NH House Testimony

CACR15

House · 2026 sessionRepublicanDied in House

Right to hunt and fish

AI

Proposes a constitutional amendment establishing an individual right to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish, subject to conservation-related laws and regulations, to be voted on in November 2026.

relating to the right to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Providing that citizens of New Hampshire shall have the constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish, subject to restrictions existing in law.

CACRFish & GameAnimals

Status

Recommended for passage but never voted; died at adjournment · March 11, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. On the ballot

Division of testimony

928 submissions
Support 626(390 form letter)Oppose 300Neutral 2

Hatched = form letter · 390 of 928 written submissions (42%) came from organized campaigns

Argument digest · AI-generated

from 248 of 637 written submissions

CACR15 would amend the New Hampshire Constitution to establish a right to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish, and would declare public hunting and fishing the preferred means of managing wildlife, subject to existing law. Supporters describe it as a permanent safeguard for a treasured NH tradition and the license-funded conservation model against future legislative or political erosion, while opponents argue the 'preferred means' language and constitutional status would lock in disputed methods like trapping and hounding, reduce Fish and Game's ability to adapt science-based management, and invite litigation, when hunting and fishing are already legal and regulated.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 20, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.

Form-letter campaigns

390 of 637 written submissions (61%)

390 submissions match a shared template; 247 are individually written.

  • Constitutional Right to Hunt, Fish, and HarvestSupport390 submissions on this bill

    The template argues that establishing a constitutional right to hunting, fishing, and harvesting game and fish is necessary to protect New Hampshire's cultural heritage, economy, and conservation efforts.

    The letter · submitted 390 times

    I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Everett Brown Epping, NH

Detected by text-similarity clustering; campaign names are AI-generated.

James RoweSupportForm letterhudson, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, James Rowe hudson, NH

Kristina SnyderOpposeChester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I am writing in opposition to CACR15, the proposed constitutional amendment relating to the right to fish, hunt, and harvest game which includes trapping. Fishing and hunting are already legal, regulated, and widely supported in New Hampshire. What is new and concerning in this amendment is the decision to elevate these activities—especially trapping—to the level of a constitutional right. Modern wildlife science and veterinary research have shown that many trapping methods cause prolonged suffering: animals may struggle for hours, suffer broken limbs, exposure, dehydration, or self-mutilation. Traps also do not discriminate. Pets, non-target wildlife, and even protected species are routinely injured or killed. These are not rare accidents—they are inherent risks of the practice. By enshrining trapping as a constitutional right, the state risks undermining animal cruelty laws and public safety regulations. Courts could be forced to weigh a trapper’s constitutional “right” against laws meant to prevent suffering or protect the public. That creates legal conflict, uncertainty, and costly litigation. This is not about banning hunting or fishing. It is about whether we permanently elevate a specific method of killing wildlife above public oversight and ethical progress. I urge you to reject this amendment.

James BarousSupportForm letterNewton, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, James Barous Newton, NH

Michelle LambertOpposeAndover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

The constitution is NOT for recreational activities! Hunters and trappers already have what they need to be able to hunt and trap. I'm all for hunting, if you're going to feed your family. Therefore, there is no need to be able to hunt whenever you WANT to. There are valid scientific reasons for seasons and restrictions. This is just a piece of legislation that if passed, would allow one to hunt whenever and for all I know, where ever one wants to. I'm just trying to help you NOT kill everything first before there is nothing left. Trapping is a dying sport anyway. I think there is well beyond enough selfish grabbing of resources in the state, including the unwillingness to deal with our property tax problems.. try working some real legislation instead of wasting everyones time.

Colton GreggSupportForm letterPittsfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Colton Gregg Pittsfield, NH

Paul martinageSupportHUDSON, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I urge the Committee to support this NH Constitutional Amendment.

Samuel HoehnSupportLancaster, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I support this bill because Granite State values should be enshrined within our constitution.

Bradford JonesSupportForm letterEffingham, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Bradford Jones Effingham, NH

Robert BelleroseSupportBedford, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I support the constitutional right to hunt and fish subject to state and federal laws. Conservation starts with the hunters and fishermen of the state of New Hampshire and should be a right provided by the state constitution. If you don't like hunting stay out of the woods. If you don't like fishing stay out of the waters. Thanks Rob Bellerose

Linda CamarotaSupportForm letterBedford, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Linda Camarota Bedford, NH

Daniel FentonSupportHampstead, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I support this amendment wholeheartedly. This is an amazing opportunity for NH to commit to science based conservation, wildlife management, and public access to the greatest resources in the state. This allows the state to affirm its stance as one of the leading voices in the nation on outdoor management. I am advocating that we support this amendment to our state constitution and continue to position ourselves as a leader in the nation and New England in conservation and wildlife management.

Warren WitkowskiSupportForm letterSalisbury, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Warren Witkowski Salisbury, NH

Bryan StevensSupportForm letterCandia, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Bryan Stevens Candia, NH

Sarah ShielsOpposeGoffstown, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I oppose this bill due to the fact that the actions it entails are cruel and unnecessary.

Charles RudolphSupportWestmoreland, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Hunting fishing and trapping is a way of life for many people in New Hampshire and also the way they feed themselves and their families. In my opinion hunting fishing and trapping should be a constitutional right

Mykayla HickeySupportPittsfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations.

August GibsonSupportForm letterPittsfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, August Gibson Pittsfield, NH

Kyle BasslerSupportForm letterDerry, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Kyle Bassler Derry, NH

John David CalhounOpposePlymouth, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

My wife and family moved to Plymouth, New Hampshire recently. We love living in the Lakes Region and enjoy hiking in the mountains. Where we live is situated at the foot of the White Mountains, so we are treated to "leaf peeping" without having to go anywhere! Hunting despoils the environment and is contrary to God's divine plan. You don't have to be Catholic or Christian to appreciate the beauty and majesty of Nature. You just have to be respectful and grateful for this blessing. We want to be proud of living in a state that values and protects wildlife -- not with hunters ravaging the forests with no regard for other species who have the right to live in peace. The idea of giving them "carte blanche" to do as they please is revolting and contrary to what we've taught our children, in appreciating the beauty of creation all around us. To enshrine the "right to kill" in our state's Constitution would be a grievous mistake. I hope you see that and OPPOSE this Bill. Thank you. J. D. Calhoun

Roland SixSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

As a proud resident of New Hampshire, where our state's motto is "Live Fee or Die" embodies a deep respect for individual liberties and outdoor traditions, I strongly support CACR 15, the proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish for all Granite Staters. This legislation recognizes that these activities are not just pastimes but integral to our cultural heritage, economy, and way of life in the Granite State. Hunting and fishing have been foundational to New Hampshire since its founding, providing sustenance, recreation, and a means of wildlife management that benefits our ecosystems. By embedding this right in our state constitution, CACR 15 ensures that future generations can continue these traditions without undue interference, while still respecting existing laws and regulations that promote conservation and safety. This amendment does not create new privileges; it safeguards against potential future restrictions that could erode our freedoms, as seen in other states where anti-hunting groups have pushed for bans. Economically, hunting and fishing contribute millions to the New Hampshire economy through licenses, equipment sales, and tourism. They also play a vital role in controlling wildlife populations, preventing overpopulation issues that could lead to disease or habitat destruction. CACR 15 affirms that traditional methods of harvesting wildlife remain the preferred approach, aligning with sustainable practices that have served our state well for centuries. I urge the New Hampshire House to pass CACR 15 and put this amendment on the ballot, allowing voters to affirm our commitment to liberty and the outdoors. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect what makes New Hampshire unique. Let's stand together for our rights and our heritage. Thank you for the opportunity to present my thoughts on this legislation, and thank all of you for your continued service to the citizens of New Hampshire.

Elizabeth MillerSupportForm letterBristol, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Elizabeth Miller Bristol, NH

Kyle McAdamOpposeGilmanton, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I do not have an issue with hunting within reasonable limits, i.e. specific species, specific limit numbers by species, types of weapons etc. What I am concerned with this Constitutional amendment is the phrase "Public hunting and fishing shall be the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife in New Hampshire." Hunting can be a means to help control species numbers I am concerned with it being ..."the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife in New Hampshire" There are many means of controlling a species populations other than hunting and to add on to this there are many species where it is difficult to actually hunt, such species as the coyote that breed to quickly and move to easily for a hunter to be able to maintain a proper species population. NH. Fish and Games are a group of well educated people that has a large array of management tool and techniques at their disposal to use to control a species population. Making hunting the preferred method would eliminate many effective and probably more effective tools Lastly, the passage of this amendment written as listed would probably bring lawsuits against the state over seasons, bag limits, methods, and closures. I encourage you to vote against this amendment as written.It is my opinion, that we, in the state of New Hampshire, have an excellent Fish and Game department, who are highly trained in determining which method, when necessary, to use. I would feel more comfortable to let Fish and Game determine if hunting is the best method needed and if so then having Fish and Game determine how many of the species is allowed to be taken.

Kevin BurrowSupportForm letterThorton, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Kevin Burrow Thorton, NH

Ryan TurnerSupportForm letterTamworth, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Mr. Ryan V. Turner

Justine BaldassaraSupportForm letterBerlin, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for CACR 15, which would establish a constitutional right for New Hampshire citizens to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish. Key reasons I support this constitutional amendment: • Hunting and fishing are integral parts of New Hampshire's heritage and culture that deserve constitutional protection • These activities contribute significantly to our state's economy through license fees, equipment purchases, and tourism • Hunters and anglers are among our most dedicated conservationists, funding wildlife management and habitat preservation • Constitutional protection ensures these rights cannot be eliminated by future legislative action • The amendment preserves existing regulatory authority while protecting the fundamental right to participate This constitutional amendment will safeguard traditions that have been passed down through generations of New Hampshire families while continuing to allow for proper wildlife management and conservation. I urge you to support CACR 15 and help protect these cherished rights for current and future generations. Respectfully, Justine Baldassara Berlin, NH