Right to hunt and fish passes Ohio House Energy and Natural Resources Committee

The Ohio House of Representatives’ Energy and Natural Resource Committee passed legislation Wednesday to send a proposed constitutional amendment to voters that would enshrine Ohio’s right to hunt and fish for generations.
 
“Anti-hunting forces are pushing a radical agenda to ban fishing and hunting as we know it, and today Ohio took another step forward in fighting back,” said T. Roosevelt Action Executive Director Luke Hilgemann. “Hunters and anglers in Ohio want to protect their sporting heritage – this constitutional amendment is the best way to do it. T. Roosevelt Action will continue to advocate for our way of life and protect these cherished outdoor traditions for the next generation.

“I thank Chairman Kick for holding the vote today. T. Roosevelt Action will continue to work with House leadership to get a floor vote scheduled as soon as possible.”

HJR 5, which passed the committee 6-4, will now move to consideration for a floor vote by Ohio’s House of Representatives before moving to the Senate. Once passed by the Legislature, the measure would go in front of Ohio’s voters during the 2024 Election.

T. Roosevelt Action’s efforts in Ohio follow their successful campaign in Florida to get the right to fish and hunt on the ballot in 2024. Nationwide, the organization is taking a proactive stance on engaging hunters and anglers about threats to their rights and urging them to enshrine those rights in their state constitutions.

Facts on Hunting in Ohio

• Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted in Ohio's heritage, with an estimated 479,000 Ohioans enjoying outdoor hunting activities in 2022.  
• Hunting contributes $1.3 billion annually to Ohio’s economy and supports 15,500 jobs.
• American hunters contribute nearly $9.4 million daily, adding more than $3.4 billion annually for conservation.
• The amendment will provide robust legal protection against anti-hunting legislation and litigation in states previously lacking such safeguards.
• The amendment will protect those who rely on hunting and fishing for sustenance, particularly the less fortunate, from unnecessary restrictions.
T. Roosevelt Action is a leading advocacy group dedicated to preserving and promoting the rights of hunters and anglers across the United States. The organization is committed to ensuring that these traditions continue for future generations and plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation at all levels in the North American model — a system first created by the group's namesake President Teddy Roosevelt.