With this upcoming election, most voters are focusing at the top of the ticket. Who is going to be the next president? Who is going to be the next governor? Who is going to represent us in Washington? However, an important part of the ballot is going to be at the bottom for all Hoosiers to consider. It is Question 1 on changing the Indiana Constitution to say that the, “right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife shall be forever preserved for the public good…” I would encourage everyone to vote YES on this important measure.

Hoosier Hunters are a key part in protecting wildlife. Without some balance, animals can grow into an unsustainable population. Conservation efforts not only protect animals, but they are used for so many important purposes. Deer hunters have been known to provide meat to food banks, and animals are not wasted like 100 years ago with the tragic near extinction of the buffalo on the prairies. The intent of this amendment is not to create a year round hunting season. Hunters and fishermen are still subject to regulations of the General Assembly and the Department of Natural Resources. Hunters will have, and abide by the legal limit of animals harvested. This will help prevent over hunting that was a problem in the days before conservation was taken seriously.

Now anti-hunters are using the dove as their excuse for voting against this legislation. The Humane Society of the United States says on their own website, “Doves are not overpopulated and hunting them doesn’t feed anyone or help manage wildlife.” According to the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service, they estimate that as of 2015, there were 274 million doves in the United States. Are doves endangered? No, but like all animals, they must be regulated by man, or nature. And, they ARE also eaten.

Hunting and fishing are a cornerstone of American history. There is no denying that some of it has been for ill, but subsistence hunting that Hoosier hunters engage in now will help protect wildlife now, and for future generations. The goal isn’t to make animals extinct, but to show the majestic beauty of Hoosier wildlife to our children and grandchildren. I hope that all of you will help me in voting “yes” on Question 1 and protect our constitutional right to hunt and fish.

Don LeCount
Leesburg