Right-to-hunt amendment clears committee

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho Senate committee thinks hunting, fishing and trapping be a constitutional right in Idaho. The Senate Resources Committee on Wednesday approved an amendment to the Constitution that would preserve these traditional outdoor activities in Idaho’s founding document. Sen. Jeff Siddoway of Terreton says he’s fearful radical groups could try to ban hunting activities if something like this isn’t passed. Some lawmakers raised concerns such an amendment could undermine the Department of Fish and Game’s ability to manage hunting, fishing and trapping through reasonable regulations and fees. An attorney general’s opinion agreed there was some ambiguity in this regard. But Sen. Lee Heider, the Twin Falls Republican sponsoring the measure, said that wasn’t his intent. The measure must get two-thirds Senate and House support before it could go on November’s ballot.