The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has issued a letter supporting HJR 2a—the state’s constitutional right to hunt amendment, which will be decided by voters in November. NRA supports this amendment and helped ensure that it contains meaningful language protecting Idahoans’ right to hunt, fish and trap by traditional methods.
“In 2005, NRA decided that there is a better way to go about amending state constitutions to recognize the right to hunt,” said Darren La Sorte, NRA-ILA hunting policy manager. “The model language that we have since developed is the result and we are proud of it. After many months of work with the Legislature, we helped to ensure that Idaho’s amendment has the core components of our model and we are confident that it will serve to protect the hunting traditions in the state for generations to come.”
Below is the full text of the letter released by the Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday:
October 3, 2012
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission strongly supports the proposed Constitutional Amendment (HJR2a) establishing the right to hunt, fish and trap in Idaho. We urge our fellow citizens to vote “yes” on HJR 2a when they go to the polls in November.
Hunting, fishing and trapping have always been and remain important parts of our heritage and the fabric of Idaho. Recent surveys confirm that a strong majority of Idahoans continue to support these outdoor activities. However, opposition groups in other states have sought to hijack wildlife management by restricting or eliminating these activities. It’s important for Idahoans to act now to ensure future generations an opportunity to experience Idaho’s sporting heritage.
Public hunting, fishing and trapping are our primary tools for managing wildlife. Without these tools, Idaho Fish and Game would have to rely more on government actions to manage wildlife populations and conflicts, at greater expense and risk. The abundant and diverse wildlife we enjoy in Idaho today exists because of the conservation ethic of hunters, anglers and trappers who pay for science-based, professional wildlife management when they buy licenses, tags and sporting equipment.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s legal authority to regulate hunting, fishing, and trapping and require licensing is not impacted by this amendment. This amendment would also keep punishment for those who violate our wildlife laws.
In 1938, the people of Idaho created the Idaho Fish and Game Commission through a citizen’s initiative that mandates that we “preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage” Idaho’s wildlife, including providing for hunting, fishing, and trapping. 75 years later, we ask Idahoans to join us in casting a vote for wildlife again – this time to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage wildlife and uphold Idaho’s sporting heritage for future generations.
Please vote “yes” on HJR 2a on November 6.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission
Anthony McDermott – Panhandle
Fred Trevey – Clearwater
Bob Barowsky – Southwest
Joan Hurlock – Magic Valley
Chairman Randy Budge – Southeast
Kenny Anderson – Upper Snake
Will Naillon - Salmon
