FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROPOSITION A PASSAGE DOESN'T AFFECT HUNTING AND FISHING

JEFFERSON CITY--Missourians who are concerned that some of their fishing and hunting privileges were revoked with passage of Proposition A should not worry according to Missouri Department of Conservation Director Jerry Conley. The new law prohibiting cockfighting and bear baiting exempts activities regulated by the Conservation Commission from its provisions. Constitutional authority to regulate hunting, fishing, trapping, field trials and other wildlife-related activities is given solely to the Conservation Department.

"If it was allowed under the Wildlife Code of Missouri before the vote on the cockfighting initiative, it's still allowed," says Conley. "Our job is to uphold the Wildlife Code, which clearly states the conditions for using bait and dogs to pursue and take fish and wildlife. As long as you comply with Code regulations, there's no reason to fear that a conservation agent is going to issue you a citation."