Constitutional amendment on ballot could affect hunters, fishers

Do you think it should be a constitutional right for Kansans to hunt, fish and trap in the state?

Kansas voters are being asked just that on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Besides voting for local, state and public offices, registered voters will also cast their vote on a constitutional amendment that would preserve the right of the public now – and for future generations – to hunt, fish and trap wildlife.

Right now in the state, it’s “a privilege” to hunt, and with the passing of the proposed amendment, which is known as the Kansas Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment and Constitutional Amendment 1, it would become “a right.”

Public hunting and fishing would also be the preferred method of wildlife management under the amendment

If passed, the amendment would not modify current laws relating to trespassing, as well as property rights, it was reported.

On the ballot, voters are being asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to adopt the following:

“Right of public to hunt, fish and trap wildlife. The people have the right to hunt, fish and trap, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to reasonable 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.”

If passed, the amendment will be added to the Kansas Bill of Rights.

In the Kansas Senate, the amendment received unanimous support from all 36 senators.

In the Kansas House of Representatives, 117 of 125 representatives voted to place the measure on the ballot. 

Currently, 19 states have constitutional provisions providing for the right to hunt and fish. Vermont was the first state to constitutionalize the right in 1777.

Either chamber of the Kansas State Legislature can propose an amendment to the state’s constitution.

Two-thirds of the members of each chamber must approve the resolution. If they do, the proposed amendment goes on either the next statewide ballot during which members of the State Legislature are elected, or on a special election ballot if the Legislature agrees to have a special election for this purpose.

If passed, hunters and anglers will still need to obtain the correct licenses and stamps to hunt and fish.

According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas brought in roughly $26 million from hunting and fishing permits and licenses in the 2015 fiscal year.