[HUNTING HERITAGE]
Kentucky and Wyoming lawmakers want right to hunt and fish
Following a string of successful initiatives to protect traditional outdoor pursuits through constitutional amendments in three states last fall, lawmakers and sportsmen in Kentucky and Wyoming also hope to add hunting and fishing as protected rights.
In Kentucky, House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, supported by a large bipartisan group of co-sponsors, has pre-filed a bill (BR71) that will be taken up during this legislative session to add a constitutional amendment to the November general ballot. If ratified by voters, the referendum would guarantee the right to harvest wildlife and ensure hunting, fishing and other traditional methods are the preferred tools to manage wildlife populations.
The amendment would read:
The citizens of Kentucky have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including the use of traditional methods, subject only to statutes enacted by the Legislature and administrative regulations adopted by the designated state agency to promote wildlife conservation and management and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This section shall not be construed to modify any provision of law relating to trespass or property rights.
Wyoming's Senate Joint Resolution No. 1, presented by three freshmen legislators (Sens. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs; Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, and Rep. Kendell Kroeker, R-Evansville) would amend the Wyoming constitution to create Article 1, Section 38 that would recognize and preserve the heritage of Wyoming citizens' opportunity to harvest wild birds, fish and game.
If passed by two-thirds of all of the members of both houses of the state legislature, the referendum presented to voters during the general election would read:
The opportunity to harvest wild bird, fish and game is a heritage that shall forever be preserved to the individual citizens of the state and does not create a right to trespass on private property, diminish other private rights or diminish the duty of the state to manage wild bird, fish and game in such a manner that ensures adequate populations and sustained use.
Call or write your representatives and urge them to vote to protect our outdoor heritage through proven, scientific wildlife management. If passed this fall, the addition of Kentucky and Wyoming would make 17 states that protect the right to hunt, fish and trap. — Matt Lindler
 |
Moose were reintroduced to the state between 1985 and 1987, and the 61 original Canadian transplants have slowly grown the population to around 500. |
Michigan's Upper Peninsula may get a moose season
Hunters in Michigan's Upper Peninsula may get a chance to hunt moose for the first time if a new advisory council finds the herd can support a limited hunting season.
Senate Bill 1013 was signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and puts the ball in motion to research the viability of a hunting season on the state's 500-count moose herd in the region.
Moose were reintroduced to the state between 1985 and 1987, and the 61 original Canadian transplants have slowly grown the population to around 500.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment biologists maintain the population can support a few harvests each year, but the new law requires the department to establish a moose hunting advisory council to investigate the sustainability of the moose herd and economic impacts, such as license income. The panel has 12 months to make a determination on the season.
If a season is agreed on, it's likely a hunt will not occur until 2012 or 2013. — Matt Lindler
 |
New Amtrak rules allow firearms as checked baggage
Turkey hunters can once again ride the rails to complete their Grand Slams this spring.
Forced by federal legislation that took affect Dec. 15, Amtrak now must accommodate travelers who wish to travel with firearms, as long as the train has checked baggage service. The legislation, passed in December 2009 as part of an appropriations bill, reverses a firearms ban enacted in 2001 following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The ban forced hunters, competitive shooters and defense-minded travelers to stick to cars, buses or airlines to get to their destinations.
But don't just show up the day your train departs and expect them to check your shotgun case. You must call Amtrak at least 24 hours before departure to notify them that you will be traveling with a firearm and/or ammunition. You also need to make sure all of the trains and stations on your itinerary offer checked luggage service. Call Amtrak at (800) USA-RAIL to declare your firearm/ammunition and check baggage service availability. — Matt Lindler