Freedom to hunt, fish, trap on Nov. 2 ballot (Louisiana)

The Lafayette Daily Advertiser ^ | October 14, 2004 | NA

[neverdem]

Sometimes it’s irksome, and sometimes it’s laughable.

I don’t know about you, but I find it quite entertaining watching numerous candidates for public office wave fishing rods and handle guns on TV in an all-out effort to get elected on Nov. 2.

Some of them really want you to believe they are active sporting men and ladies in our Bayou State woods and waters.

Now then, I know quite truly that at least a few are the real deal. In fact, I have spent a little time fishing and hunting with at least one in my 15 years as an outdoor writer.

Regarding the others however, well let’s just say they just may have a private pond that I don’t know about.

On a positive note in my other hand, it just could be the old adage that “imitation is the finest form of flattery” is the fact here. These candidates who hold that gun or rod are certainly appealing to a large voting block — some 500,000 strong active outdoor sporting enthusiasts in Louisiana.

But, I haven’t heard any of them speaking about an important constitutional amendment that will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot along with their names for various public offices.

You better pay attention to this amendment.

This summer, the legislature approved a constitutional amendment measure guaranteeing Louisianians “the freedom to hunt, fish and trap wildlife” in our state. Senate Bill 2, introduced by Senator Joe McPherson, D-Woodworth, and coauthored by 76 other legislators, will be on your November 2, 2004 general election ballot

Specifically, the amendment proposes to add Section 27 to Article I of the Louisiana constitution stating: “The freedom to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife, including all aquatic life, traditionally taken by hunters, trappers and anglers, is a valued natural heritage that shall be forever preserved for the people. Hunting, fishing and trapping shall be managed by law and regulation consistent with Article IX, Section 1 of the constitution of Louisiana to protect, conserve and replenish the natural resources of the state. The provisions of this section shall not alter the burden of proof requirements otherwise established by law for any challenge to a law or regulation relating to hunting, fishing or trapping the wildlife of the state, including all aquatic life. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to authorize the use of private property to hunt, fish or trap without the consent of the owner of the property.”

In a press release, E. R. “Smitty” Smith, president of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation of New Iberia stated, “Attempts to curtail various hunting, fishing and trapping activities have occurred in dozens of other states where the use of leghold traps, dogs for pursuing bear and cougar, bear management via regulated harvest, hunting on Sundays, and dove hunting have been challenged. Of growing concern are efforts to restrict fishing by making certain waters off-limits without sound, science-based reasons.”

“Extreme proponents of animal rights are active in every state capital in the nation, gradually eroding long-held traditions of conservation and wise utilization of fish and wildlife resources,” said Smith.

“In Louisiana, groups like PETA have petitioned for a ban on fishing in Louisiana State Parks, protested fishing events like the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, and engaged in a billboard campaign against fishing and eating meat. The past two legislative sessions have seen bills filed to criminalize killing animals, which would have applied to the harvest of fish, game, fur, and even beef cows,” Smith said.

“Seven states, the most recent being Wisconsin in April of 2003, have included language in their constitutions to preserve the freedom to hunt, fish and trap. Similar proposals are pending in eight other states besides Louisiana,” said Tara Mica, a government relations representative with the National Rifle Association in the same press release.

©The Lafayette Daily Advertiser October 14, 2004

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Can't imagine being in Louisiana and not being able to fish (much less hunt)...not there any more, but I surely know what it's like to catch a redfish in the early morning...go vote, guys!

[AdamSelene235]

Many hunting regulations have their origins in international treaties signed with other nations. Such treaties do not require the approval of Congress only the President's agreement and the consent of Senators present (not necessarily a quorum). Once the President signs such treaties they have equal footing with the Constitution itself except in cases of direct conflict with Constitution.

[LibertarianInExile]

Yep, I remember Sam Adams and Thomas Paine agitating about that. In fact, didn't Washington mention that in his farewell address?

Thank goodness government hasn't grown too big or powerful.

/sarcasm

[damncat]

Can't imagine being in Louisiana and not being able to fish (much less hunt)

That's how we felt here in Wisconsin too. But now that the democrats are in control of the state, they're trying to discourage hunters via bureaucratic red tape. I downloaded the deer hurting regulations the other day. They are separate from the other sporting regulation [ fishing, trapping etc] and the booklet has ballooned to seventy one pages, that's SEVENTY ONE PAGES! You need to be paralegal to understand the mess they've made of my favorite pastime.

That/s how they plan to end outdoor activities here in Wisconsin. That and raising the fees. Doyle [osama bin doyle, dem governor] promised no new taxes. Yeah right!