Kansas: Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment Introduced

On Thursday, January 22, state Representative Travis Couture-Lovelady (R-110) introduced House Concurrent Resolution 5008, proposing an amendment to the Kansas constitution that protects the right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife in the Sunflower State.

HCR 5008 would ensure that future wildlife conservation and management decisions are based on sound science in order to preserve Kansas’ hunting heritage for generations to come. Language for the resolution includes the following:

The people have the right to hunt, fish and trap, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to laws and regulations that promote wildlife conservation and management and that preserve 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 law relating to trespass, property rights or water resources."

Adding the Right to Hunt, Fish and Trap to the state constitution would Protect Kansas’ rich sporting tradition from well-funded efforts by national extremist groups to ban hunting.  This important constitutional safeguard will protect wildlife and promote conservation, which are efforts that Kansas sportsmen have spearheaded for generations, significantly contributing to the state's diverse and flourishing wildlife populations.

If passed, the language contained in this resolution will be presented for a public vote in the General Election of 2016.  Currently, 18 states have adopted some form of a right to hunt and fish constitutional protection.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.