Why It Matters: As election results were finalized, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) expressed its disappointment in the final result for Amendment 83 in Colorado. While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, it illustrates the importance of our ongoing efforts to highlight the role sportsmen and women play for conservation in Colorado and across the nation. The American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), the “user-pays, public-benefits” mechanism supported by sportsmen and women and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation that it sustains are the primary reasons Colorado enjoys abundant wildlife and public access today. CSF remains fully committed to protecting hunting and angling opportunities for both current and future generations.
Highlights:
- Amendment 83 did not achieve the 55% threshold required to add the right to hunt and fish to the Colorado Constitution.
- Sportsmen and women continue to fund the large majority of wildlife conservation work conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), efforts that benefit all Coloradans.
- CSF remains dedicated to protecting Colorado’s hunting and fishing heritage through bipartisan collaboration with the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.
- During last week’s election cycle, Colorado votes elected not to pass Amendment 83 and enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the state’s Constitution. While this result was disappointing, it highlights the growing importance of celebrating the conservation achievements that are only possible thanks to the support of sportsmen and women.
Through the American System of Conservation Funding, hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters provide the primary revenue for state fish and wildlife agencies. In Colorado, this system of funding generated $146.8 million in 2026, accounting for almost 70% of CPW’s projects budget. Thanks to the dedicated financial support of hunters and anglers in Colorado, the state now boasts the largest mule deer and elk herd populations in the country, along with a growing moose population, and an abundance of wildlife opportunities for all Coloradans to enjoy. This is not just happenstance and is directly tied to sound, science-based wildlife management by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in accordance with the North Americal Model of Wildlife Conservation and support from the ASCF.
Although voters did not approve Amendment 83, CSF’s commitment remains unchanged. Working with the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, State Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucuses, and state partners, CSF will continue engaging on outdoor policy, advancing pro-sportsmen’s legislation, defending access and opportunity, and educating policymakers on the Model’s principles. Whether protecting public lands, supporting hunter recruitment and retention, defending science-based regulations, or advocating for sound sporting policy, CSF exists to ensure that the voices of sportsmen and women are well represented in every capitol.
In Colorado specifically, CSF will continue our continue our steadfast defense the North American Model and the ASCF through ongoing educational outreach with state policymakers, ensuring that our outdoor traditions and heritage will persist for future generations to enjoy. To read more about CSF’s response to the results of last week’s vote on Amendment 83, click here.
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