Hunting and fishing are not only cherished Kansas traditions, but paired with science, they are an integral part of wildlife management and conservation. Unfortunately, misguided extremists have been trying for decades to ban hunting and fishing either outright or incrementally. That is why the National Rifle Association (NRA) is supporting HCR 5008, legislation that would lead to a statewide ballot initiative this fall that would allow the people of Kansas to amend the state Constitution to guarantee the sporting traditions you have enjoyed will still be around for future generations.

Our state’s unique culture and heritage are threatened by outside groups coming in with extreme political agendas. It has happened in other states and it will happen here. Animal rights advocates succeeding in banning dove hunting in Michigan ten years ago. A 1990 ballot initiative in California resulted in a ban on mountain lion hunting. Kansans should act now to protect our right to hunt and fish by passing a ballot initiative to amend our constitution to. The idea of a state constitutional amendment is nothing new. Vermont’s dates back to 1777. Today 19 states have an amendment protecting these basic rights.

Hunting is a part of Kansas’ cultural heritage, an important wildlife management tool, and an important part of our economy. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, about 1.2 million people hunt, fish or watch wildlife in Kansas in a given year. They spend about $906 million on their trips and equipment. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism sold more than $24.5 million in licenses and permits last year. The state turned around and put all that money into wildlife conservation programs throughout Kansas. The state gets additional money each year for these programs from a federal excise tax. Since 1937, hunters and outdoorsmen have contributed more than 7.2 billion dollars to a variety of wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation programs, through Pittman-Robertson Act revenues associated with the purchase of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. These conservation programs have led to dramatic increases in populations of various game species including deer, elk, antelope, turkeys and waterfowl.

Support for our state’s hunting heritage crosses party lines. As a former Republican State Representative, I cosponsored this legislation last year with my colleague, Representative Adam Lusker, a Democrat from Frontenac. I urge my former colleagues in Topeka to make HCR 5008 a priority this year. It’s time our state makes hunting, fishing, and trapping a right, not just a privilege.

Travis Couture-Lovelady is the NRA Kansas Legislative Liaison and former 110th Dist. state representative.