WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT FISHING AND HUNTING RIGHTS IN FLORIDA
- The Threats are Real – Efforts Underway to Criminalize Hunting and Fishing: Hunting and fishing bans were considered in at least a dozen states last year. The worst of which was a ballot initiative in Oregon that would have criminalized hunting, fishing and farming. This radical proposal missed being added to the ballot in Oregon by only 20,000 signatures in 2022!
- Similar efforts to make catching a fish or harvesting wild game are expected to be pushed in Washington and New Mexico as well as Oregon ahead of 2024. States, like Florida, where strong pro-fishing and hunting majorities exist in the State Legislature must enact extra protections against these radical efforts ever taking hold in their states.
- 23 states have passed a constitutional Right to Fish and Hunt amendment.
- Protecting traditions: Fishing and hunting are long-standing traditions in many communities, and especially in Florida. 273,000 Floridians purchased hunting licenses in 2020 another 1,327,971 Floridians purchased fishing licenses last year.
- Supporting Wildlife Conservation: Fishing and hunting are the most important tools for managing wildlife populations…American hunters and anglers are the largest contributors to wildlife conservation – Sportsmen contribute nearly $9.4 million every day, adding more than $3.4 billion every year for conservation. Sportsmen are responsible for funding 19% of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
- Economic Impact: Florida is the fishing capital of the world. Saltwater and freshwater fishing generate $13.8 Billion in annual economic impact for Florida and support 120,000 jobs. Hunting provides another $2 billion annual economic impact and supports 14,300 jobs.
- Florida must remain a beacon for Freedom: fishing and hunting are individual rights that protect the environment, ensure a balanced ecosystem, and contribute billions to your state economy. If radical anti-hunting and fishing groups successfully end hunting and fishing traditions in America, the results for the world will be catastrophic. Around the globe, American anglers and hunters fund the vast majority of conservation efforts.
PLEDGE TO VOTE
Fishing and hunting are not only long-standing traditions but also a way of life in Florida. Voting is one way we can help protect this economic engine.
Let’s work together in the Sunshine State to preserve our fishing and hunting heritage and protect our way of life. Sign the petition to pledge to vote in 2024.
FLORIDA NEWS
Tampa Bay Times – Hunting, fishing could be enshrined in Florida Constitution under proposal
WINK News – Florida voters could soon make fishing, hunting constitutional rights
The Capitolist – Floridians will vote on constitutional right to hunt and fish
