A measure from State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) seeking to make hunting and fishing a constitutional right in Texas has passed both the House and Senate, and will be in front of voters later this year. The proposed amendment to the state constitution, championed by Rep. Ashby in the House and authored by State Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) in the Senate, is being lauded by several state and national organizations as a way to protect hunting and fishing rights for future generations of Texans.
“This amendment will be presented to voters this Fall, proposing that the right to hunt and fish in our great state becomes part of the Texas Constitution,” Rep. Ashby said. “With increasing efforts by extremist advocacy groups to limit methods, restrict seasons and reduce bag limits, I feel this is common sense legislation that takes the next step in protecting an important part of our Texas heritage.”
The constitutional amendment will be placed on the ballot November 3, 2015. Should the measure be adopted by Texas voters, the proposed amendment would add the right to hunt and fish to the Texas Constitution– meaning that if those rights were to ever be infringed upon, it would take another constitutional amendment to do so.
“This will ensure that should anyone try to attack our sporting culture and outdoor traditions by taking away our right to hunt and fish, the decision would go back to the people of Texas for a vote,” Rep. Ashby said. “Our state is first-class in its fish and wildlife conservation efforts, and that is only enhanced by this proposal. It still requires that folks are hunting and fishing in accordance with current laws. It doesn’t create a right to trespass on private property, and it doesn’t diminish the duty of the state to manage wild birds, fish and game in a manner that ensures sustainable populations of those animals for future generations of sporting enthusiasts.”
The proposed constitutional amendment has been supported by many groups such as the National Rifle Association, the Texas State Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Texas Forestry Association since its introduction. Similar language has been added to the constitution of nearly 20 other states.
