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On the ballot: Indiana's hunting, fishing and trapping rights

Posted at 5:31 PM, Oct 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-14 17:31:23-04

Hoosiers will have a chance to make a major change to Indiana’s constitution this upcoming November.

The question on the ballot asks whether or not you support making hunting, fishing and trapping a constitutional right.

If the constitutional amendment gains enough support, Indiana will join 19 other states who preserve the right to hunt and fish, much like one’s right to bear arms.

"Nobody has a crystal ball to see the future, to see what’s going to happen,” said Brian Ludlow, owner of Indy Trading Post, who noted that although the right isn’t in jeopardy at the moment, someday it could be. “There's always groups out there trying to take those rights away. This is a way to protect that."

Despite efforts, other groups are encouraging voters to select “no” on the ballot as the passage could make things difficult for the state during hunting seasons.

The Hoosier Environmental Council and the Indiana Animal Rights Alliance believe the amendment is unnecessary.

“Fishing and hunting is already protected under Indiana law as a privilege for all citizens,” said Tim Maloney of the Hoosier Environmental Council.