Colorado Ballot Measure Seeks to Embed Hunting and Fishing Rights in State Constitution
Voters in Colorado will decide in November whether to constitutionalize a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife, securing these activities as the primary method of wildlife management.
In November, Colorado voters will consider Amendment 83, which would place a constitutional guarantee for hunting, fishing and wildlife harvest, making these activities the preferred management tool. The measure was filed by the nonprofit Advance Colorado and is being financed mainly by the International Order of T. Roosevelt, with additional contributions from donors such as Farrell-Roeh and Jeff Damaske. Supporters claim the amendment protects a cultural and economic pillar, noting that license sales generate roughly $115 million of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s revenue.
Critics, including the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund and Science for Colorado Wildlife, argue the wording is overly broad, could entrench outdated practices and lead to litigation that would limit the agency’s ability to respond to crises like the 2023 elk die-off. The debate reflects a broader clash over who should control wildlife policy in the state, with recent legislative attempts to diversify management methods having already sparked controversy.
Why it matters
The vote could permanently shape Colorado's wildlife management and influence how hunting and fishing are regulated nationwide.
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