The effort to enshrine the right to fish and hunt in Colorado’s Constitution reached a major milestone as supporters of Initiative 302 have gathered enough signatures after just seven weeks to surpass the 75 percent threshold of valid signatures required to qualify for the ballot, putting the measure well ahead of the August 3 deadline.
"The overwhelming response from Coloradans demonstrates just how deeply our outdoor heritage is valued across the state," said Dustin Zvonek, a principal with 76 Group. "Regardless of political affiliation, Coloradans understand that hunting and fishing are part of who we are and have played a critical role in the conservation and stewardship of our wildlife and natural resources."
By enshrining the right to hunt, fish, and responsibly manage wildlife in the state constitution, Colorado will join 24 other states—including neighboring Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana—in safeguarding our outdoor heritage for generations to come.
"Initiative 302 would enshrine the constitutional right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife in Colorado, ensuring these longstanding traditions remain protected for generations to come," said Luke Hilgemann, CEO of the International Order of T. Roosevelt, a leading national conservation organization leading the charge to preserve the rights to hunt and fish in state constitutions across the country, most recently finding success in Florida. "The enthusiasm shown by voters across every corner of the state confirms that Coloradans agree: preserving our outdoor heritage is worth protecting in our state constitution."
“We strongly support this effort. It is core to our mission as a hunter-based conservation organization,” said Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Chief Conservation Officer Blake Henning.
Since 1987, RMEF and its partners completed 904 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Colorado with a combined value of more than $212.9 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 512,504 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 120,252 acres.
Hunt 2 Conserve strongly supports Colorado Initiative 302. Read its official wording here.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
(Photo credit: Chad Carman)
