This November, Floridians will have a chance to enshrine the right to hunt and fish into their state constitution. The Sunshine State, which earned more than $22 million from Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration funds last year, is a fitting venue for this next fight for the rights of sportsmen.
The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has been a motivating force behind these sorts of amendments for nearly 20 years. This was almost certainly a motivating factor behind the Florida House's 116-0 vote, and the Senate's 38-1 vote in favor of House Join Resolution 1157 butting the amendment on the ballot. The resolution gives citizens the option to formally amend their state constitution and protect their outdoor traditions.
The ballot amendment text reads: “Fishing, hunting and the taking of fish and wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, shall be preserved forever as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. This section does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV.”
“Hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife are not only cherished American traditions, but when paired with science are an integral part of wildlife management and conservation,” said NRA-ILA, in a statement applauding the move when the state announced that the proposed initiative would be added to the 2024 ballot. “Unfortunately, misguided extremists have been trying for decades to incrementally, or outright, ban hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife. This amendment guarantees the sporting traditions that you have enjoyed will still be around for future generations of Americans and that regulations will be based on sound science. Currently, 23 other states have similar provisions in their constitutions.”
For more on the story, head on over to the NRA Hunter's Leadership Forum at nrahlf.org.
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