Make Hunting and Fishing Constitutional Rights in Washington State

[huntnphool]

There needs to be langue that says Bioloigist are the only ones that can make hunting rules.

Are you sure about that?

[huntrights]

News from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

http://www.sportsmenslink.org/policies/legislative-alerts/pennsylvania-h-410

Pennsylvania H 410
Intro Date: 01/29/2013
Sponsor: Representative Matt Baker
Issue Brief: Right to Hunt and Fish
Summary: Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the right to hunt, fish and harvest game.
Status: In House. Removed from table on September 30.


Bill text:
http://client.statenet.com/symtree/xmlbill/PA/2013000/H/410/BILLTEXT_20130129_0_I.pdf

Note - "Removed from table" means the bill is removed from the table and placed on the second consideration calendar:

http://www.pehsc.org/how_bill_law.htm

"If the bill is reported from committee it follows somewhat the same course of passage as in the Senate except in the areas of first consideration. When the bill is reported from committee and given first consideration it is not automatically moved on to second consideration but is laid on the table. It may be removed from the table by a motion of the Majority Leader, or his designee, acting on a report of the Rules Committee. Such report must be in writing and a copy thereof distributed to each Member. When the bill is so removed from the table it is placed on the second consideration calendar on the legislative day following such removal. The procedure does not prohibit any Member from making a motion to remove the bill from the table. If the bill remains on the table for fifteen legislative days it is automatically removed from the table and placed on the calendar for second consideration the next legislative day."

[huntrights]

This is an excellent summary and explanation from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation about pursuing a Constitutional Amendment for the Right to Hunt and Fish.

http://www.sportsmenslink.org/policies/state/right-to-hunt-fish


“Summary

Though hunting, fishing and trapping has long been a part of America’s heritage, the “right” to hunt, fish and trap has recently come into question by many anti-hunting organizations. In order to establish what has been assumed for centuries, several states have sought amendments to their state constitutions that give citizens the right to hunt, fish, and trap in a responsible manner.


Right to Hunt/Fish/Trap


Introduction

Though hunting, fishing and trapping have long been an American heritage since before the first Europeans arrived in North America, only recently has the “right” to hunt, fish and trap come into question. Anti-hunting organizations would lead the public to believe that hunting, fishing and trapping are only a privilege subject to social pressures and prevailing public sentiments and not an inherent right.

In order to establish in perpetuity what has been assumed for centuries, several states have sought amendments to their state constitutions that gives their citizens a right to hunt, fish and trap and to continue a consumptive, yet responsible, use of natural resources. Though there has been little resistance in several of the states that have recently passed ballot initiatives, others have met considerable resistance and even defeat.


Language

By incorporating the views of our partners and other state legislators who have passed this legislation, we present the following language:

“The citizens of this State have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including the use of traditional methods, subject only to statutes enacted by the Legislature and regulations adopted by the designated agency [or “fish and game commission” or state-specific term] to promote wildlife conservation and management and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This section shall not be construed to modify any provision of law relating to trespass or property rights.”


Points of Interest

Simply passing a “right to hunt and fish pursuant to all laws and regulations” amendment doesn’t necessarily guarantee any long-term benefits of such an amendment. The language should consider the following:

• Recognition of an individual right to hunt, fish and harvest game

• Preservation of the state’s power to regulate these activities for scientific—not political or emotional—reasons

• Preemption of the kind of local regulation that frustrates comprehensive, statewide wildlife management

• Protection of traditional hunting methods like archery tackle and bird dogs

• Recognition of hunting and fishing as a preferred means of managing wildlife in order to protect against dangerous contraception schemes and unwarranted use of government “sharpshooters”

• Clarification that private property rights are not affected or diminished

• It should be noted that the state agency should be named only if it is already a constitutionally-recognized entity. If this is not the case, a generic term such as “designated state agency” should be used.
 

History

• Vermont was the first state to adopt a constitutional provision protecting the rights of its citizens to hunt, trap and fish. The right has been protected in Vermont since 1777.
• Other states that have amended their constitution to protect hunting, angling and trapping include: Alabama (1996), Arkansas (2010), Georgia (2006), Idaho (2012), Kentucky (2012), Louisiana (2004), Minnesota (1998), Montana (2004), Nebraska (2012), North Dakota (2000), Oklahoma (2008), South Carolina (2010), Tennessee (2010), Virginia (2000), Wisconsin (2003), and Wyoming (2012).
• Additionally, California and Rhode Island have language in their constitution protecting the right to fish, but not to hunt.


Contact

For more information regarding this issue, please contact:
Chris Horton 501-672-5761; chris@sportsmenslink.org “

[huntrights]

National Shooting Sports Foundation

State “Right to Hunt and Fish” Protections

http://www.nssf.org/factsheets/PDF/StateRighttoHunFish.pdf

[jackmaster]

i will get flamed for this i am sure but oh well, i honestly think that only people that buy a huntn or fishing license should be allowed to vote on huntn or fishn intiatives. and huntn and fishn should already be a constitutional right, if it works for other groups in this country then it should damn sure work for us   

[Bofire]

  This amendment has been written before, it takes one sentence added to the state constitution. I will  try to find it.
Carl

[NoBark]

It's half the battle in my opinion.    They can make it a right and we can still end up not being able to hunt because of too few animals to hunt.  Wolves, development etc could still create a scenario where there were no surplus animals.  So,  let's not forget to ALSO fight to keep the WDFW on task.  "  To preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities "   and  keeping the opportunities we have now from disappearing

[huntrights]

More on Indiana:

http://ballotpedia.org/Indiana_Right_to_Hunt_and_Fish_Amendment,_SJ_7_%282014%29

"The Indiana Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment in Indiana that may appear in the general election on November 4, 2014. The proposed measure would guarantee the right of state citizens to hunt and fish."

"Text of Section 38:

The people have a right to hunt, fish, harvest game, or engage in the agricultural or commercial production of meat, fish, poultry, or dairy products, which is a valued part of our heritage and shall be forever preserved for the public good, subject only to laws prescribed by the General Assembly and rules prescribed by virtue of the authority of the General Assembly. Hunting and fishing shall be the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This section shall not be construed to limit the application of any provision of law relating to trespass or property rights. "

[huntrights]

Alabama: Right to Hunt and Fish Legislation to be Considered in House Committee Tomorrow

http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2014/2/alabama-right-to-hunt-and-fish-legislation-to-be-considered-in-house-committee-tomorrow.aspx

[BOWHUNTER45]

Here is how good our rights are ...little off topic but our constitution seems to be ignored ...I live on a well known river where fishing has always been our way of life ...Getting up early and doing what we love ...The steelhead fishing used to run into April and then it went to March and then it went to February and now it ends in January    BUT as of today the tribes seem to be the only ones fishing with their nets ...It just peeeeses me off when they closed it for all whitemen at the end of January and the tribes get to fish as I speak  Are we going to continue to let this happen ...It looks like it ! It is a fact that the Eastern states understand our constitutional rights and our freedom to hunt and fish ...I seriously do not understand it when we live in the west where you would think more people would cherish the great outdoors ..

[huntrights]

 

We must all be engaged in the political processes that control our lives through laws, regulations, ordinances, etc.  NEVER GIVE UP!

What can we do as individuals?  Here are a few suggestions:

•   Be aware of proposed legislation, regulations, ordinances, etc. at all levels of government; these are rules that may be imposed on all of us.  Several participants in this forum are trying very hard to bring these issues into view and providing fast and easy methods to have your individual voice heard.  Take the time to understand the issues, then TAKE ACTION!

•   Learn how to become aware of proposed legislation before it becomes law. 
   o      http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,31831.0.html 

•   Participate in public meetings regarding the issues.

•   Write and call your representatives and public agencies.

•   VOTE bad politicians out of office!  VOTE for your rights and freedoms; don’t vote party lines.  Take note of which politicians are attacking our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, rights to hunt and fish (currently privileges in this state), rights to access and utilize our public lands, private property rights, etc.

Keeping our rights and freedoms depends on what we do at the “grassroots” level.  “Grassroots” means each and every one of us must be actively involved in the political processes that affect us. 

When we all speak together, our unified voice is very powerful.

A word not spoken will not be heard.

A word not written will not be read.

A VOTE not cast may allow bad politicians to be elected or stay in office.

Get involved: 

Write and call representatives and agencies about issues.

VOTE for your rights and freedoms!

[huntrights]

Indiana: House Committee to Hear Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment on Monday
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2014/2/indiana-house-committee-to-hear-right-to-hunt-and-fish-amendment-on-monday.aspx

[bearpaw]

good to see these moving forward... 

[huntrights]

"Indiana: State House Approves Pro-Gun and Pro-Hunting Legislation"
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2014/3/indiana-state-house-approves-pro-gun-and-pro-hunting-legislation.aspx

Excerpt from the article:

"Yesterday, on the final day for third reading of Senate bills, the Indiana House of Representatives passed two NRA-backed pieces of legislation -- Senate Bill 229 and Senate Joint Resolution 9.  Passed by a 74 to 24 vote, the amended version of SB 229 will now go back to the Indiana Senate for its concurrence.

Having passed in the state House by a 79 to 16 vote, the language in SJR 9 will also need to be passed either next year or in 2016 to be eligible for the 2016 ballot.  SJR 9, sponsored by state Senator Brent Steele (R-44) and state Representative Mark Messmer (R-63), would guarantee Hoosiers the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife.  This proposed constitutional amendment would ensure the preservation of Indiana's rich hunting heritage for future generations.

Sponsored by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49) and state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57), SB 229 as amended would do the following:

    * Prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to fund a gun “buyback” program

    * Allow firearms to be locked out of plain sight in a vehicle while parked on school property

    * Remove the “roaming school zone” provision from current law – currently, property can be defined as a place where a school function is taking place (i.e. a person would be in violation of state law if they were legally carrying a firearm at a zoo and a school field trip was being held there as well)

    * Redefine “school property” to only include property of the school and not other buildings that might be connected to the school by a parking lot"

[huntnphool]

That would be nice