In Case You Missed It: Florida Blueprint for Saving Fishing and Hunting
Executive Director Hilgemann details Florida model for protecting our sporting heritage

[Scottsdale, Ariz.] – International Order of T. Roosevelt Executive Director Luke Hilgemann published a column in Breitbart this week, detailing why Florida’s Amendment 2 was a historic success – and how it can serve as a model for the rest of the country in the fight to expand hunting and fishing rights. 

Read his full column here or find excerpts below: 

Exclusive – Luke Hilgemann: Owning the Narrative – How Florida’s Hunting and Fishing Rights Campaign Set a New Standard

Breitbart
Luke Hilgemann
Feb. 22, 2025

In a world where narratives can shift with the click of a button, it is essential for advocates of hunting and fishing to take charge of the story we tell about our beloved pastimes. The recent success by the state of Florida to secure the right to fish and hunt isn’t just a victory for outdoor enthusiasts; it is a pivotal moment that illustrates the power of effective messaging in the true conservation movement.

Amendment 2 is written plainly: “Fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, shall be preserved forever as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.”

At no time in human history has the right to catch a fish or harvest a deer been more at risk. Liberals in states like Oregon have worked to place a ban on hunting and fishing on the ballot.

The triumph of Amendment 2 in Florida – the constitutional right to fish and hunt – was nothing short of monumental, rallying nearly seven million supporters and eclipsing even the most heated issues like abortion and marijuana. This incredible achievement wasn’t a stroke of luck; it stemmed from a strategic, disciplined communication effort that tapped into the core values resonating with all Floridians. The message was simple – that hunting and fishing are “humane and natural ways to manage Florida’s wildlife” – alongside compelling arguments for food security, economic benefits, and cultural significance. The results were clear: it struck a powerful chord with a diverse audience.

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As we move forward, let us continue to embrace this positive, inclusive messaging that highlights the benefits of hunting and fishing – not just for us, but for all Americans. By doing so, we can ensure that the conversation around hunting and fishing remains one of celebration, unity, and shared purpose.

Together, we can protect our rights and the beautiful landscapes we cherish from Florida, to Michigan, Colorado, and beyond. Let this be a rallying cry for all who truly value our natural resources and the wildlife therein, and let us move forward with confidence and conviction to forever protect our ability to humanely and naturally manage them.

Read the full column here. 

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