Hunting and fishing rights have been institutionalized in some state constitutions. This is not a good idea for two reasons. First, the constitution is not the proper place to define rights for a particular group. Shall we also put into state constitutions rights for runners, hikers, swimmers, and canoeists? Second, putting rights for a certain group into a constitution leads some to believe that their rights override those of other groups.
I don't have anything in general against hunting and fishing; I have many friends and relatives who hunt and fish. I do think hunting and fishing are expensive ways to get meat. I do get irritated at those who think that they have a right to hunt and fish anywhere they please, especially those who get angry when their intrusion is pointed out to them.
In Minnesota landowners are required to post signs if they don't want others to trespass or hunt on their properties. On the other hand, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of an inhabited dwelling.
Some well-meaning hunters honor the first but ignore the second. One neighbor to our cabin often shoots squirrels because they get into his roof. His cabin is less than 500 feet from ours. Another set of neighbors sight their rifles in their yard. Their yard is less than 500 feet from our cabin. And at least two of them are law enforcement officers. I don't feel endangered by their shooting, and I can't complain about the noise, other than its suddenness, because I run yard machines,
It only takes one hunter to alienate people against all hunters. Unfortunately there are more than one who ignore trespassing signs and who shoot within 500 feet of inhabited dwellings.
I've heard at least three shots in the woods near our cabin today. As the sound of gunfire carries a long way it is hard to tell if the hunter was on our property or a neighbor's property. But both properties are posted. Worse yet, we've had hunters fire down our driveway. We have found new shotgun shells in our driveway. One time a hunter fired down our driveway with our bright red pickup plainly visible. The driveway is also within 500 feet of three inhabited dwellings.
If hunting and fishing rights are to be codified in legislation or constitutions, the responsibilities should be clearly codified also. I think also, the burden of knowing where hunting is permitted should clearly be on the hunters. If hunters do not have permission of any landowners, they should restrict their hunting to government lands that are clearly designated that hunting is allowed.
See also my article "Why I give thanks hunting season is over".
