The Lexington City Council will discuss hunting within the Lexington city limits at its meeting tomorrow, October 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Luther Dean Memorial Council Chambers of Lexington City Hall at 111 East Broadway Street. Public comment will be heard at the beginning of this meeting.
On September 2, the City Council discussed hunting in the city limits but delayed action to its October meeting when they intend to gather more information. It is critical for local sportsmen to attend this meeting to show their support of hunting.
In 2008, the NRA-backed Right to Hunt and Fish constitutional amendment passed in both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature by a combined vote of 143-2. Once passed by the Legislature, citizens of Oklahoma ratified this measure at the ballot box with an overwhelming 80 percent voter approval. The Oklahoma constitution (Okla. Const., Art. II, §36) states:
"All citizens of this state shall have a right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest game and fish, subject only to reasonable regulation as prescribed by the Legislature and the Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Wildlife Conservation Commission shall have the power and authority to approve methods, practices and procedures for hunting, trapping, fishing and the taking of game and fish. Traditional methods, practices and procedures shall be allowed for taking game and fish that are not identified as threatened by law or by the Commission. Hunting, fishing, and trapping shall be the preferred means of managing game and fish that are not identified as threatened by law or by the Commission. Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify any provision of common law or statutes relating to trespass, eminent domain, or any other property rights."
Hunting is an integral part of the fabric of our economy and cultural heritage and it is also an important wildlife management tool. Since 1937, hunters and target shooters have contributed more than 7.2 billion dollars through the Pittman-Robertson Act for the benefit of all wildlife species. In 2011, hunters spent more than 38 billion dollars on things such as food, lodging, fuel, and equipment, and each year, hunting supports more than 680,000 jobs across the country. The protection of our hunting heritage is not only important to those who enjoy the sport—it is central to wildlife conservation and a vital part of our economy. It is up to sportsmen to defend the tradition of hunting. Please forward this alert to your family, friends and fellow sportsmen in Lexington.
Please attend the City Council meeting tomorrow to show your support for hunting in Lexington. If you are unable to attend, please contact your City Council Member by visiting the City website or by calling (405) 527-6123 to let them know you support hunting and Oklahoma’s rich hunting heritage.
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