A sport Arkansas is known for is up for a vote in the November election. Hunting advocates are pushing for constitutional protection with an amendment to ensure hunting can never be outlawed without a statewide vote of the people.
An estimated 30 percent of people in the state hunt. Despite the opening day of dove season, we found with a few of them earlier. They say if the sport were banned by the legislature without a vote of the people, they would revolt.
One hunter said the vote of the people is smart because every single person he knows - no matter what age - supports the sport.
The Shawn family hunts almost everything.
"I like hunting pigs," says Haven Shawn.
Bobby Shawn hunts "deer, squirrel, rabbit, elk, pigs."
"First time I shot my first turkey, it was pretty awesome," says Briar Shawn.
And they use everything they catch.
"If you shoot the deer, that means you've got to eat it all," explains Haven.
Hunting is a multi-million dollar industry. There's the camouflage, gun sales, licenses, the list goes on. But to families in Arkansas, it's more than just a sport.
"It's a heritage,” says Bobby, who started hunting at age 6.. “It's something we've done since the beginning of the country."
He passes the family tradition down the line with passion. Haven is only 8 years old but says he shot three deer last season.
"There's too many people that believe like I do, who believe hunting is a heritage, something that we should keep for our future."
This love of the sport is why Bobby says the right to hunt should be left up to the people, not the lawmakers.
"It's not up to them, really. It's 'we the people,'" he says.
Shawn says although he has a lot more prep work to do and things to buy before deer season opens, he plans to take one day off in November to vote.
To read the complete amendment up for vote, click the link:
http://www.votenaturally.org/2010_elections/sjr3.html
