Colorado already allows and regulates hunting and fishing. Amendment 83 asks voters a different question: should the state constitution protect a right to hunt and fish?
The proposal would also make hunting and fishing the state’s preferred means of managing fish and wildlife populations. Colorado’s 2026 Blue Book explains what the measure says and presents arguments for and against it.
What a yes or no vote would do
A yes vote would establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish by traditional methods, with exceptions for nongame and endangered species and species that are illegal to hunt under federal law. A no vote would keep existing state and federal rules without adding this right to the constitution.
The proposed amendment would not grant permission to trespass on private property. It also says state agencies and lawmakers could continue regulating hunting, fishing and wildlife management when necessary for sound scientific conservation, public safety or future hunting and fishing opportunities.
Would rules change immediately?
The Blue Book does not expect immediate changes to hunting and fishing rules. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its commission would continue to set and enforce regulations.
The longer-term effect is less certain. Litigants could ask courts how the new language applies to current or future rules. The state’s fiscal analysis says state analysts do not expect significant near-term spending changes, but legal challenges could increase costs.
Why people disagree
The Blue Book summarizes the case for the amendment as protecting hunting and fishing from future restrictions. Supporters also point to Colorado’s heritage, recreation economy and license revenue that helps fund wildlife management.
Its summary of the opposing case argues that a recreational activity does not need constitutional protection when it is already legal. Opponents also question whether favoring one wildlife-management method and using language that courts must interpret could complicate future regulations.
The state’s voter guide presents these arguments; it does not predict how a court would rule.
Questions to take to the ballot
Consider whether you want the constitution to protect hunting and fishing, how you read the proposed limits on that right, and whether the state’s current ability to regulate wildlife is sufficient. The official Blue Book contains the full ballot language and measure text so you can compare those questions with the proposal itself.
Featured image: AI-generated conceptual illustration. It does not depict a specific Colorado location or a marked ballot.
