Idaho lawmakers working to make hunting a constitutional right

The right to hunt could be a state constitution guarantee in Idaho for the future. A bill is currently before the Idaho legislature which would give people the right to hunt, fish and trap. Sharon Keifer, Deputy Director for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, when talking about the bill says, “The way the language is written it says ‘the right to preserve for the people and managed through the laws, rules and proclamations of the state.'” This means people still have to conform to licenses and statutory restrictions but this will ensure that hunting continues in the state of Idaho. A reason this bill is being sent through is because some fear animal-rights groups could put limits in Idaho on what for many people is a pastime they’ve enjoyed since childhood. The bill says hunting, fishing and trapping are a valued part of the heritage of the Sate of Idaho and shall forever be preserved for the people and managed through the laws, rules and proclamations that preserve the future of hunting, fishing and trapping. Riley Reynolds, the treasurer for the Pheasants Forever Chapter in Franklin County, says, “This is important to keep. It’s critical. It’s imperative that we manage the ability to hunt and fish in the state of Idaho. It’s an important element for many reasons. It helps with family time and traditions that the state of Idaho should keep.” The Pheasants Forever Chapter believes in preserving pheasants for wildlife habitat. They want to preserve them so people can enjoy seeing them and hunting them for years to come. So far the bill that gives this right has passed the House and needs to pass with a 2/3 vote in the Senate. If it passes the Senate the public will then have the opportunity to vote on it next November to have it added to the state constitution.

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