Ohio House hunt and fish amendment passes committee
Hunting and fishing are rooted in Ohio's heritage, with an estimated 479,000 Ohioans participating in outdoor hunting activities in 2022.
The Ohio House of Representatives Energy and Natural Resource Committee passed legislation 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,” T. Roosevelt Action Executive Director Luke Hilgemann said. “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 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 its 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 rooted in Ohio’s heritage, with an estimated 479,000 Ohioans participating in 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 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.