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The Post and Courier: Constitutional protection for outdoorsmen hits snag

The Post and Courier: Constitutional protection for outdoorsmen hits snag

COLUMBIA - More than a dozen members of the state's legislative Sportsman's Caucus gathered here Tuesday to rally support for a constitutional amendment that would guarantee hunting and fishing rights for future generations.

The legislation, 3202, was filed in January 2007, passed the House in February and is pending approval in the Senate. But opposition by the National Rifle Association, which objects to the removal of the words "traditional means and methods," threatens its passage.

Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, said the phrase needs to be removed so that the Legislature has the power in the future to modify hunting or fishing regulations. He pointed to several examples where modifications have benefited the preservation of species.

If the bill does not reach the governor's desk by the end of this week, it will not be able to become law any earlier than 2011. Constitutional amendments need to be approved by voters during general elections.

"We think it's time to put a protection into the constitution," Campsen said.

Mike McShane, chairman of the state Department of Natural Resources board, said the legislation is a pre-emptive measure that will protect those rights as the state becomes urbanized and threats to hunters and fishermen could become more prevalent.

For example, several states have attempted to ban dove hunting, a popular fall tradition in South Carolina.

DNR Director John Frampton said he supports the amendment.

"Hunting could be outlawed or taken away from us," he said. "We believe that hunting is part of our tradition."

"I want my grandkids to enjoy the same traditions to hunt and fish that I have," said Rep. Mike Pitts, R-Laurens.

Pitts said the caucus is "not fighting the NRA, we're fighting over two words"- traditional methods. He said the difference is whether DNR would be able to regulate certain methods of hunting or fishing.

Pitts said he and the bill's lead sponsor, Rep. Brian White, R-Anderson, have worked on a legislative compromise on the issue to the "point that it's either do or die." Pitts said the NRA wants to see the legislation become a model for the country, and that's the reason for its opposition to the proposed change.

Mike Able, owner of two Haddrell's Point Tackle stores in Charleston and the government relations chairman for the Coastal Conservation Association-South Carolina, was not at the press conference but said he supports the Sportsman's Caucus efforts.

"When you look at some of the patterns of things taking place in the country, you have to be concerned about those freedoms being taken away," Able said.

"I don't think at this time (the loss of hunting and fishing rights) would fall on a lot of folk's radar, but if you wait another 15 years it might make a difference."

Campsen, a member and strong supporter of the NRA, said there are members who are afraid to buck the organization, but added, "I didn't check my discretion at the door" when he was elected.

Removing the phrase "traditional methods" from the bill would allow the state to modify hunting and fishing practices as more information and technology is developed, Campsen said. For example, he said, the Legislature outlawed the use of J-hooks for catching striped bass. Using circle hooks ensures the trophy bass are more likely to survive when fishermen catch and release them.

The proposed constitutional amendment, with its recent changes, strikes a "balance between the constitutional right but also the stewardship of the resource," Campsen said.

Reach Yvonne Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or Tommy Braswell at braswell@postandcourier.com

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