Missouri: Committee Hearing Right to Hunt & Fish Amendment

On February 24^th, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources is hearing Senate Joint Resolution 62 to amend the Constitution of Missouri to affirm that it is a right of the public to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife. Please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT SJR 62.

The proposed constitutional amendment:

Section 36. That the citizens of this state have a right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife. The control, management, restoration, conservation, and regulation of the bird, fish, game, forestry, and all wildlife resources of the state, and the administration of all laws pertaining thereto, is vested in a conservation commission as provided in Article IV, Section 40(a) of the Constitution of Missouri. No law, rule, or regulation shall unreasonably restrict hunting, fishing, or harvesting wildlife or the use of traditional devices and methods. Laws, rules, and regulations authorized under this section shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management and preserving the future of hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This section shall not be construed to modify any provision of common law or statutes relating to trespass or property rights.

Hunting, fishing, and harvesting wildlife are not only cherished American traditions, but when paired with science, are an integral part of wildlife management and conservation. Unfortunately, misguided extremists have been trying for decades to incrementally or outright ban hunting, fishing, and harvesting wildlife. This amendment guarantees the sporting traditions that you have enjoyed will still be around for future generations of Americans and that regulations will be based on sound science. Currently, 22 other states have similar provisions in their constitutions. 

In addition to fees collected from sales of licenses and tags, excise taxes paid by Missouri sportsmen and women on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment fund important conservation efforts such as the acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, wildlife species introduction, wildlife research, public access programs, shooting ranges, and hunter education programs. Last year alone, Missouri has received $17,819,728 of Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Funds.

Your NRA would like to thank Senator Denny Hoskins (R-21) for introducing this legislation. Again, please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT SJR 62.