ATLANTA – Georgians spoke loudly and clearly in support of the traditions of fishing and hunting on November 7 by passing Constitutional Amendment 2 in a landslide. Residents cast more than 1.5 million votes in favor of the amendment, which elevates the legal protection of Georgia’s outdoor traditions to the constitutional level.

Notably, the 81-percent approval is the highest among the seven states that have now passed “Right to Fish and Hunt” constitutional amendments. And with 97 percent of Georgia precincts reporting, Amendment 2 got more individual votes than two other statewide amendment questions on Tuesday’s ballot.

“More than anything, Georgia voters have sent a clear message that they understand, appreciate and want to protect our state’s outdoor heritage,” said James Lakeman, Chairman of Georgians for Outdoor Traditions.

“We know that an overwhelming number of Georgians are not active in fishing and hunting, but just as overwhelming a number of them voted for Amendment 2 anyway.

“This vote unmistakably announces that Georgians intend to protect their outdoor heritage for generations to come, and that they want sportsmen to be heard on issues in the future,” Lakeman added. “They also sent just as strong a message to those who oppose fishing and hunting – that Georgians will not stand for threats to our outdoor traditions. They have assured that all of us will keep what we’ve got.

“I also want to personally thank Jeff Foxworthy and Atlanta Braves Adam LaRoche, Tim Hudson and Ryan Langerhans for stepping up to get involved,” Lakeman said. “Their passion for the outdoors translated into active involvement with GOT, and all of us appreciate their work to help us protect the future of fishing and hunting in our state.”

Georgians for Outdoor Traditions (GOT) is a 501-c-4 nonprofit organization. Georgia outdoor and conservation groups working with Georgians for Outdoor Traditions include Georgia Outdoor News, the GONetwork, the Georgia Wildlife Federation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Quality Deer Management Association, Safari Club International, and Quail Unlimited.