Dallas, TX -(Ammoland.com)- A measure offering constitutional protections for hunting and fishing in Texas has cleared both chambers of the legislature and will go before voters in November.
DSC is lauding passage as another step to ensuring the future of traditional outdoor sports and their ties to successful wildlife conservation and management. SJR 22 passed the Texas House of Representatives today with 111 of the 150 legislators voting in favor – well above the two-thirds majority required for passage.
The bill easily cleared the Senate last month.
“We applaud and congratulate all of the lawmakers who voted to protect not only our state’s outdoor heritage, but also a lifestyle close to hearts of millions of Texans who enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife and wild places,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “Our club was proud to work with Rep. Ashby and Sen. Creighton to pass this critical legislation. We look forward to working with them and our partner organizations for a positive vote in November.”
Carter says the goal behind the effort to amend the Texas constitution is preempting a growing national trend by out-of-state animal rights groups who fund ad campaigns, ballot initiatives, lawsuits and sponsored legislation to chip away at hunting and fishing. Eighteen states have already added proactive amendments to their constitutions.
Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin), who had previously introduced a companion measure in the House and worked hard for passage of SJR 22, said, “The passage of the Right to Hunt and Fish constitutional amendment from the House today ensures the voters of Texas have the opportunity to solidify this right for future Texans. By placing this on the November ballot, we have given all Texans the right to pass on our outdoor heritage to the coming generations.”
Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), who authored SJR 22, said, “With recent lawsuits across the country successfully denying citizens certain hunting rights, our state’s strong sporting heritage is threatened and needs protection now more than ever. It has been a privilege to work alongside Rep. Ashby in this landmark passage to secure our right to hunt, fish, and preserve our natural habitats here in Texas.”
“Thank you to the Dallas Safari Club, National Rifle Association and over 60 sportsmen’s organizations for their strong support of this legislation. I am eager for it be presented to our voters this November,” added Creighton.
Carter wrote a newspaper opinion-editorial about the economic and other benefits that could stem from Creighton and Ashby’s legislative efforts. The op-ed appeared in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Tyler Morning Telegraph.
About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)
Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide.
Get involved at www.biggame.org.