Idaho To Consider “Right To Hunt” Amendment

Something the state of Idaho has tried before and failed, the state will once again consider an amendment to its constitution to protect the citizen’s right to hunt, fish and trap. HJR003 is a joint resolution that if passed – requiring a 2/3 majority of both Houses – would then become listed on the ballot this coming November. If it makes it that far, a simple majority of voters is all it would take to pass it.

Here’s what the amendment would look like.

SECTION 23. RIGHT TO HUNT, FISH, TRAP AND HARVEST. The people have the right to hunt, fish, trap and harvest wild game, subject to reasonable rules adopted in accordance with state law. Consistent with the state of Idaho’s duty to protect this valued heritage and to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage wild mammals, birds and fish, traditional methods used to take species not protected by federal law are reserved to the people. Public hunting, fishing and
trapping shall be the preferred means of managing and controlling species not protected by federal law. Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify any other provisions of the constitution, common law or statutes relating to trespass, eminent domain or any other property rights, or to establish expressly or by implication any minimum amount of water in any stream, river, lake, reservoir or other watercourse or water body.

This amendment was drafted with the assistance of the National Rifle Association Hunter Rights Organization and its expert legal staff and is being sponsored by those listed below.

Rep. Lawerence Denney
Rep. Mike Moyle
Rep. Mary Hagedorn
Rep. Rich Wills
Rep. Scott Bedke
Rep. Steve Kren
Sen. Robert Geddes
Sen. Dean Cameron
Sen. Monty Pearce
Sen. Steve Bair
Sen. Mel Richardson
Sen. Curt McKenzie

Rep. Marv Hagedorn writes about the proposed amendment at his blog.

You can contact members of the House Resources and Conservation Committee by following this link. Or you can contact your representative using this link.

If you don’t know your senator or congressman, use this link to find the name then use the above link to contact them.

Tom Remington