Position on Hunting and Fishing Rights Amendment

[RepTrail <RepTrail@infotrail.com>]

Dear Visionaries,

I have enclosed here my position on the Hunting and Fishing Rights Amendment

HJR 2  --  AMENDMENT TO THE IDAHO CONSTITUTION TO PROJECT HUNTING AND 
FISHING RIGHTS FOR IDAHO CITIZENS

      The purpose of this legislation is to propose an admendment to the 
Article I, of the Constitution of the State of Idaho, by the addition of a 
new section 23, Article I, that hunting, trapping and fishing and the 
taking of wild animals, wild birds and wild fish are a valued part of our 
heritage and will be forever preserved for the people of the state of Idaho 
within the boundaries of the state of Idaho.  All wildlife shall be managed 
by laws and regulations which provide continued supplies for Idaho citizens 
to harvest by traditional methods of take.

1. Explanation  --  There is no provision in the present Constitution on 
the right to hunt, fish, or harvest game.  Under general legal principles, 
wild game and fish belong to the public.  The State has the power to 
regulate hunting and fishing in the public's interest.  The State has 
passed many laws to regulate hunting and fishing in the public's 
interest.  The State has passed many laws to regulate hunting, fishing, and 
trapping.  Examples of these laws and regulations include provisions for 
hunting and fishing permits and licenses and limits on the times and 
seasons for hunting, fishing and trapping.

2. What will the proposed amendment achieve:  the proposed Constitutional 
Amendment will achieve the preservation for future generations of Idaho 
Citizens who hunt, fish, trap and take wild animals, wild fish and wild 
birds, a distinctively American in nature, culturally and historically 
based, right that is irrevocable.  The amendment will allow the 
reinforcement through generational repetition of the guarantee of enabling 
those who choose to go forth to hunt, fish, trap and take wild animals, 
wild fish and wild birds to do so unencumbered except by the limits of 
abiding by the laws of the State of Idaho and the laws of the United 
States.  Encumbering State and Federal laws and their resulting policies 
and regulations can be the only limiting factors to the invocation and 
conduct of the right.  The right is a value part of our collective heritage 
that includes a historic, cultural, spiritual and material component. The 
emphasis is placed on species that have been historically hunted, fished, 
trapped and taken and their management must optimize their sustainment for 
such hunting, fishing, trapping and taking of wildlife.
This constitutional amendment will provide an important protection for the 
Idaho traditions of hunting and fishing. As Idaho changes, hunting and 
fishing remain a tool for effective wildlife management.  This amendment 
will help ensure bountiful and healthy wildlife for generations to come.

3. I don't hunt or fish. Why should I care?  Idaho citizens have hunted and 
fished for survival, food and recreation since the Lewis and Clark 
expedition, continuing a tradition started long ago by American 
Indians.  Hunting and fishing remain an important tool for effectively 
managing wildlife populations.  Left unchecked, wildlife populations will 
expand beyond their habitat's ability to provide food and shelter, leaving 
animals to roam onto roads and into populated neighborhoods, or die from 
starvation and/or disease.

4. Will this allow hunting at any time or anywhere?  No. The amendment 
allows the State to continue to pass laws to regulate hunting and fishing.

5. Will this change existing laws?  No.  Local governments will still be 
able to pass such laws and regulations as the State allows.

6.Will this clutter up the Constitution?  No. This amendment only adds 
three lines to the Constitution.

7. Will permission still be necessary to hunt or fish on private 
property?  Yes. People who hunt or fish will still need
permission from private landowners.

8. Does hunting and fishing contribute to Idaho's economy?  Yes. Idaho's 
350,000 hunters and numerous out-of-state hunters contribute significantly 
to the economy of the state.

9. Will this amendment open the door to numerous constitutional amendment 
changes?  No.  Amendments to the constitution can only be made by the 
Legislature or through the initiative process.