Right-to-hunt measure passes Senate

The Senate has voted unanimously, 34-0, in favor of SJR 106, which would amend the state Constitution to add a right to hunt, fish and trap. To amend the constitution, the measure must pass both houses by a two-thirds margin and then receive majority approval from voters at the next general election. The measure, sponsored by freshman Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, has been through numerous iterations; three previous versions, SJR 103, 104 and 105, were introduced and then abandoned as the wording was repeatedly refined. Sen. Elliot Werk, D-Boise, said he was hopeful that this version will avoid creating unintended consequences.

Meanwhile, the Senate has delayed consideration of SB 1305, the controversial bill allowing ranchers to shoot wolves aerially and by a series of other means, to Thursday.