Is Hunting and Fishing A Constitutional Right?⎟Ep. #927

Should hunting and fishing be constitutional rights in Florida? This isn't just theoretical—on November 5, 2024, Floridians will vote on Amendment Two, a measure that could change everything about how these traditions are protected. Travis Thompson, executive director of All Florida and fifth-generation Floridian, walks us through what this amendment really means, cuts through the misinformation, and explains why hundreds of thousands of fishing and hunting license holders in Florida don't even vote. If you care about water quality, public lands, boat ramps, or the Florida Wildlife Corridor, this conversation reveals surprising truths about who actually funds conservation in this state and what's at stake this November.

The Lock on Your Front Door: Why Constitutional Protection Matters

Travis uses a simple analogy that cuts through all the noise: Do you have a lock on your front door? Has anyone ever tried to walk through it? Probably not. So why lock it every night? To protect what you care about. That's exactly what Amendment Two does—it's not about responding to an immediate crisis, but about strategic, long-term protection. Right now, Florida's hunting and fishing rights exist as statute, meaning the legislature could change or revoke them at any time. Twenty-three other states have already elevated these rights to constitutional protections. Florida's current leadership supports hunting and fishing, but what about in twenty or thirty years? Want to know what happened in Oregon that has Travis concerned? Listen at timestamp [02:42]

Debunking the Myths: Foreign Interests, Traditional Methods, and More

The misinformation surrounding Amendment Two ranges from absurd to genuinely concerning. Some claim this will allow Chinese commercial fishing interests into Florida waters—a theory Travis calls out as completely fabricated, pointing out that Florida's colleges can't even have TikTok on campus due to Chinese Communist Party concerns. The real confusion centers on phrases like "traditional methods," which doesn't mean resetting regulations to 1872 or allowing hunting at night. It's legal terminology used successfully in other states that simply means "that which is legal at the time of passage." Travis breaks down every major objection, from private property rights to the net ban to state parks. Curious about whether this could undo Florida's net ban? Hear the legal explanation at [53:01]

Who's Really Funding Conservation in Florida?

Here's a number that should make every angler and hunter proud: 19% of the Florida Wildlife Corridor—nearly 10 million acres—was acquired with sportsman's dollars. That boat ramp you use? Paid for by fishing license holders through federal mandates. Those public lands where panthers, bears, and the most endangered bird in America (the grasshopper sparrow) thrive? Managed with hunting and fishing funds. Travis explains the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts, the user-pays public-benefit system that hunters and anglers have voluntarily supported since the 1930s and 1950s. Every spinning reel, shotgun, and tackle box you buy includes an excise tax that funds wildlife restoration. Meanwhile, groups opposing Amendment Two contribute exactly zero dollars to conservation. Want to hear Travis's story about trying to create a "backpack tax" for non-consumptive users? Don't miss his account at [1:21:41]

The November 5 Decision: What Anglers Need to Unite Around

Amendment Two passed the Florida House and Senate 154 to 1—an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. This isn't a partisan issue; it's a conservation issue. Travis emphasizes that decisions get made by people who show up, yet hundreds of thousands of fishing and hunting license holders in Florida don't vote at all. Apathy is the biggest threat to sportsmen, bigger than any opposition group. On November 5, when you go to vote for president and senator, you'll also see Amendment Two on your ballot. The ballot language is identical to the amendment language—no tricks, no hidden clauses. Whether you vote yes or no is your choice, but Travis makes a compelling case for why this protection matters not just for today, but for generations still in the womb of time, as Teddy Roosevelt said. Wondering what local officials you should research before voting? Travis gives specific advice at [1:01:03]

Key Takeaways

• The difference between statutory and constitutional rights could determine the future of hunting and fishing in Florida—one can be changed by the legislature at any time
• Twenty-three states already have constitutional rights to hunt and fish, and the template language has been tested successfully in court cases
• "Traditional methods" doesn't mean what critics claim—hear the legal definition and why it matters for North Carolina anglers fighting gill nets
• Sportsmen fund 19% of Florida's Wildlife Corridor and pay for boat ramps, public lands, and wildlife management through self-imposed taxes
• Hundreds of thousands of Florida fishing and hunting license holders don't vote—apathy is the biggest threat to conservation
• Wildlife for All, the group that nearly criminalized hunting in Oregon, is supporting the "No on 2" movement in Florida
• Local elections matter more than most anglers realize—county commissioners and state reps directly affect water quality, development, and access

Final Thoughts from Tom

This conversation with Travis opened my eyes to aspects of Amendment Two I hadn't fully considered. I've always known that hunters and anglers fund conservation through license sales and excise taxes, but hearing the specific numbers—19% of the Wildlife Corridor, boat ramps, public access—really drives home how critical these dollars are. It's not just about our right to fish and hunt; it's about funding the infrastructure that everyone uses, whether they hold a fishing rod or not.

What struck me most was Travis's point about apathy being our worst enemy. We can't complain about outcomes if we don't show up and vote. And it's not just about the big races—your local county commissioner and state representative have more impact on your daily life, your water quality, and your fishing access than you might think. Do the research. Spend an hour and a half learning who's on your ballot. Make informed decisions.

Whether you vote yes or no on Amendment Two is your decision, but make it an informed one. Don't let misinformation or catchy group names sway you without understanding what's really at stake. Travis did an excellent job breaking down every objection and explaining the legal framework. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, share it with friends who might have questions, and most importantly, show up on November 5. Decisions get made by those who show up.

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