Outdoorsmen and women in the Peach State can ensure the future of hunting and fishing this November by voting "Yes" to the Right to Hunt and Fish amendment.

The amendment states: "Shall the (Georgia) Constitution be amended so as to provide that the tradition of fishing and hunting and the taking of fish and wildlife shall be reserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulations for the public good?"

"By voting "Yes" on November 7, sportsmen and women can make sure their children, and their children's children, enjoy the same freedoms they have had," said Bob Fountain, Georgia senior regional field supervisor for the National Wild Turkey Federation. "It's not often people have a chance to ensure their hunting and fishing traditions in this way."

The passage of the Right to Hunt and Fish amendment will elevate the legal protection of Georgia's outdoor traditions to the Constitutional level. A previous law passed by the Georgia Legislature in 2001 is subject to change, like other state laws. The current amendment on the ballot would assure no changes could be made to people's rights to enjoy the outdoors.

The law will not only benefit sportsmen and women, it will also benefit local economies. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2001 Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Survey, hunters and anglers contribute $2 billion annually to the state's economy, of which, $26 million is contributed directly to the state's wildlife conservation efforts.

"It's obvious sportsmen and women are important to the economy of Georgia," Fountain said. "In order to ensure that revenue stream continues, Georgia voters need to vote "Yes" in November."

Media Contact:
Bob Fountain
(770) 830-6263
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it