Bozeman, Montana – The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) today reaffirmed its support for the constitutional right to hunt and fish, with a position statement recognizing these longstanding American traditions as an important expression of individual liberty and a cornerstone of the nation's conservation heritage.
"Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted in America's history, our individual liberties, and our nation's conservation legacy," said Gray N. Thornton, president and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. "These connections are well understood by sportsmen and women and wildlife professionals, but they deserve broader public recognition. Protecting the future of our conservation heritage means recognizing the important role hunting and fishing play in our history, our culture, and the responsible stewardship of wildlife. WSF supports states seeking to enshrine these rights in their constitutions."
The recognition of hunting and fishing as constitutional rights has deep historical roots in America. Pennsylvania's Constitution of 1776 and Vermont's Constitution of 1777 helped establish an early tradition of recognizing these activities in state constitutional law. Today, 24 states have adopted constitutional amendments recognizing the right to hunt and fish, reflecting the enduring significance of these traditions and their place in America's conservation framework.
Colorado voters will consider Amendment 83 on November 3, 2026, Election Day, bringing renewed attention to the role state constitutions can play in recognizing the right to hunt and fish.
The Wild Sheep Foundation supports efforts to recognize these rights as part of the nation's longstanding hunting and fishing traditions and its commitment to wildlife conservation.
Read the full position statement on the WSF website.
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), based in Bozeman, Mont., was founded in 1977 by sportsmen and other wild sheep conservationists. WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, having raised and expended more than $145 million, positively impacting these species through population and habitat enhancements, research and education, and conservation advocacy programs in North America, Europe, and Asia to "Put and Keep Wild Sheep On the Mountain"®. In North America, these and other efforts have increased bighorn sheep populations from historic lows in the 1950s-60s of 25,000 to more than 85,000 today. WSF has a membership of more than 11,000 worldwide. www.wildsheepfoundation.org.