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Committee hears proposal to add right to hunt and fish to Ohio Constitution
Summary
Sen. Huffman testified on SJR 8, which would add Section 23 to Article I to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish and, if approved by the legislature, place the measure on the November 26 ballot; he cited economic impact numbers and said hunting would be the "preferred" method for wildlife management but would not bar other tools.
Senator Huffman presented sponsored testimony in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 8, which would add Section 23 to Article I of the Ohio Constitution to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish. Huffman told the committee that if the General Assembly approves the resolution, it would appear on the November 26 general election ballot for voters to decide. "If the general assembly approves it, the measure will appear on the November 26 general election ballot for Ohio voters to decide," he said.
Huffman framed hunting and fishing as part of Ohio's heritage and economy, telling the committee those activities contribute about "$1,900,000,000 annually and supporting 12,000 jobs." He said several Appalachian counties depend on hunting-driven economies and cited other states that have added similar constitutional protections.
During questioning, Senator Mora asked whether declaring hunting and fishing the "preferred" methods of wildlife management would limit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' ability to use other tools such as sterilization or relocation. Huffman replied the amendment would identify hunting as the preferred method but would not preclude ODNR from using other approaches when appropriate. "You could still do that. It just says the preferred method is actually hunting," he told the committee.
Huffman said the amendment aims to preserve hunting and fishing for future generations and to reduce costly legal challenges that have arisen elsewhere. The committee took no final action at this hearing; it concluded after questions from members.
