With much of the media and political pundits focused on the abortion and marijuana initiatives on the Florida ballot this November, one amendment that will garner a lot of attention is Amendment 2, known as the RIGHT TO FISH AND HUNT.
The reading says, “Proposing an amendment to the state constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution.
The group pushing 2 says they have huge support from Florida Anglers, Hunters, and Conservationists.
The bipartisan amendment, which passed the Florida Legislature last year 154-1, would enshrine the right to fish and hunt in Florida’s Constitution. The measure heads to the ballot this November, where Florida voters will be crucial in deciding the future of fishing and hunting rights.
“Fishing and hunting are a way of life in Florida, and we need to protect it for future generations,” said Yes on 2 Campaign Chairman Joshua Kellam, a former Commissioner at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and President/CEO of The Garcia Companies. “The best way to protect our traditions is through conservation programs that anglers and hunters in Florida support every day. By protecting fishing and hunting for generations to come, we’re protecting Florida wildlife and their habitats.”
“The traditions, conservation practices, outdoor lifestyle and economic opportunities that fishing and hunting bring to the people of our state are on the ballot in November’” said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “It’s hard to imagine a more common sense, quintessentially Florida thing to fight for.”
Luke Hilgemann, Executive Director for the International Order of T. Roosevelt and Yes on 2 National Chairman, added, “Anglers and hunters are the greatest conservationists in the world. They fund billions of dollars in conservation programs to protect our traditions for the next generation. The formation of this committee will help support Florida’s efforts to protect anglers and hunters from radical animal rights activists who want to ban hunting and fishing.”