Posted on 02/24/2004 5:48:24 PM PST by neverdem
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Fearful that animal rights activists might push for laws that would curtail hunting and fishing in Missouri, some rural lawmakers are seeking constitutional protections for such pastimes.
One proposal, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Whorton, D-Trenton, would guarantee in the state constitution's Bill of Rights the prerogative to hunt, fish and harvest game.
A second proposed constitutional amendment takes a broader approach. It would require any proposal affecting fish, wildlife and forestry management placed on the statewide ballot via initiative petition to win at least two-thirds of the vote to become law.
Under that measure, it would be more difficult to enact conservation laws through initiative referenda than measures related to any other issue, including tax increases.
State Rep. Mike Dethrow, R-Alton, said activist groups have successfully used the initiative process in other states to enact laws that prevent responsible \wildlife management practices.
Dethrow cited a California ballot proposal that outlawed hunting mountain lions.
Although it failed in most of the state, it became law due to strong support in urban areas that didn't have a mountain lion problem. A mountain lion recently killed one person and attacked others in California.
"These issues are best left in the hands of professionals and not those who would manage these resources with the emotion of an initiative petition," Dethrow said.
Conservation-related measures placed on the ballot by the legislature would still require a simple majority to become law.
Both measures, which are co-sponsored by state Rep. Peter Myers, R-Sikeston, were heard last week by the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.
If they clear the legislature, they would go on the November ballot and require simple majorities to be ratified.
These busybody urbanites wouldn't know a raccoon from a rattlesnake. I'd like to see any of them survive a week in the deep wilderness. They'd probably try to pet a badger or play with a bear cub while Mama Bear's nearby.
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