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Committee hears resolution to add a constitutional right to hunt and fish
Summary
Witnesses told the committee Senate Joint Resolution 8 would protect hunting and fishing traditions, bolster economic contributions from outdoor recreation, and reaffirm long-standing activities; proponents said the amendment would not impose new restrictions on wildlife management.
The committee took testimony on Senate Joint Resolution 8, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution to recognize an individual right to hunt and fish.
Luke Hilgemann, who identified himself as CEO of the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt and the T. Roosevelt Action Organization, testified the amendment would protect outdoor traditions, support conservation funding and local economies. He cited figures for economic activity and conservation-generated revenue and said declines in license sales threaten conservation funding. He argued the legislature should act to "speak clearly" that hunting and fishing deserve constitutional protection.
John Weber, who identified himself as representing the National Rifle Association in Ohio, urged the committee to report SJR 8 favorably and said the amendment would "simply reaffirms Ohioans' individual right to hunt and fish" and "imposes no new restrictions." In response to a question, Mr. Weber and other witnesses acknowledged that the resolution would not change wildlife-management authorities such as license quotas set by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
A brief clarification occurred when a witness misspoke about another state's activity; Senator Huffman corrected that Oregon, not Ohio, was considering restrictive measures in the example the witness cited.
The committee concluded the second hearing for SJR 8 after receiving in-person testimony and written submissions.
