Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Weiser Opposes Amendment 83
Weiser: Colorado Should Protect Hunting and Fishing Through Good Governance, Not Constitutional Amendments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2026
DENVER, Colo. — Colorado gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Phil Weiser has announced his opposition to Amendment 83, the proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and declare hunting and fishing the “primary and preferred means” of managing and controlling wildlife populations.
In a statement, Weiser underscores the central question facing voters—whether Colorado should resolve disagreements over wildlife policy through its existing democratic and science-based governance system, or place new restrictions and mandates in the state Constitution that could ultimately be interpreted by costly litigation in courts:
"We have all seen deep divisions and disagreements on Colorado's wildlife policies. But the solutions to those divisions will be reached through dialogue, listening, and collaboration - not through constitutional amendments, courtrooms, and lawsuits.
I support Colorado's sportsmen, anglers, and hunters and am grateful for their leadership in funding our state's conservation of our outdoors and wildlife. But Amendment 83 creates a vague constitutional right to protect hunting and fishing — one that's not only unnecessary, but leads to a host of unknown outcomes.
The right way to protect fishing and hunting is through sound engagement, good governance, and thoughtful, science-based decisions at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission — not by litigation or judges forced to make sense of vague constitutional amendments. That's why I oppose Initiative 302 [now Amendment 83]."
Weiser’s opposition comes as Colorado voters prepare to consider Amendment 83 this November. The measure would add to the state Constitution a right to hunt, fish, and harvest fish and wildlife, including by “traditional methods,” while establishing hunting and fishing as the “primary and preferred means” of managing wildlife populations.
“As Colorado’s chief legal officer, Attorney General Phil Weiser brings significant experience and expertise to the discussion about a constitutional amendment, the potential repercussions and possible legal battles that await the state,” said Jen Clanahan, executive director of the Colorado Nature League. “Colorado voters should listen to our top legal expert and vote no.”
Opponents of Amendment 83 have argued that wildlife policy should remain adaptable and accountable to the public, rather than being locked into constitutional language that could constrain future voters, policymakers, wildlife professionals, and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
“We thank Attorney General Weiser for standing with Colorado voters to protect our state’s constitution,” said Eric Washburn of Colorado Hunters and Anglers for Sensible Wildlife Conservation. “The so-called ‘Right to Hunt’ ballot measure will establish constitutional rights to engage in cruel and unethical hunting and trapping practices that Colorado voters and the state wildlife commission have already banned like leghold traps, bear-baiting and wildlife killing contests. Not only is this ballot measure completely antithetical to the fair chase hunting ethics of wildlife conservation pioneers like Theodore Roosevelt, it will turn the vast majority of Coloradans against hunting and jeopardize its future in Colorado. All Colorado hunters and anglers should vote against this ill-conceived ballot measure.”
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About the No On Amendment 83 Coalition: The No on Amendment 83 Coalition is a group of organizations and individuals working together to protect Colorado’s Constitution and preserve Coloradans’ ability to shape the future of wildlife management. The coalition believes wildlife decisions should remain science-informed, adaptable, and accountable to the people.