Ballot amendment campaign launched to enshrine the right to fishing and hunting in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A proposed ballot amendment campaign launched to enshrine the right to fishing and hunting in Florida this week.

The campaign, called “YES ON 2,” was launched by leading Florida anglers, hunters and conservationists, according to an announcement.

The proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution would “preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.”

The amendment will be on the November ballot. At least 60% of the vote is required in order for it to pass.

The joint resolution previously passed with bipartisan support through the Florida Legislature 154-1.

Sen. Lauren Book, D-Davie, was the only lawmaker to vote against the resolution.

Rep. Lauren Melo, R-Naples, and Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, carried the resolution.

According to the “YES ON 2” website, hunting and fishing bans were “considered” in at least a dozen states in 2022.

“Fishing and hunting are a way of life in Florida, and we need to protect it for future generations,” campaign Chairman Joshua Kellam said.

Kellam is a former commissioner at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and president and CEO of The Garcia Companies.

Kellam said the “best way to protect our traditions is through conservation programs that anglers and hunters in Florida support every day.”

“By protecting fishing and hunting for generations to come, we’re protecting Florida wildlife and their habitats,” Kellam said.

“The traditions, conservation practices, outdoor lifestyle and economic opportunities that fishing and hunting bring to the people of our state are on the ballot in November,” Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said.

Luke Hilgemann, executive director for the International Order of T. Roosevelt and “YES ON 2” national chairman, said the formation of the committee will “help support Florida’s efforts to protect anglers and hunters from radical animal rights activists who want to ban hunting and fishing.”

The amendment is supported by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the American Sportfishing Association, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Sportsman’s Conservation Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, the International Order of T. Roosevelt and more.

To learn more, click here.