Florida Passes Ill-Conceived Amendment 2, Wildlife Conflict Could Ensue

Florida voters yesterday affirmed Amendment 2 to the state’s constitution, a wholly unnecessary amendment disguised as an effort to preserve the right to fishing and hunting. The state has guaranteed the right to hunt and fish since 2002, enshrined in Florida Statute by the legislature. Today, Amendment 2 now positions hunting and fishing as the preferred means to managing and controlling fish and wildlife.

“This amendment is politically motivated and the way it is written removes science from wildlife management in Florida,” said Elizabeth Fleming, Defenders of Wildlife senior Florida representative. “By voting this amendment into our state constitution, we have set the stage for conflicts, confusion and uncertainty that will harm wildlife populations of species like panthers, sea turtles, black bears, sharks and more.”

For example, the amendment also includes the use of “traditional methods” in hunting and fishing as means to manage and control populations, which could usher in the use of unsustainable, inhumane, indiscriminate and previously banned methods.

“The vague language contained in this amendment was drafted to mislead Floridians into thinking they were voting for something entirely innocuous,” continued Fleming. “Our work is cut out for us, and while we are extremely disappointed with the outcome, we will not give up on Florida’s treasured wildlife.”

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