Set in Stone: Right to Hunt Passes in Kansas and Indiana

Backed by millions of American hunters and shooters, NRA-ILA is a sheer powerhouse that knows how to win elections. In addition to winning obvious key races last week, critical NRA-backed ballot initiatives passed in two states as Kansas and Indiana became the 20th and 21st to pass Right to Hunt and Fish (RTHF) amendments.

Headed by Lacey Biles, the NRA-ILA State and Local Affairs Division has spearheaded Right to Hunt constitutional amendments for more than a decade. As highlighted by NRAHLF.org in January, 19 states already had similar amendments to their state constitutions. RTHF amendments specifically state that people have the right to hunt, fish and trap. While these activities in Kansas and Indiana are commonplace and met with minimal resistance, the key here is to head off future attempts by anti-hunting extremist groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in their push to exterminate all hunting.

As for how well the amendments fared on Election Day, according to Kansas' Wichita Eagle, by 11 p.m. more than half of the state's precincts had already reported the measure was winning 4-to-1. Prior to the vote, Kansas Rep. Adam Lusker, D-Frontenac, called it a “pre-emptive move” to preserve hunting, fishing and trapping into the future. Lusker referenced a recent lawsuit filed by a California-based animal welfare extremist group to stop a western Kansas coyote hunting contest. The group said the hunt violated state gambling laws since entrants paid to enter the contest and a $500 prize would be given to the hunter who killed the most coyotes. Hunt sponsors agreed not to hold future contests to settle the lawsuit.

The Hoosier State's Ball State Daily reported similar news. With 80 percent of Indiana voters saying "yes," the Indiana Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment will be added to the state's Bill of Rights.

"The NRA has been the leading force in protecting the rich hunting and conservation heritage that will blanket America for generations to come," said Biles, whose staff worked 24/7 to get the amendments passed in the Sunflower and Hoosier states. We American hunters look forward to hearing which states will be up next.