Yager co-sponsors resolution to recognize rights of citizens to hunt and fish
January 28, 2010

Tennessee voters will have the opportunity to decide if the state’s Constitution should be amended to recognize that citizens have the right to hunt and fish under a resolution co-sponsored by local State Senator Ken Yager.  The measure was approved this week by a vote of 31 to 0 in the State Senate.  

An identical resolution was approved during the 2007-2008 legislative sessions by a simple majority, however, the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote in the succeeding General Assembly before it can be placed on the ballot in November 2010.

“I am very pleased that this resolution has passed our State Senate with overwhelming support,” said Senator Yager.  “If passed by the voters in November, it will make sure that our state’s great hunting and fishing tradtions will be enjoyed by future generations of Tennesseans.”

Yager said sportsmen pay for all wildlife conservation efforts, not just game fish and animals.  He said they also pump millions of dollars into Tennessee’s economy. 

The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 30, will give sportsmen a voice in court on any future action that would deny their right to hunt and fish, if approved by the voters.  The ballot measure will be voted on in the same manner as the "Victim's Rights Amendment" in 1998, the “State Lottery Scholarship Amendment” of 2002, or the latest amendment to give property tax relief to the elderly.

“We have such a great heritage in our State Senate district of hunting and fishing,” added Yager.  “This bill will make sure our young people have the same heritage to enjoy hunting and fishing as we do.