Why It Matters: As continuous efforts are made across the nation to undermine conservation funding through the prohibition of sportsmen and women’s beloved outdoor pastimes, Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs seek to proactively protect hunters, anglers, and trappers by introducing legislation that would amend the First State’s Constitution. Constitutional amendments to protect the right to hunt and fish represent one of the strongest safeguards for our time-honored outdoor traditions.
Highlights:
- Delaware Senate Bill 212 was introduced on December 18, 2025 by Sen. David Wilson and is co-sponsored by Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, and Rep. William Carson, Jr.
- Constitutional amendments in Delaware must pass two General Assemblies – first by the current General Assembly, and again after the next election cycle, with two-thirds approval in both the House and Senate.
- Most recently, in 2024, Florida became the 24th state to adopt a right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment.
While Delaware may be the second smallest state in the nation (in total land area), it is not lacking in outdoor culture. Delaware boasts rich opportunities for hunting, fishing, and trapping. Being located on the Delmarva Peninsula, Delaware provides quick access to the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay and its tributaries, which provide excellent habitat for many sought-after fish species, game species, However, like many other states across the nation, Delaware is not unique when it comes to attacks on conservation funding and sportsmen and women’s outdoor pursuits.
For example, in 2022, Delaware passed HB 451 that stated hunters between 18 and 21 years old would require direct supervision from a person age 21 or older, creating yet another barrier for younger sportsmen and women to participate in hunting and trapping. Fortunately, the Superior Court for the State of Delaware determined that Delaware’s constitutional right to keep and bear arms extends to all Delawareans aged 18 or older – eliminating the prohibitive provision. With legislation like HB 451 (2022) just around the corner, it is imperative that states look at ways to protect sportsmen and women from attacks that would negatively impact conservation funding and the state’s fish and wildlife agency’s ability to conserve, protect, and manage fish, wildlife, and wild places. Sportsmen and women are the largest funders of state-level conservation, fisheries management, and wildlife management. In 2025, 65% of Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s budget was comprised of sportsmen and women-generated dollars, generating $12.5M in conservation funding through the American System of Conservation Funding (license dollars with federal match).
As you can see, the adoption of a right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment is crucial in protecting sportsmen and women’s ability to enjoy their beloved outdoor heritage.
CSF looks forward to continuing to work with the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the additional bill co-sponsors to encourage the passage of this vitally important protection for sportsmen and women in the First State.
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