In an era when New Hampshire often feels divided, there remain issues that unite us across party lines. One of those is our shared commitment to conservation, outdoor traditions and sound wildlife management. That is why we — one Republican and one Democrat — jointly support CACR 15, the proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife in New Hampshire.
At its core, CACR 15 is not about politics. It is about preserving a model that has worked for generations: conservation funded by hunters and anglers, managed by professional biologists, and overseen by a Fish and Game Commission designed to operate with stability and expertise.
New Hampshire’s wildlife conservation system is largely self-funded. License fees paid by hunters and anglers, combined with federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funds, support habitat restoration, species management, land acquisition, enforcement and public access. This “user-pay, public-benefit” model has made New Hampshire a leader in wildlife stewardship.
CACR 15 helps safeguard that system by affirming hunting and fishing as legitimate and preferred wildlife management tools. Without this recognition, the funding base that supports conservation becomes vulnerable — not only for game species but also for the nongame species and habitats that benefit all residents, whether they hunt or not.
Put simply, when hunting and fishing participation declines due to legal uncertainty or shifting policy, conservation funding declines with it.
Proper funding for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department benefits far more than traditional game species. The department’s conservation work supports the health of the entire ecosystem and protects the diverse wildlife that defines New Hampshire’s outdoor landscape.
Through habitat restoration, biological monitoring and scientific research, Fish and Game plays a critical role in safeguarding threatened and vulnerable species throughout the state. These efforts include maintaining wetlands, preserving wildlife corridors and conducting population studies that guide responsible stewardship of species that are not hunted or fished but remain essential to healthy ecosystems.
Strong conservation funding also enhances recreational opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Wildlife watching, birding, paddling, hiking and nature photography all depend on thriving habitats and well-managed public resources. By protecting biodiversity and maintaining healthy landscapes, Fish and Game ensures that outdoor recreation in New Hampshire extends well beyond hunting and fishing.
Some have raised concerns that a constitutional amendment could tie the hands of the Fish and Game Commission or invite litigation over seasons and methods of take. We believe those concerns misunderstand the structure and intent of CACR 15.
The amendment explicitly preserves the authority of the legislature and the Fish and Game Commission to regulate wildlife. It does not freeze hunting seasons in time, mandate specific methods of take, or prevent adaptive management based on science, population data or public safety.
Instead, CACR 15 ensures that wildlife policy continues to be guided by New Hampshire’s established process: professional biologists making recommendations, the Commission setting seasons and methods, and elected officials providing oversight. It reinforces the principle that wildlife management decisions should be based on science and expertise, not political pressure or litigation.
Contrary to some claims, CACR 15 is more likely to reduce the risk of frivolous lawsuits than increase it. By clearly stating that hunting and fishing are constitutionally protected and subject to reasonable regulation, the amendment provides clarity to courts and policymakers alike. Ambiguity invites legal challenges; clarity discourages them.
States with similar constitutional provisions have not seen their wildlife agencies paralyzed by litigation. Instead, those amendments have reinforced agency authority and affirmed the legitimacy of science-based wildlife management.
Hunting and fishing are not partisan activities. They are part of New Hampshire’s cultural fabric, connecting rural and urban residents alike to the land, to food security and to the long-standing conservation ethic that defines our state.
Whether one personally hunts or fishes is beside the point. The benefits — healthy wildlife populations, conserved open space and a well-funded Fish and Game Department — are shared by everyone.
CACR 15 represents a thoughtful, bipartisan effort to protect what already works while preserving flexibility for future generations. It respects tradition while embracing science and strengthens conservation without weakening oversight.
As legislators from different parties, we do not agree on every issue. But on this, we stand together: supporting CACR 15 is the responsible choice for conservation, wildlife management, and New Hampshire’s outdoor heritage.
We urge the legislature to do the same in 2026.
Rep. James Spillane is serving in his sixth term in the New Hampshire House and currently chairs the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee. Rep. Will Darby is serving in his second term and is a member of the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee.