Hunters press states for amendments

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Several states are considering constitutional protections for hunting in a pre-emptive move intended to thwart efforts of advocacy groups to make shooting animals illegal.

Arkansas, Arizona, South Carolina and Tennessee have referendums for constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. Kentucky is poised to follow in 2012.

If successful, they would join 10 other states that already have constitutional protections to ensure that hunting could never be outlawed without a statewide vote of the people.

The National Rifle Association is lobbying along with hunter groups to get the constitutional amendments passed. The Humane Society of the United States says the initiatives are unnecessary.