The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Hunt 2 Conserve committed a combined $125,000 in support of Amendment 83, a November ballot measure that constitutionally protects hunting and fishing in Colorado.
"We are seeing very real threats to the future of hunting in Colorado in the form of persistent petitions, legislation and ballot measures," said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver. "Amendment 83 safeguards protections for hunting and fishing. It also declares hunting and fishing as the primary means in support of sustainable scientific management of wildlife. Those management tools helped create Colorado's current foundational strength for its wildlife numbers, including the largest elk population in North America."
More than 300,000 hunters and 950,000 anglers are expected to recreate in Colorado in 2026. Together, through the purchase of licenses, fees, permits and passes, they fund 68% of Colorado Parks and Wildlife's budget. Hunting and fishing are also key economic drivers, generating $6.1 billion annually in revenue for the state.
"Defending and promoting hunting is core to our mission and the reason Hunt 2 Conserve exists," said Jim Baker, president of the Hunt 2 Conserve Board of Directors. "This amendment constitutionally solidifies the future of hunting in a state where it is constantly under attack by anti-hunting and animal rights activists as well as political influences."
RMEF is a longtime advocate of hunting, fishing and science-based wildlife management. It contributed significant funding to help defeat Proposition 127, a 2024 anti-hunting ballot initiative introduced and backed by animal rights extremists that sought to ban the hunting of mountain lions and bobcats.
With more than 30 chapters and membership across the state today, RMEF has a lengthy conservation history in Colorado. Dating back nearly four decades, it collaborated with partners to conserve or enhance 514,731 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 120,252 acres.
If approved by 55% of voters at the polls, Colorado will join 24 other states with constitutional protections for hunting and fishing.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization with a mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Now in its fifth decade of Conserving America's Big Game, ™ RMEF will extend its impact on habitat and public land access to 10 million acres by 2030. RMEF conserves and enhances habitat for elk and all big game, opens and improves access for hunting and other outdoor recreation, conducts science-based wildlife research and ensures the future of our hunting heritage through advocacy, outreach and education. Members, volunteers and supporters nationwide help RMEF further its mission. Find out more and join the movement at rmef.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.