The citizens of Tennessee cleared one hurdle on an arduous road toward amending the state constitution to guarantee an individual the right to hunt and fish. House Joint Resolution 108 is the proposal that would bring about that amendment and it unanimously passed the House Conservation and Environment Committee.
Next step, the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. The path from there is long. Should this bill pass this committee, it then has to pass both Houses of Congress in two different sessions by a 2/3 majority. If it makes it that far, then the newly proposed amendment would be sent to the voters in the next general election.
Several states have entertained constitutional amendments or laws granting the right to hunt, trap and fish but few have actually succeeded in amending their constitutions. Someone can correct me if I’m wrong but I believe the following six states have amendments guaranteeing the right to hunt, trap and fish. They are: Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, North Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin. There may be others. If anyone knows for sure on these and their own states, leave the information in the comments section below.
Tom Remington
