BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho's Fish and Game commissioners are giving their endorsement to a constitutional amendment establishing the right to hunt, fish and trap in the state.

The commission came out in strong support of the November ballot initiative in a letter issued Wednesday. The commission urged citizens to vote "yes" on HJR 2a next month.

The constitutional amendment was approved by lawmakers earlier this year without much opposition.

The commission points out in its letter that its legal authority to regulate hunting, fishing and trapping and requiring licenses is not impacted by the amendment.

During legislative debate, supporters claimed inscribing such rights into the constitution protects against potential action by animal-rights groups to curtail those activities.

It needs majority support from voters in November to be added to the constitution.

Copyright 2012 The AP.