Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish
Amendment 83 would add language to the Colorado Constitution creating a right to hunt, fish, and harvest fish and wildlife by traditional methods. According to the ballot title, the right would cover species managed by the state, with certain exceptions, and hunting and fishing would be established as the preferred means of managing fish and wildlife populations. The amendment would also preserve the state's authority to regulate hunting, fishing, and wildlife management for specified purposes.
A yes vote means
A yes vote supports adding a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest fish and wildlife by traditional methods, with hunting and fishing as the preferred means of managing wildlife populations, while preserving the state's ability to regulate these activities for the reasons listed in the measure.
A no vote means
A no vote opposes adding this right to the Colorado Constitution, leaving the constitution unchanged on this subject.
Key points
- 1Adds language to the Colorado Constitution; per the official summary, the measure (Initiative #302) requires 55% voter approval to pass.
- 2The right would apply to all species of fish and wildlife managed by the state except non-game species, endangered species, or any species that is illegal to hunt under federal law.
- 3Establishes hunting and fishing as the preferred means of managing fish and wildlife populations.
- 4Preserves the state's right to regulate hunting, fishing, and wildlife management if necessary for sound scientific wildlife conservation and management, public safety, or to preserve the future of hunting and fishing opportunities for all species.
Official Colorado Secretary of State / voter-guide content.