Are Hunting & Fishing Constitutional Rights?

This year on Election Day, Mississippians will get the chance to vote on whether or not hunting and fishing should become a constitutional right. On November 4th, Mississippi could become to 18th state to pass this kind of legislation, protecting sportsmen from anti-hunting groups.

Many Mississippi sportsmen are behind House Concurrent Resolution 30 because it names hunting and fishing "a constitutional right" on public property, but some are skeptical about what this law could really mean for our state representatives. Mike Seymour, a hunter and fisherman, says, "It’s basically the chase you enjoy, it’s not actually a catching or killing sport, as much as anything else."

The dog days could be over for Mississippi hunters and fishermen. On November 4th, Mississippians will have the chance to vote on Resolution 30, establishing hunting and fishing as a constitutional right. David Smith, President of the Mississippi Hunting Dog Association, says, "It will be harder for anyone to take that right away from us and we would love to keep that for all the sportsmen in the State of Mississppi."

Seymour isn’t convinced. He believes if the state calls hunting a right, then there should be no permit or licensing fees required. Seymour says, "If the bill is truly a right, then there is no more hunting and fishing license. It’s not a privilege no more it is a right, so by that token, the legislature will have to come up with a little extra funding."

Smith says he doesn’t mind the fees. He says, "I would not like to see any increase on permits for public lands to hunt or fish, but right now I think it’s fair to everyone."

The resolution states the "right" is subject only to laws and regulations that promote wildlife conservation and management that preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Seymour also says, "It would mean if the population got too low, then they would regulate accordingly, and you have to do that to make sure you didn’t extinct any species."

Seymour says he’s all for the bill, but not if it’s just a ploy by Mississippi lawmakers. Seymour closes, "As far as I see it, if we vote the referendum in, then you’re gonna’ have to bring it, amend it, and bring it back the year after when the state legislatures are all up for re-election too. It’ll be a big sticking point to get re-elected."

The resolution would still protect laws relating to trespassing, property rights, and the regulation of commercial activities. The resolution will be presented on the state ballot at your local voting precinct on November 4th.