Colorado Amendment 83 proposes constitutional right to hunt and fish

Colorado voters will decide on Amendment 83, a proposed change to the state constitution that would establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish using traditional methods. If approved, the amendment would designate hunting and fishing as the preferred methods for managing fish and wildlife populations.

The amendment would allow the state to maintain regulations for scientific conservation, public safety, and the preservation of future opportunities. However, it would not apply to endangered species or those protected under federal law. Supporters argue the measure protects Colorado’s heritage and secures revenue from license fees, which account for approximately $115 million of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife annual budget. Opponents have raised concerns regarding how courts might interpret the new constitutional right.