(November 4, 2026) – Denver, CO – The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) today expressed disappointment following the defeat of Colorado’s Amendment 83, which would have established a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest fish and wildlife and recognized hunting and fishing as the preferred means of responsibly managing fish and wildlife populations.
Although Amendment 83 did not receive the more than 55% of the vote required to amend the Colorado Constitution, CSF emphasized that the outcome does not diminish the important role hunters and anglers play in conserving Colorado’s fish and wildlife resources and supporting the state’s outdoor economy.
“While we are disappointed that Colorado voters did not approve Amendment 83, CSF remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the state’s hunting and fishing heritage and the science-based conservation system supported by sportsmen and women,” said Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “Hunters and anglers have been Colorado’s most important conservationists for generations. We will continue working alongside the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, conservation organizations, and sportsmen and women across the state to ensure that hunting and fishing remain an integral part of Colorado’s wildlife management and outdoor heritage.”
Amendment 83 would have established a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest fish and wildlife by traditional methods, while explicitly protecting the state’s authority to regulate hunting, fishing, and wildlife management using sound science.
The measure also would have maintained protections for nongame and endangered species and species that are illegal to hunt under federal law and would not have authorized trespass on private property.
Despite the election’s outcome, the conservation contributions of Colorado’s sportsmen and women remain significant. A full 85% (FY 2024-25) of CPW wildlife management activities throughout the state are funded directly by sportsmen and women through license fees and excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. Sportsmen and women also support approximately 25,000 jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity, providing strong support for rural economies throughout the state.
“The defeat of Amendment 83 does not change the facts,” said Schmitz. “Colorado’s hunters and anglers will continue to purchase licenses, contribute critical conservation funding, participate in wildlife management, and pass our outdoor traditions on to the next generation. CSF will continue to defend this proven conservation model and work to ensure that the voices of sportsmen and women are represented in Colorado’s wildlife policy discussions.”
The debate surrounding Amendment 83 also highlights the continued need to protect science-based wildlife management from efforts that seek to determine wildlife policy through ballot-box biology rather than professional wildlife management.
Although Amendment 83 was defeated, CSF remains committed to working with the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, conservation partners, and stakeholders to defend the rights and interests of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers who contribute to Colorado’s outdoor heritage and conservation success.