizen of these states who appreciates wildlife and wild places should vote in favor of these amendments, because hunters and anglers have always been the premier leaders and stewards of the outdoors. Without them, our country’s system of wildlife conservation would not exist,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
The amendments will help preempt anti-hunting, anti-fishing and animal rights activists, said Allen.
Ten states have previously adopted similar amendments: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.