Steve Barlow

I see this bill as ill-conceived and problematic. The thinking is flawed on two counts: #1 how can something be a right if it requires a license and the exercise of which is closely controlled by a state agency? Will someone's right to hunt supersede my rights as a landowner? #2 Codifying hunting and fishing as the preferred method of wildlife control is putting the conclusion before the evidence, the cart before the horse. It forever ties us to a methodology conceived of over one hundred years ago, blinds us to any other line of thinking supported by science and limits options for wildlife and ecological management. For example; ground-nesting birds thrive when their habitat is protected, not necessarily when their predators are culled - in this case hunting cannot be the only, or even the preferred, avenue of management. I anticipate many unintended and unforeseen negative consequences in future if this bill is passed. Thank you for your time.