States Move to Constitutionally Protect Hunting and Fishing Rights
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – November 22, 2025 – A growing number of states are taking steps to explicitly guarantee the rights to hunt and fish within their constitutions, sparking debate over whether such measures are necessary protections or redundant affirmations of existing freedoms. Recent actions in states like Utah demonstrate a trend toward enshrining these outdoor activities as fundamental rights, even as opponents question the need for constitutional amendments.
These efforts come as hunting and fishing contribute significantly to state economies and are deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of manny communities. While proponents argue these amendments safeguard these traditions against potential future restrictions, critics contend that existing laws already adequately protect these activities and that constitutional amendments should be reserved for more pressing concerns. The movement reflects a broader national conversation about access to natural resources and the role of government in regulating outdoor pursuits.
Utah voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2020 to protect the right to hunt and fish. Representative Marsha Judkins voiced concerns prior to the vote, stating, “We need to be extremely judicious and careful about what we put in this most important and sacred document,” as reported by ABC4 News. She argued the amendment was unnecessary as hunting and fishing were not facing imminent threats in the state.
The amendment followed similar actions in other states, were advocates maintained the measures were vital to preserving outdoor traditions and economic benefits tied to hunting and fishing. However, the debate highlights a division among lawmakers regarding the appropriate scope of constitutional protections and the level of risk perceived to these established activities. The official canvass results from the 2020 General Election are available at vote.utah.gov.
