Protection of hunting, fishing and trapping will be on ballot

A resolution containing a proposed amendment to the state constitution regarding the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife was passed by the Legislature March 27.
LR40CA, introduced by Omaha Sen. Pete Pirsch, places on the ballot a proposed amendment to establish that the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife is subject only to laws, rules and regulations that preserve the future of hunting, fishing and the promotion of wildlife conservation and management. If adopted by voters, the constitutional amendment would declare public hunting and fishing as the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife.
Omaha Sen. Brenda Council filed a motion to return the resolution to select file for consideration of an amendment that would have struck the language pertaining to the use of traditional hunting methods. The motion to return to select file failed on a 5-27 vote and Council withdrew the amendment.
Senators passed the resolution on a 41-3 vote and the proposed constitutional amendment will be placed on the November 2012 general election ballot.