WI Residents VOTE!

[SpikeRoberts]

MattD posted this in the Political Forum, but I thought I should bring it to the attention of our chessehead friends in this forum.

Spike

Right to hunt and fish ammendment passes Legislature -- becomes state-wide referendum

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin residents would be guaranteed the right to hunt and fish under a proposed constitutional amendment the Legislature approved Tuesday.

The vote puts the amendment to a statewide referendum scheduled for the April 1 general election to let residents vote it up or down. If approved, the amendment would take effect once the election results were certified.

Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, predicted the amendment would pass overwhelmingly. He said more than 4,000 state residents signed petitions supporting the idea.

At least seven states, including Minnesota, have constitutional protections for the right to hunt, fish and trap, said Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, one of amendment's strongest backers.

``This is a piece of legislation that protects future generations,'' Zien said.

The proposed amendment states: ``The people have the right to fish, hunt, trap, and take game subject only to reasonable restrictions as prescribed by law.''

Amendments to the state Constitution must be approved by two consecutive Legislatures and by voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect. Both houses of the Legislature passed the proposed amendment last year.

The state Assembly voted 94-3 Tuesday in favor of the amendment, sending it to the Senate, which approved the resolution 30-1.

Rep. Luther Olsen, R-Berlin, one of three to vote against the measure, said he was concerned about an amendment that suggests rights can be regulated.
Published 07:37 Jan-30-03

[Matt D]

I passed this along because even though my career track has forced me to move elsewhere, I'll always be from Wisconsin. Several times each year I return to hunt and fish with my dad ... something I will do as long as both of us are able, so I keep a watchful eye. I'd love to someday "come home". North Dakota (my current residence; I voted YES!), and Minnesota (where I spend equal time) have both recently passed similar amendments. Sure ... this amendment will also likely pass without you. But let's make sure the those against it know in no uncertain terms, that this is important enough to you to be considered a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT, and you will not allow some lawyer to challenge the state about it for the sake of making a buck! Even if you don't know/care about anything else on the ballot (I hope that's not the case), isn't this measure worth a trip to the ballot box?

If you're not sure about the answer to that question, think about the next generation.

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Best FISHES,
Matt

[This message has been edited by Matt D (edited 01-30-2003).]

[Guest]

you guys are right this a very important step in preserving our rights as sportsmen. I hope every one in wisconsin realizes this and makes the trip to vote.