Hunting is a Privilege, Not a Right

The Public Trust Doctrine means the government manages and regulates wildlife for the benefit of all people, not just a select few.

CACR 15, the resolution that would place hunting, fishing, and harvesting game into the New Hampshire Constitution as a constitutional right, will be voted on by the full NH House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 11, but if they don't get to it, it could be moved to Thursday. Please take action before then.

Please Contact your NH Representatives

Find out who represents you here - https://gc.nh.gov/house/members/

Select your town is all you need to do. Usually, you will have more than one Representative. Please email or call them all.

Explain why you believe this constitutional amendment is unnecessary and that hunting and fishing already receive significant protection in New Hampshire through the work of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Personal messages from constituents can make a real difference when legislators are considering a constitutional amendment. Please be sure to sign with your name and NH town.

Below are a few sample points you may find helpful. Please do not copy them word-for-word. Messages written in your own words are often more effective, and your message can be brief. It is also helpful to begin by saying, “As your constituent, I respectfully ask you to Vote NO on CACR 15”

Reasons to oppose CACR 15

Wildlife management must be science-based and flexible; constitutional rights make it harder to adjust seasons, limits, and protections as conditions change.

Making hunting a right could be used to challenge Fish and Game rules, such as the ban on bobcat hunting. In other states where hunting has been made a constitutional right, lawsuits have been filed challenging regulations like Sunday hunting bans. Defending against lawsuits will be costly to NH taxpayers.

New Hampshire's Constitution is meant to establish our most fundamental rights and outline how government is organized and operates. It is not intended to enshrine specific recreational activities, such as hunting, above others.

CACR15 is a solution in search of a problem. Hunting and fishing are already legal, regulated, and protected; adding them to the NH constitution would introduce unnecessary risk and rigidity without providing meaningful new protections.

Thank you for being a voice for wildlife!

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