AR-News: (US) Pa. hunters pushing forward with right-to-hunt amendment

[Animalconcerns]

PHILADELPHIA - Long one of the most powerful voting blocs in the state,
hunters in Pennsylvania are moving forward with a proposed amendment to
the state constitution that would guarantee the "right of the people to
hunt and fish."

Hunters say the amendment, which is similar to laws and constitutional
amendments enacted in 11 other states in recent years, would protect their
sport from what they say are attacks by animal-rights advocates and other
groups that advocate hunting restrictions.

"The fact that it's standing there as a constitutional 'right' means
something," said Bob Ging, a lawyer and hunter in Confluence, southeast of
Pittsburgh, who sits on a gubernatorial sportsmen's advisory panel.
...
Alabama, California, Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont,
Virginia, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana already recognize the
right to hunt, fish or trap.

While it is unclear exactly what the Pennsylvania amendment would do in
practice, one legal expert said it could have unintended consequences and
possibly end up conflicting with federal endangered species laws.

"It could get into sprawl, into environment," said David Kairys, a
constitutional law professor at Temple University Law School.
...
"But are we trying to stop deer hunting?" said Wayne Pacelle, senior vice
president for the Humane Society of the United States. "No. We're trying
to curb the more inhumane and unsportsmanlike practices."

full story:
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/sports/7967441.htm

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