Forests and Flocks: Supporting State Constitutional Rights to Hunt and Fish

This effort exemplifies the importance of the NWTF's Forests and Flocks Initiative and its priority to increase the NWTF’s organizational voice in support of proposed legislation that will advance the NWTF’s mission: the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage.

On Feb. 3, the New Hampshire Legislature held a public hearing on CACR 15 at the state house in Concord. It served as an important opportunity for sportsmen and women and conservationists to make their voices heard. Public input helps to ensure that hunting and fishing remain protected for future generations while continuing to be responsibly managed.

Carter Heath, NWTF regional director for New England, was present to deliver the NWTF’s point of view.

“CACR 15 aligns closely with our Forests and Flocks initiative which emphasizes healthy forests and the continuation of our hunting rights for future generations,” Health said. “Protecting the right to hunt and fish ensures continued public engagement in conservation while reinforcing the North American Model of Conservation, which relies on regulated, science-based wildlife management conducted by trained professionals.”

This kind of legislation is important for ensuring state residents’ right to hunt and fish is cemented in perpetuity. The hearing is just the first step for CACR 15, which will need to be approved by both the house and the Senate. If the Senate approves, it will make it onto the ballot for a vote this upcoming November. This bill will make New Hampshire the 25th state to have legislation of the sort.

Similarly, the Delaware NWTF State Chapter is supporting Senate Bill 212, which supports state residents’ constitutional right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife.

“Delaware is taking the first step toward amending the state constitution to affirm residents retain the right to hunt, fish and trap in The First State,” said Mitch Blake, NWTF district biologist. “NWTF volunteers spend countless hours fundraising and delivering to the mission of the NWTF in the state of Delaware. This amendment will safeguard the hunting heritage that inspires many NWTF members, and it will provide protections for hunting, fishing and trapping in perpetuity for future generations. This is integral to our Forests and Flocks Initiative.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation   

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.