Statewide ballot measure

Amendment 83 (Initiative 302): Creating a constitutional right to hunt, fish and take fish and wildlife

On the November 3, 2026 ballot

Ballot number: Amendment 83
Filed as: Initiative 302
Type of measure (Legislative Council): Constitutional

The ballot question

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution creating a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest fish and wildlife by traditional methods, including all species of fish and wildlife managed by the state except non-game species, endangered species, or any species that is illegal to hunt under federal law, and, in connection therewith, establishing hunting and fishing as the preferred means of managing fish and wildlife populations; and preserving the right of the state to regulate hunting, fishing, and wildlife management if necessary for sound scientific wildlife conservation and management, public safety, or to preserve the future of hunting and fishing opportunities for all species?

What a vote does

A yes vote means: Adds a constitutional right to hunt, fish and take fish and wildlife, including by traditional methods. It covers state-managed species except nongame species, endangered species and species illegal to hunt under federal law.
A no vote means: The measure is not enacted. No section is added to the Colorado constitution, and hunting and fishing continue under the statutes and under the rules the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission sets.

Figures from the fiscal estimate

Takes effect: Governor’s proclamation
After voter approval, within 30 days after the official canvass.
Estimated state cost: $0
No spending change in FY 2025–26 or FY 2026–27; additional legal costs are possible.
Votes needed to pass: 55%
Of votes cast on the amendment.

Legislative Council ballot analysis

Ballot analysis, Legislative Council

Official documents

The guide opens October 12

Key dates

October 2 to October 9: county clerks mail ballots to active voters.
October 12: drop boxes open.
October 26: last suggested day to return a ballot by mail.
From October 27: return your ballot to a drop box or vote center instead of mailing it.
November 3, 2026, Election Day: ballots are due by 7:00 p.m.

Page updated September 29, 2026