Photos courtesy of Luke Carrick.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) today reaffirmed its support for the constitutional right to hunt and fish, with a position statement recognizing these longstanding American traditions as an important expression of individual liberty and a cornerstone of the nation’s conservation heritage.

“Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted in America’s history, our individual liberties, and our nation’s conservation legacy,” said Gray N. Thornton, president and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. “These connections are well understood by sportsmen and women and wildlife professionals, but they deserve broader public recognition. Protecting the future of our conservation heritage means recognizing the important role hunting and fishing play in our history, our culture, and the responsible stewardship of wildlife. WSF supports states seeking to enshrine these rights in their constitutions.”

The recognition of hunting and fishing as constitutional rights has deep historical roots in America. Pennsylvania’s Constitution of 1776 and Vermont’s Constitution of 1777 helped establish an early tradition of recognizing these activities in state constitutional law. Today, 24 states have adopted constitutional amendments recognizing the right to hunt and fish, reflecting the enduring significance of these traditions and their place in America’s conservation framework.

Colorado voters will consider Amendment 83 on November 3, 2026, Election Day, bringing renewed attention to the role state constitutions can play in recognizing the right to hunt and fish.

The Wild Sheep Foundation supports efforts to recognize these rights as part of the nation’s longstanding hunting and fishing traditions and its commitment to wildlife conservation.

Read the full position statement.

Photos courtesy of Scott Jenkins (left) and Trevor Garrells (right) 

Tags: Advocacy