Donald Hill, et al. Missouri Cases

Donald Hill and other captive cervid operators sued the Missouri Department of Conservation, challenging new regulations on their industry. The circuit court granted declaratory and injunctive relief, finding the regulations invalid because captive cervids were not "game" or "wildlife resources of the state" and infringed on the "right to farm." The Missouri Supreme Court reversed, holding that the Commission has constitutional authority to regulate captive cervids as "wildlife" and "game" species within the state's borders, regardless of private ownership. The Court further held that the "right to farm" amendment does not limit this longstanding regulatory power.