A measure on Colorado’s upcoming Nov. 3 ballot seeks to amend the state constitution to establish a right to hunt and fish, and take fish and wildlife through traditional methods.
Amendment 83 would add a section to Article XVIII of the Colorado Constitution, which covers “miscellaneous provisions,” and affirm that there is an established right of the people of Colorado to hunt and fish, including by using traditional methods.
Hunting and fishing would be the primary and preferred way to manage fish and wildlife populations.
“The right applies to all species of fish and wildlife managed by the state except nongame species, endangered species, or any species that is illegal to hunt under federal law,” the section would read.
The measure would not authorize trespassing on private lands. Amendment 83 would also not limit the authority of the state to regulate wildlife management so long as it’s necessary for sound scientific wildlife conservation and management, public safety or to preserve the future of hunting and fishing opportunities for all species statewide.
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance is leading the campaign in support of the amendment.
