December 5, 2007
Posted: 05:30 PM ET

Thompson said Wednesday he regrets not going hunting in a while.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN)Fred Thompson has made a point of visiting gun shops and gun shows while hitting the campaign trail in New Hampshire and South Carolina, usually with camera crews in tow.

But Thompson said Wednesday he does not have a hunting license, nor has be been hunting recently.

"It's been too long, it's been too long," Thompson told CNN Wednesday.

Asked if he has a hunting license, Thompson said he currently does not.

"At the present time I do not, but I have been hunting plenty of times. I usually hunt birds and used to have my own skeet shoot, and I got a chance to shoot and practice a lot back then."

Thompson, an ardent defender of Second Amendment rights, was appearing in Columbia to pick up the endorsement of South Carolina Citizens for Life.

Just yesterday, Thompson appeared at Blue Ridge Shooting Sports in Greer, South Carolina where he handled a gun and said he is "pretty much a shotgun man these days."

Thompson also visited the Land and Sky Gun Show in Ladsen, South Carolina in late November, proclaiming it "a beautiful day in paradise."

At the CNN/YouTube debate on November 28, Thompson was asked if he owns a gun.

"I own a couple of guns, but I'm not going to tell you what they are or where they are," he said.

Thompson said Wednesday he wished he had more time to go hunting.

"It seems like other things seem to be getting in its way," he said.

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Fred Thompson • South Carolina


Yes, I am KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   December 8th, 2007 2:15 am ET

bump

Ben Miner, Fairfax, VA   December 7th, 2007 9:32 pm ET

What a pathetic non-story. You do not need to hunt in order to support the second amendment. In fact, the 2A has NOTHING to do with hunting in the first place! The clear intent of the founders was to guarantee the right to self-defense and protection from tyranny.

Johnny Rebbie, Jax, FL   December 6th, 2007 11:46 pm ET

Hmmm… Will CNN do background checks on pro-life politicians to find out that they have never had abortions and use that as a headline? Seriously, where is the story about someone support the 2nd Amendment but not having a hunting license?

Dandapani, Tampa, FL   December 6th, 2007 9:35 pm ET

Hunting and hunting licenses have NOTHING to do with the 2nd Amendment right to own a firearm for self protection. I don't have a hunting license, but I DO have a license to carry a concealed weapon to protect myself. Too bad all those dead people in Nebraska couldn't have defended themselves. It would have only taken ONE of them.

Dicky, Boston, Ma USA!   December 6th, 2007 8:26 pm ET

I'm from the city, born and raised, so I understand more than you countryfolk (GaVoter) the need for guns. But it's tough to get a license. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

I love how (some) Liberals disagree with the 2nd amendment. I thought liberals believed in people having rights and mistrusted the government.

If you mistrust the Government, why let them have all the guns. The purpose of the 2nd amendment is to allow people to have guns so that in case the government fails to serve the interest of the people, the people have a means to rise up against that government. Now I hope that never happens, because I dont know how well my sig will fare against an abrams.
–CIA: That was a joke. Just a joke.–

Zendo Deb, Greater Tampa Bay, Florida   December 6th, 2007 6:44 pm ET

I haven't had a hunting license in the past 20 years.

All the time I was a member of the NRA, I never went hunting. When I was an NRA instructor, I never went hunting.

What does that prove? There are more shooting sports than hunting.

Dan Lemaitre. Nantucket Island, Ma.   December 6th, 2007 6:07 pm ET

CNN. Clueless once again. Your lame attempt to discredit Thompson for not having a hunting license shows once again your bias and utter incompetence when it comes to gun ownership.
Since when does the 2nd mention hunting?
You dolts.
Perhaps you may want to do a bit of research before you go spouting of about something you obviously know nothing about.
Oh, I forgot. CNN never lets the facts or the truth prevent them from putting out a false,inaccurate and biased story.

JohnGalt Sturgis, SD   December 6th, 2007 4:08 pm ET

Why would anyone regret not killing an innocent creature for a stupid human thrill. Go hang out at the slaughter houses big men, then go find the purpose of your statement. What is it with the U.S….kill, smoke, drink, God, and Hollywood. It's becoming an embarrassment being American.

RCM   December 6th, 2007 3:25 pm ET

Andrew and Glen

Militia- all able-bodied males considered by law eligible for military service.

One does not need be IN a service, simply able to.

J Houston, TX   December 6th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

Hay don't support any candiate for president that want tax cuts permanent if tax cuts permanent get pass in to law then the rich billionairs will never pay taxes the taxes will be paid by the poor and middle class then the bush administration will want to raise taxes on the poor and middle class congress don't change the tax code to make the poor and middle class foot the tax bill TELL g.w. bush to go suck a cup of oil

How ignorant are you? The top 1% of income earners (1% of the population) pays more than 40% of total tax revenue. You think you're getting the raw end of the deal though?

rightwingprof, state college, PA   December 6th, 2007 2:25 pm ET

Here's a free clue: The Second Amendment has nothing to do with hunting.

A Billings, High Point NC   December 6th, 2007 12:19 pm ET

I strongly support the Second Amendment and I don't have a hunting license either. So what? Yes, I own a gun — an antique 12-gauge that belonged to my grandfather that hasn't been fired in 30 years.

Aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   December 6th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

No Glen of Boston YOU live in a urban culture, some of us still enjoy long walks in the woods and the beauty and serenity of nature. You uptight city folks are always the first to crack up, because your world was built by a man. Concrete jungles are the first places you should have a gun. You know why? It's the same reason women in the large cities will scream fire if their being raped, you have all been desensitized to sex, violence, and debauchery. The city is cold and cruel, so you lump people and places into two categories good or bad. You don;t want to get involved? Some people are not built to endure the extreme pressures of urban society. So you hand all your problems over to the government, because you can't hack it. Meanwhile fun loving, intelligent, free thinking people like me continue to live life to the fullest, out here on the edge of civilization, without the infringement of Big Brother watching me like a dog to a sheep. We teach our children to love the earth, and all of it's creations, even if we shoot and eat a couple them occasionally. Oh yeah in order to achieve a truly peaceful world we would have to kill all the bad guys and who would make that list Santa Claus? Have you been naughty or nice?

fester, arcadia, michigan   December 6th, 2007 11:58 am ET

I guess i dont get the spin on this. What does hunting have to do with anything but a weak attempt at a propagandist lean to the article? My wife can and will stop an armed intruder, but doesn't hunt. God Bless America!

Phil, Mobile, AL   December 6th, 2007 11:52 am ET

The Second Amendment is more about having the ability to protect yourself from those who would hunt YOU.

Robb   December 6th, 2007 11:29 am ET

Wayne in Greeneville - I can assure you, the mall shooter didn’t have a dad like GaVoter. And I bet you the guys that gunned down Sean Taylor didn’t have fathers like him as well … guys that take their kids out in the woods and spent some valuable father/son time together … passing down the traditions of our heritage.

See … that’s the problem … elitist like you wear down our heritage. And try to fill the void in by giving credence to people like that fat dude who made the Columbine movie (can’t remember his name).

GaVoter   December 6th, 2007 10:41 am ET

I value my children and take my fatherly responsibilities seriously. Therefore, not only do I own a gun but I know how to use it and will teach them how to use it properly at the right time. As every father should..

therealist   December 6th, 2007 10:34 am ET

The boy in Nebraska didn't value guns or life.

Glen, Boston, MA   December 6th, 2007 10:22 am ET

I'm a strong supporter of the right to bear arms, but I have a question. Whenever someone goes on a shooting rampage, some gun-advocates always come out and complain that if only some citizen had a gun, it could have all been prevented.

And yet, the second amendment clearly states "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." It does not say anything about everybody running around with guns (especially since we now live in a predominantly urban culture), only about being able to form a militia that commits itself to military training and precision. Are all of these advocates of gun rights involved in militia I don't know about, or is the NRA crowd taking the interpretation to an extreme? just curious.

Truth Seeker   December 6th, 2007 10:14 am ET

Wayne in Greenville,

If everyone carried a gun there would be a better chance of protecting children from crazy people like Dawson and the Columbine killers, to mention a few. Your post about Gavoters statement is an outrageously innacurate assumption. Gavoter knows the value of gun ownership for the right to protect. We need more courage in this country. Obviously, the goverenment can not always protect us. Sorry all you Socialists who want the government to take care of you; that's reality!

Ray, Kathleen GA   December 6th, 2007 9:53 am ET

And what is Peter Hamby's point? The 2nd Amendment isn't about hunting. Maybe Peter should actually read the Constitution next time.

Tom, Texas, USA   December 6th, 2007 9:42 am ET

Hahahahahaha. The Keith Kerr network actually "thinks" that I need a "hunting license" to fire one of my weapons at a Democrat party supporting thug attempting to kill me or steal my property.

aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   December 6th, 2007 9:40 am ET

Hey wayne of Texas the chinese invented gun powder quite a few centuries ago. It's the people that don't value other peoples lives. Guns are the contingency plan for just such scenarios. Legal gun owners are the least likely to commit a crime. because they understand the great care and responsibility it takes to own a gun. Roll back the gun owners right to bear arm and you'd better hope there's alot of policemen in your neck of the woods to protect you, because your making yourself a victim. The bad guys are going have guns regardless. Who wants a bunch of jackboot cops patrolling their neighborhoods? Well evidently you? Those who would forfeit freedom for security deserve neither.

John F, W Elkton OH   December 6th, 2007 9:36 am ET

I don't have a hunting license ether, I am not real interested in hunting, but I do own a # of guns & I enjoy shooting.
The Lawyer behind the DC/Heller case is not even a gun owner!
It's not about Fred hunting or not it's his stand to the 2nd ammendment, that counts.
& the 2nd has nothing to to do with hunting.

A woman for the 2nd Amendment   December 6th, 2007 9:34 am ET

Wayne - What a preposterous assumption you made regarding Gavoters post. The fact that someone has more guns than children has nothing to do with their values. Would you suggest a gun collector have more children than guns to satisfy your illogical assumption? Many people who own guns do so because they realize the value of protecting human life. If everyone (who legally can) carried a gun, perhaps someone would have killed Robert Hawkins before he slaughtered so many people on Wednesday. Not to mention the many other massacres that hve taken place because no bystanders were equipped.

Droz, Hoboken NJ   December 6th, 2007 9:19 am ET

No member of our olympic trap team has a hunting license either.

JN, Hayden, ID   December 6th, 2007 9:12 am ET

The 2nd Amendment has absolutely NOTHING to do with hunting!!! Are you people at CNN so stupid that you don't know that? Or is it because your liberal bias is so thick it doesn't matter? This is a non starter, and only gives more proof that CNN is truly the "Clinton News Network".

Shame on you.

Josh Painter, Springfield Missouri   December 6th, 2007 9:07 am ET

Somneone at the Clinton News Network should take the trouble to read the Second Amendment. It's not about hunting. It's about of the right of the people to arm themselves against tyranny. Fred understands this. Peter Hamby obviously doesn't. A more apt headline would read: "CNN Producer Takes Smear Shot at Thompson; Hits Own Foot"

Seam, Philly PA   December 6th, 2007 8:52 am ET

oh GaVoter; city folks have guns too. Try coming to the hood, and you will see.

Tim, Hixson, TN   December 6th, 2007 8:46 am ET

Wayne from Greenville has more postage stamps than children, so we know he values stamps over human beings.

Rachel, Middlebury, Indiana   December 6th, 2007 8:35 am ET

You people are CLUELESS!

What does owning a gun and having a hunting liscence have to do with each other?

NOTHING!

LOL. This is hilarious!

You people are so ignorant of the sencond amendment its frightening!

Chad, Corpus Christi, TX   December 6th, 2007 8:14 am ET

I own many guns, I shoot regularly, and I carry a handgun with me everywhere I go. I'm 41 now, and I haven't been hunting since I was 17. I can shoot better than most hunters. The 2nd Amendment doesn't say a thing about hunting, and hunting has never been the purpose of the right to keep and bear arms.

Robb   December 6th, 2007 8:10 am ET

Hey, Bill Clinton bagged his game withour a license

Jen, Dublin, Ohio   December 6th, 2007 7:56 am ET

What does a hunting license have to do with supporting the 2nd Amendment???? Please go back and reread the 2nd Amendment!

Daniel, Bryan Texas   December 6th, 2007 7:36 am ET

SO? I own over $35,000 dollars in firearms, with plans to buy many more… and I don't have a hunting licence… why? I don't HUNT! The 2nd Amendment has NOTHING TO DO WITH HUNTING!!!!!!!!

HadaAbeche, KyongSangBukDo, S.Korea   December 6th, 2007 7:34 am ET

So he doesnt have a hunting license…..Does that make him an illegal gun rights advocate….??……A whole article on this by CNN……What a joke..!

mark wilkes barre pa   December 6th, 2007 6:17 am ET

So what if he doesn't hunt or hold a hunting license, I own plenty of guns and havent hunted in more years than I own guns. Not my idea of fun at my age to sit in the cold,snow up to my knees ,and wind, waiting for a deer to walk by to kill when I don't even like to eat the meat I can harvest from them. I have absolutly NO problem with those who do !! My father is a competition shooter for the paralized vets of america, he is in his 70's and its one of the few things he can still do well. he is ranked in NRA magazine. Last year he finished up his season 2nd overall only because he missed two events due too lack of sponsership. these events are held all over the USA. there are many reasons people want the freedom to own guns so why is fred not owning a hunting license one of them

RCM   December 6th, 2007 5:27 am ET

Hey MD, I think Thompson is showing that guns aren't about hunting.

It's about our 2nd Amendment Right to Bear Arms. I bet Fred was making that very point when the CNN reporter turned away and skewed the quotes so that people like you would think there was something suspicious about a non-hunter being in a gunshop.

Here's why: it's his Right to and he supports that!

Michael, Jacksonville, FL   December 6th, 2007 12:59 am ET

You can always count on Republicans (and this Ticker) to focus on the issues that matter. With a multi-billion dollar war, a failing economy, record budget deficits, $100 a barrell oil, 12 million illegal immigrants in the country, 40 million citizens with no health insurance, and the nation's infrastructure falling apart, I really don't care whether a candidate has a freaking hunting liscence. If this is something you care about, please do the country a favor and stay home on election day.

SRP, Freeport, ME   December 6th, 2007 12:46 am ET

I'm not even remotely a fan of Fred Thompson, but the frequency of his hunting trips should have no bearing on his qualifications for the Oval Office.

"Arnold," you chastise Thompson for apparently being too busy to get to go out end enjoy the outdoors or get a hunting license. Lighten up. Not everyone feels the need to hunt constantly.

As long as he is standing up for gun ownership rights, and can prove that he is genuinely enthusiastic about the culture surrounding outdoor sports and hunting, then that should be enough.

Obama '08.

grubber, on   December 5th, 2007 10:56 pm ET

It's just a matter of time till the gun culture explodes.
People doing their hunting in shopping malls and schools.
Robberies everywhere.

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   December 5th, 2007 10:55 pm ET

"I own a couple of guns, but I'm not going to tell you what they are or where they are," he said.

Well, I own a couple of guns too, and I'm not going to tell you what they are or where they are, but if you want to visit me some night, you might find out.

Do I need a hunting license? I don't think so.

Lee, Mays Landing New Jersey   December 5th, 2007 10:45 pm ET

You know Mitt Romney claimed to be a hunter "pretty much his entire life" and then it was determined that he never had a hunting license and only went once when he was about 15 years old to shoot up some "varmints".
These candidates will say anything to satisfy their gun-loving "base". This is all downright comical and then we hear that Huckabee's wife was firing a granade launcher to impress everyone with Huck's love of weapeonry.
A Republican voter has 3 great gun-loving choices with these 3 guys.

Jed in Texas   December 5th, 2007 10:41 pm ET

Fred you might want to get some shooting pointers from Tricky Dick Cheney.Hes real good at shootin wittle birdies, etc. And to GA.VOTER, yes you are very scary, now go breath some more Nascar fumes! lmao

aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   December 5th, 2007 10:40 pm ET

The second amendment isn't for recreational gun-owners to shoot chipmunks and deer, it for the private citizenry to quell a military uprising, or to coup d' etat a rogue government. Simple as that. A well regulated militia doesn't mean State police, or a national guard. Unfortunately the fact is police and military would hypothetically be the ones we'd have to fight, in such a scenario. Liberals don't fool yourselves, gun owners know this simple fact, that is why most of us are so adamantly opposed to gun control and cling to our guns like children. It's not because we don't want to save the countless peoples lives gun violence takes every year, but the countless lives we couldn't save because( We The People) became weak to tyranny.

hey allons,tn   December 5th, 2007 10:22 pm ET

Hay don't support any candiate for president that want tax cuts permanent if tax cuts permanent get pass in to law then the rich billionairs will never pay taxes the taxes will be paid by the poor and middle class then the bush administration will want to raise taxes on the poor and middle class congress don't change the tax code to make the poor and middle class foot the tax bill TELL g.w. bush to go suck a cup of oil

chris, chicago, il   December 5th, 2007 10:20 pm ET

It's been too long, it's been too long.

That's what people are saying about your campaign.

Sam, Archer FL   December 5th, 2007 10:02 pm ET

It's a shame political candidates think they have to give the "target, hunting, skeet shooting" excuse for owning guns, to placate moderates. I'm sure Fred wanted to say "I carry a double-stack 9, anywhere it's legal, because there's a lot of a**holes out there."

vtercell, just wanderin' around in America   December 5th, 2007 9:53 pm ET

Heck, I've collected guns for years and have more than I can count, but I haven't hunted in probably more than 20 years. I'm not against hunters; I just can't think of any critter that deserves shooting for my amusement.

Now some people…

Ray Robison, Huntsville, Alabama   December 5th, 2007 9:45 pm ET

Another typical hack job by CNN on a Republican. "He supports guns but doesn't have a hunting license? How dare he! What a hypocrit!" CNN has become so transparent it never even crosses my mind to turn the channel on anymore.
Here, read this about Fred:
http://rayrobison.typepad.com/ray_robison/2007/12/huckabees-surge.html

You might learn something instead of reading this inane drivel.

Marc, Lafayette CA   December 5th, 2007 9:38 pm ET

I have more guns than children. It's something you city folks just can't understand..

Posted By GaVoter : December 5, 2007 6:14 pm

************************************************************************

“City folks” around the world are SO relieved…now we can sleep at night. We were really worried there was a tons of your GaVoter children polluting the gene pool with the GaVoter "idiot gene".

Jason, Saint Louis, Missouri   December 5th, 2007 9:28 pm ET

A complete non-issue. Thank you for wasting my time, CNN. I post the comment in the hopes that you screen your news a little better. I sure all the candidates said many things today, and they'll say more things tomorrow. Some things may be relevant to who would be the best candidate, but not all of them.

ronnie knoxville tn.   December 5th, 2007 9:16 pm ET

Niiiice gun

Bill, Streamwood, IL   December 5th, 2007 9:10 pm ET

The perfect end to Fred Thompson's presidential campaign comes when his manager says, "Fred, there is a call for you from Dick Cheney. He's looking for a new hunting partner and would like to take you hunting tomorrow."

Aaron Smithsburg (used to be the country), Maryland   December 5th, 2007 8:50 pm ET

The second amendment has nothing to do with hunting and has all to do with a private citizen having the ability to Coup d' taut the government if the government oversteps its boundaries. Period! Police, and military are not a well regulated militia, because like most people caught up in a government they would not protect the citizen but the system. Our forefathers knew this. That's why we started killing redcoats in the first place. Power is only absolute if they have overwhelming numbers and guns. As of today they don't, that's why were still a free country. The man is scarced of us and as long as we have that over the elitist they will never have the american people under their thumb. I proudly keep my guns in their case, but I haven't hunted recently myself, with so much rural development in my area, non of the farmers or land owners will let you hunt with a rifle or shotgun anymore too much of a liability. Hunting is like a country club thing now for yuppies, with the bread to afford hunting club dues and the luxury of having 20 or 30 acres to hunt on. But poor white trash like me are a much better shot. Ask the british what happens when you tick off a well armed group of rag-tag farmers.

HISTORY REPEATS, NY   December 5th, 2007 8:00 pm ET

Arnold

only so-called "conservatives" think it actually means something about your character or strength if you go hunting!

thats why a candidate would actually LIE about his love of guns to appease the sensitive nature of gun collectors to get more votes. because if you make fun of a mans gun its almost like your making fun of his manhood. and in most cases thats pretty much all the manhood they have…….

you ever notice that the kid in high school that would talk about being tough all the time would either be the first person to back down in the face of danger or just get whooped? yea its the same case with these "conservative" "tough-guys" when you talk tough its human nature people wont test you on it. so the more you talk the safer you might be. that is until you do it to the wrong person!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 5th, 2007 7:26 pm ET

Are we saying that a GOP candidate would pander to the "Gun Club?"

Say it ain't so, Fred!!!

MD, Glenmont, OH   December 5th, 2007 6:51 pm ET

The point is that he doesn't have the balls to just say that he supports gun ownership and hunting…he has to become a rubber spine typical political a-hole and say "I would go hunting if I had more time…Is that exactly what you wanted to hear? I can say something else if it isn't"

T. Boyd, Depoe Bay, OR   December 5th, 2007 6:40 pm ET

Maybe Huckabee's wife can teach him how to use a grenade launcher? Seems one doesn't need a license for those.

Mike, Dover, DE   December 5th, 2007 6:34 pm ET

Who cares? The man doesnt hunt then he doesnt hunt. How this is even news is beyond me. I have plenty of guns, and don't hunt. Whats your point?

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA   December 5th, 2007 6:17 pm ET

Fred Thompson reminds me of Forest Gump, while he's running for 4 years ,or so, he suddenly stops and says:

"I'm pretty tired, I'd like to go home now"

We understand Fred, take a nap and let people who will actually work as presidents run.

Good night Freddy…

GaVoter   December 5th, 2007 6:14 pm ET

I have more guns than children. It's something you city folks just can't understand..

Arnold   December 5th, 2007 6:11 pm ET

Only liberals and girly men don't know you can buy a weekend hunting licenses these days..

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com