Kentucky voters have approved a measure that makes hunting and fishing a constitutional right in the state. With 25 percent of the vote counted Tuesday night, the constitutional amendment received approval from 307,765 voters, or 84.7 percent, and was rejected by 55,350, or 15.2 percent.
The effort is backed by the National Rifle Association, which has pushed similar measures in other states to try to prevent any possible future attempt to ban hunting. Some have said the amendment isn't necessary because there's no threat to eliminate hunting or fishing rights.
"I voted `yes' to hunting because I believe there are wildlife hazards. I've almost hit several deer just in the past week and I know that some people make part of their livelihood that way," said 22-year-old Rachel Yanko, a full-time student at Morehead State University and registered Democrat who works at a fast-food restaurant.
Clayton Lewis, a 75-year-old retiree and registered Republican from Morehead, described himself as a hunter who backed the amendment.
"Wildlife can be managed if they let the people manage it who know how," Lewis said.
James Renfro, 31, a pharmacist and Democrat from Murray, voted against the measure.
"I disagree with the ridiculous view that the only means of regulating wildlife is killing," Renfro said.
