A state senator says he will introduce legislation to create a constitutional amendment that “enshrines Pennsylvanians’ right to hunt, fish and trap.”
“Hunting, fishing and trapping have long been valuable components of our commonwealth’s heritage and should be practiced and preserved for generations to come,” said Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34). “Not only are these practices recreational for many, but they contribute to wildlife and natural habitat conservation.”
There are more than 850,000 licensed hunters and 1.1 million licensed anglers in the state.
In a memo to fellow legislators, Sen. Rothman cited dangerous efforts in other states to strip hunting, fishing and trapping as a reason for his legislation. The most recent example was in Oregon where animal rights and anti-hunting extremists tried but failed to gather enough signatures to place an initiative on the 2026 ballot that would ban hunting, fishing, trapping and other practices. Despite their third consecutive failure, activists are expected to try again for 2028, although there are currently two separate efforts to protect hunting and fishing in Oregon.
Twenty-four states already have constitutional protections for hunting and fishing. Colorado voters go to the polls in November to decide if their state becomes the 25th.
“By including this right in the Pennsylvania Constitution, we guarantee hunting, fishing and trapping will continue to be a part of our heritage and way of life in perpetuity,” said Sen. Rothman.
To ultimately qualify as a ballot referendum, the measure must first be approved by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions.
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)
