In theology school, among the doctrines that fascinated me was the Amish Community and their love for nature, fishing, and hunting. As part of my research, I visited the Amish community in Michigan and learned about the Amish religion and its interaction with nature. Last month, I was invited to a Christian environmental conference to give a guest lecture on the Amish Community and their fishing practices. Most guests at the conference had the assumption that the Amish are plain destructors of the environment and do not respect any environmental laws. Based on the vast knowledge I had gathered about the Amish during my research, I could delve into a candid discussion regarding their fishing licensing. So, do the Amish need fishing license?
According to theological teachings on the Amish community, they do not need fishing licenses as they believe hunting and fishing are part of their religious beliefs. However, this varies from state to state as some places require the Amish to also have fishing licenses regardless of their beliefs.
In this article, I invite you to join me as we delve into an extensive discussion on whether or not the Amish need hunting licenses. We will look at what the Amish use for hunting and understand if there is anything like overfishing or overhunting for an Amish. Additionally, this article will tell you at what age you need to get a fishing and hunting license and how you can get one.
Do Amish need hunting license?
In the United States, the Amish are allowed to hunt without having a license. While it is expected that everyone who wants to hunt should have a license, the Amish are the only ones exempt from this general rule.
The Amish are exempt from the usual hunting rules as they believe they are not answerable to the government but only to God. Hence, their reluctance to get a hunting license. In Michigan, for instance, the Amish do not need a hunting license to enjoy the sport. Hunting is a favorite sport for the Amish as it involves the outside and interacting with nature. It is also a way for them to get food over and above, being a way for them to enjoy God’s creation.
Do Amish really overhunt and fish?
Hunting and fishing are just among the physical activities that the Amish enjoy getting involved in. As they often hunt and fish for food, the Amish indeed tend to over-hunt and fish because many do not practice the catch-and-release policy that prevents overhunting and overfishing. It is very common to find the Amish in hunting lands whenever the deer season comes around. However, there are some Amish who consider hunting to be a frivolous activity that only perpetuates pride. Some Amish also find fault in Amish hunters who spend on expensive hunting equipment.
What do Amish use for hunting?
The Amish Community uses guns and bows to hunt. They believe in non-resistance, which explains why you may not find an Amish serving in the military or the law enforcement department. However, the Amish are no strangers to guns, as many farmers keep guns at home to shoot pests.
Guns are considered among Amish men’s prized processions, with many having gun collections for their hunting expeditions. Bow hunting is also very common among them. The compound bow is more complex compared to the crossbow. The Amish have good bow shots, having practiced extensively in their homes with fake deer targets.
What happens when an Amish trespasses hunting policies?
There are no clear guidelines on what could happen to an Amish who trespasses on hunting policies. However, this discussion has been rampant among the non-Amish community, with many complaining that the Amish were invading their private land. As hunting is a crucial activity for the Amish, it is common to see them trying to look for game. This sometimes ends up with them invading people’s private property, which does not always end very well. It can only be assumed that when the Amish trespass on hunting policies, they could have their hunting licenses revoked or be banned from hunting altogether. Additionally, the aggrieved party could file a trespass complaint with the local sheriff.
How do Amish get hunting and fishing license?
The Amish can get a hunting and fishing license from any retail outlet, including a sporting goods store that deals with hunting and fishing equipment. The Amish are required to get hunting and fishing licenses before embarking on the activities. However, this is not always the case, as some states allow them to continue hunting and fishing without licenses in the exercise of their religious beliefs. While in Michigan, the Amish can hunt and fish without having a license, the Amish in Ohio are required to purchase a hunting license.
What age do you not need a fishing license?
The age at which you need to get a fishing license varies depending on the state you are in, but most states require a fishing license if you are 16 and above. In some states, you may be required to have a fishing license when you are as young as ten years old. To mention just a few places, in Massachusetts, persons aged 15 and above are required to have a license to fish.
On the other hand, a fishing license is required for anyone aged 10 and above who intends to fish. In Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon, you need to get a fishing license once you attain the age of 12. In Wyoming and Idaho, the minimum age to get a fishing license is fourteen years. Additionally, in Alaska and Indiana, you can fish without a fishing license until you are 18 years old; then, you’ll need to get yourself a license to enjoy the sport.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.