Amidst the fray of Amendment 3 and Amendment 4, Amendment 2 seeks to preserve the right to fish and hunt in Florida. The Florida Right to Fish and Hunt amendment would establish a constitutional right to fish and hunt, which the Republican Party of Florida supports. Despite some pushback from the No to 2 campaign, the Bass Pro Shop founder has shared his unwavering support for Amendment 2.
Johnny Morris, the Bass Pro Shops founder, who is also a conservationist, shared his support for the Yes on 2 campaign this week. The announcement comes at the same time that the Yes on 2 campaign announced a massive voter outreach partnership aimed at passing Amendment 2 in November.
In a statement, Morris announced his support for the amendment, noting that he looks to "preserve fishing and hunting in the great state of Florida." "Sportsmen and women are the backbone of the North American Model of Conservation, as self-imposed excise taxes on sporting gear and the purchase of fishing and hunting licenses generate most of the funding for fish and wildlife agencies," Morris added. "We are honored to stand alongside all who love the great outdoors to ensure the traditions we love are available for future generations to enjoy.
Luke Hilgemann, who is the National Chairman of the Yes on 2 campaign as well as the Executive Director for the International Order of T. Roosevelt, thanked Morris for his support, likening him to the former president. "Johnny Morris is a modern-day Theodore Roosevelt, committed to conserving our nation's greatest natural resources," he said. Hilgemann went on to praise Bass Pro Shops, noting that "Johnny's endorsement and support of this important mission is sure to have a measurable impact on the success of Amendment 2."
Opposition to the amendment argues that the effort would threaten private property rights, adding that it would "enable hunters to trespass onto your property in pursuit of the animals they want to kill."
World Animal Protection, an organization that opposes the amendment, has stated that "this dangerous and misleading amendment will strip Florida citizens of their power to protect and conserve wild animals." "It's designed to trick voters into allowing some of the cruelest forms of hunting and prevent citizens, scientists, and agencies from protecting wildlife in the future."
The amendment requires a 60% vote to pass.
