Sportsmen Win 2-1 on Ballot Propositions

While headlines for Tuesday’s general election primarily focused on the presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial races, voters were faced with state ballot proposals that directly impact hunters, anglers, and trappers in Colorado and Florida. We can rejoice in victory in 2 out of 3 of these critical ballot fights.

In Colorado, sportsmen enjoyed a major win and a disappointing loss. For a major victory against animal extremist groups, Proposition 127 failed by over 10 points in Tuesday’s election! Prop. 127 would have banned hunting and trapping of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx in the state. The voters directly rejected the emotional and misleading appeals by animal extremist ideologues and sent them packing on their anti-hunting initiative. The strong NO vote was despite millions of dollars being spent by anti-hunting groups to get 127 on the ballot and before the voters.

For the loss, Proposition KK will institute a new 6.5% tax on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition, presumably to “pay” for the criminal misuse of firearms. This tax is a direct attack on lawful hunters and recreational shooters in the state and many groups, including the Sportsmen’s Alliance, are reviewing potential legal action to challenge the measure as a violation of our fundamental rights.

In Florida voters made it abundantly clear that hunting and fishing are fundamental rights for citizens of the Sunshine State. Florida voters approved Amendment 2, protecting a right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, by an astounding 67% yes vote. Amendment 2’s passage makes Florida the 24th state to constitutionally enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the United States. Importantly, Amendment 2 outlines that hunting and fishing are the preferred means for managing wildlife in Florida and that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission retains its statutory authorities to manage wildlife.

“We’re celebrating the rejection of animal extremist ideologies in Colorado and the clear recognition of the fundamental rights to hunt and fish in Florida,” said Evan Heusinkveld, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Voters have made it clear that our traditions are scientifically-sound and fully supported by the public. At the same time, we’re disappointed that Colorado voters were fooled by gun control fanatics into approving a new tax on firearms and ammunition when law-abiding citizens have nothing to do with violent crime. Rest assured, we will continue our fight against this anti-sportsman tax in the legislature and the courts.”