If this bill passes there will be many unintended consequences, some foreseeable, some not.
Like it or not, many things we enjoy in this world are allowed because the public is engaged and has a positive image of our activities. The more removed people are from those activities, the less likely they are to to provide their support and more likely they are to have a negative view. Hunting and Agriculture are not immune.
Agriculture is and has been fighting a perception issue with modern day agricultural practices. I would argue much of it is due to the disconnect many people in this country have of where their food comes from and the necessity of modern agriculture to provide that food. The need for modern agricultural practices don't matter if the overwhelming public perception (which is their reality) doesn't support it....if they think it's bad, it is bad, and they will push their legislators to end it. Right or wrong, it happens, and is likely a natural response. Passing SB2315 will further disconnect the people from agriculture, and don't be surprised if their sentiments toward agriculture continue a negative trend.
The same goes for hunting. Hunters will always be fighting a negative public perception of their activities. Removing more hunters from the field won't help that perception. I believe the passage of SB2315 will increase the buying and leasing of land for hunting purposes. Some of that land will be taken out of agricultural production for the purposes of hunting (bad for ag producers), and access will be denied to those unwilling or unable to pay the price of entry (bad for sportsmen). These actions reduce hunter numbers and lead to the remaining hunters being labeled as "trophy hunters." "Trophy hunting" is viewed very negatively by the general public! The end result will be fewer people hunting, fewer people supporting hunting, and an increase in a negative public perception of hunting. Owning land to hunt on won't matter if the public decides hunting isn't an activity they want to continue allowing any longer.
These statements are not intended to be a threat. They are what I believe to be issues that people should carefully consider before they lend their full and unwavering support for this bill. We need agriculture...we need hunting...they should have a commensal relationship...this bill will further erode that relationship and won't do jack shit to curb trespassing!
