Proposition 6 passed into law Tuesday, guaranteeing Texans the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife. The law amends the state constitution to forever protect sportsmens’ rights in the Lone Star State.
Dallas Safari Club and Gov. Greg Abbott are calling the amendment, which was approved on this year’s ballot by 81 percent (some news outlets put the number at 82 percent) of voters, as a landmark achievement.
“This is an important win for all Texans, as well as future generations of hunters and anglers in the state,” DSC Executive Director Ben Carter said. “The future of wildlife and habitat hinges solely on the continued availability of funds generated by hunters and anglers. If the right to hunt, fish, and harvest is not guaranteed, the future of wildlife and habitat cannot be guaranteed.”
“By voting to lower property taxes, invest in transportation infrastructure and constitutionally guarantee the right to hunt and fish, Texans are creating an even better place for future generations to live, work and raise a family,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. Seven constitutional amendments were passed on this year’s ballot, including Prop 6.
Texas became the 19th state to include such a measure in its constitution, protecting outdoorsmen from anti-hunting groups and their efforts to whittle away sporting opportunities through legislation and court decisions. Sportsmen bring in an annual economic gain of $4.1 billion for Texas, supporting 65,993 jobs.
In addition to Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Minnesotsa, Idaho, Louisiana, and Vermont all have constitutional wording in place to protect their citizens’ right to hunt and fish. Only 31 more states to go.
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