I posted this in the Politics form, but though some Northeasterners might have interest.

I read in my local paper that PA sportsmen are trying to pass a right to hunt ammendment to the state's constitution and the process is underway. Good luck and hope it goes through. The article stated that there are only a handful of states that have such a law (maybe 8 or so). They also had some quotes from the lovely anti-hunting group (I think society of humane.... or something). I found the quotes laughable - these aren't exact but here are is the jist - ""we are not really opposed to regular hunting"", ""we just oppose unethical and inhumane acts like steel jaws in traps and hunting exotics on preservations"", and we think that this ammendment is unecessry, unwaranted, and a waste of time""

again, good luck PA - if you can get it to pass, maybe NY will take a good look and do the same


more info:

states with such a law: Minn., Alabama, Cali., N. Dakota, RI, VT, VA, Wisc., Fla., Georgia, & Louisiana

guarentees the "right of the people to hunt and fish".
amendment sponsored by Rep. Matt Baker, R-Tioga
it was passed by the House Monday and sent to the senate
needs to pass 2 successive legislative sessions before it will go to a statewide, public vote

"....one legal expert said it could have unintended consequenses and possibly end up conflicting with Federal endangered species laws." (do we hunt , trap, & fish for endangered species?, i wonder if he is an anti?)

"But the animal rights groups say they just want to stop what they consider the most inhumane practices, ...."

"... we are trying to curb the more inhumane and unsportsmanlike practices." - Wayne Pacelle, senior VP of the Humane Society of the United States (how would they know??)

"[the bill] would be meaningless anyway." - Pacelle (because we support hunters and hunting and even if we could we wouldn't want to put an end to that!! - yeah right)