As I sit here today doing the “Dead Shot” article, I want to thank all you hunters, fishermen and outdoors people for writing, calling and emailing me to discuss your thoughts and ideas with me.

My main reason for writing today is to ask if Iowa needs “Hunter and Fishermen Protection Rights” guaranteed by an amendment to the Iowa Constitution. Details as to an amendment would first need to be worked out by the House and Senate then amended by:

1. Agreeing to and passing a Constitutional Amendment two consecutive years by the House and State Representatives; and
2. Putting such Amendment before the public to be voted on the third year.

We do need a Constitutional Amendment to protect Iowa’s hunters and fisherman’s rights.
Kentucky and Wyoming are, at this time, waiting on whether or not they want to amend their Constitution. Iowa is one of the few states who do not have a Constitutional Amendment to protect our hunters and fishermen. Because of the urban sprawl, there are fewer and fewer hunters and anglers are available to show interest. The biggest threat to hunting is that people will stop going and it can possibly be banned. A Constitutional Amendment will allow hunters and fisherman’s rights to be protected.

And Iowa does need to protect our hunters and fishermen because of the urban sprawl. Fewer
Constitutional Amendments have been in the east rather than the Midwest but there is a concern as to the threat.

Thirteen states now have a “right to hunt and fish” guaranteed by their Constitution. Supporters say the amendments to the Iowa Constitution would be new limits on hunting seasons, restrictions on hunting weapons and further protection for prey other than those mandated under endangered species laws. Adding language to the state’s constitution makes it harder to change since doing so would typically require legislative action and a public vote. Amendments that have reached a ballot have won overwhelmingly, including 89% support in South Carolina, 87% in Tennessee and 83% in Arkansas.

Let me know what your thoughts are on this by calling (515) 283-2330, emailing me at dmlaw@qwestoffice.net or by writing to 206 – 6th Avenue, Suite 510, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

“Have A Good Hunt And Keep On Fishing!”

DEAD SHOT
a/k/a Ron Kuntz