The full text of the Constitutional Amendment is as follows:

• "The citizens of Kentucky have the personal right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, using traditional methods, subject only to statutes enacted by the Legislature, and to administrative regulations adopted by the designated state agency to promote wildlife conservation and management and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This section shall not be construed to modify any provision of law relating to trespass, property rights, or the regulation of commercial activities."

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) fully supports passage of this Amendment.  This amendment provides the opportunity for Kentuckians to establish a constitutional right to be able to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in Kentucky, and will protect this heritage into the future. 

Our department worked closely, during the 2011 General Assembly, with the sponsors of House Bill 1, which established the ability to have this ballot initiative during this election year.  Through these efforts, KDFWR was able to insure the amendment will not inadvertently impact our ability to properly manage fish and wildlife resource in the Commonwealth. 

This constitutional amendment also includes language that elevates hunting and fishing to "a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife."

This amendment guarantees a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife while continuing protections for private property rights.  In other words, this constitutional amendment in no way establishes a "right to retrieve" option for hunters, or allows anglers hunters or trappers to trespass on private landowners' property for any reason.  To the contrary, current law requires that "Persons shall not enter upon the lands of another to shoot, hunt, trap, or fish, or for other wildlife-related recreational purposes, without the oral or written permission of the landowner, tenant, or person who has authority to grant permission."  This law will not change with passage of this Constitutional Amendment. 

Currently, a person can hunt, fish and harvest wildlife according to both state and local laws.  Establishing the constitutional right to "hunt, fish and harvest wildlife using traditional methods" will provide for a constant reminder when developing laws, regulations and ordinances that reasonable access to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife is paramount.

This amendment is also supported by the League of Kentucky Sportsmen, the National Rifle Association, and countless other conservation organizations in the Commonwealth. 

At least 15 other states already have added similar language to their constitutions that guarantees their citizens the right to hunt, fish, or harvest wildlife.