Montana: Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment Heads to Senate Floor

Last night, the Senate Fish and Game Committee passed Right to Hunt, Fish and Trap Constitutional Amendment legislation by a 6-5 vote.  Senate Bill 236, sponsored by state Senator Jennifer Fielder, would propose a constitutional amendment to guarantee the Right to Hunt, Fish and Trap in Montana.  If enacted, Montana voters will be able to approve the amendment on the November 2018 General Election ballot.  SB 236 now heads to the Senate floor where it could be considered as early as tomorrow.  Please contact your state Senator immediately and politely urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 236.

Senate Bill 236 would ensure that wildlife conservation and management decisions continue to be based on sound science in order to preserve Montana’s hunting heritage for generations to come and to protect it against future attacks from well-funded, anti-hunting organizations. 

Hunting, fishing, and trapping are not only cherished American traditions, but paired with science, are an integral part of wildlife management and conservation.  Last year alone, Montana received $18,441,964 of Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Funds thanks to excise taxes paid by Montana sportsmen and women on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment.  Pittman-Robertson funds fuel important conservation efforts such as the acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, wildlife species introduction, wildlife research, public access programs, and hunter education programs.  Furthermore, sportsmen and women are an essential part of the Montana economy.  According to the latest data, they spend more than $983 million annually and support 16,515 jobs. 

Misguided extremists have been trying for decades to incrementally or outright ban hunting, fishing, and trapping.  Now is the time to safeguard your outdoor heritage.  Please contact your state Senator and politely urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 236.