Would you support an amendment to the NH constitution guaranteeing citizens their right to hunt and fish?

Currently 19 states constitutionally guarantee citizens the right to hunt and fish, subject only to reasonable regulations enacted to conserve or manage wildlife populations. Most such amendments have been passed in recent years by way of citizen ballot initiatives, a process that does not exist in New Hampshire. There is currently no legislative effort underway to similarly amend the New Hampshire constitution.

Supporters of making a similar move in New Hampshire argue that increasing regulation, concerns over gun safety, and lobbying by anti-hunting special interest groups are threatening citizens’ traditional right to hunt and fish. They believe that including hunting as a right in the state constitution will guarantee the continued existence of this traditional pastime and means of subsistence for future generations.

Opponents counter that the constitution should be reserved for the protection of basic democratic rights, not the practice of a popular recreational activity. They point out that New Hampshire law has historically been supportive of hunting and fishing, and also express concern that an amendment might impede the ability of legislators to place reasonable restrictions on such practices.