Are Hunting and Fishing Part of the Texas State Constitution?

It might be hard to believe that a state government cares so much about the tradition of hunting and fishing that it would make it part of the state's constitution, but welcome to Texas.

In 2015, hunting and fishing officially became part of the Texas State Constitution! Here's what hunters and anglers need to know.

Texans Have a Right to Hunt and Fish

The passage of Proposition 6 several years ago ensured that Texans always have a right to hunt and fish in the state. Texans have always valued their rights to hunt and fish, particularly on private property, which makes up 95 percent of Texas hunting lands.

This change to the state constitution makes that a permanent part of Texas law.

"To me, it is a better guarantee; [hunting, fishing, and the taking of wildlife] goes from a privilege to a right," said Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator with Texas Parks and Wildlife. "We can put away our privileges, but we can't put away our rights."

What Does It Say?

Section 34 of the state's constitution says, "The people have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to laws or regulations to conserve and manage wildlife and preserve the future of hunting and fishing."

The section goes on to highlight that hunting and fishing are preferred methods of managing wildlife. So, hunters and anglers play an essential role in balancing the ecosystem in Texas.

Hunting is Big in Texas

Texas consistently has the highest hunting population in the United States and is near the top for fishing, with more than 1.1 million hunting licenses issued in 2021 and more than two million fishing licenses bought annually.

Hunting and fishing are also big businesses, creating an economic impact of $15.8 billion in the southeast. Deer hunting in the southeast also supports more than 209,000 jobs.

By passing Proposition 6 and the other constitutional amendments, Texas residents "are creating an even better place for future generations to live, work, and raise a family," according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

With Proposition 6, Texas joins the 18 other states that have made hunting and fishing an important part of their constitutions.

Hunt Safely in Texas With Hunter Education

With such a popular tradition in Texas, participating safely is important. While there's plenty of land to hunt year-round, you never know when you'll hunt near others.

A hunter education course is also part of Texas's hunting tradition (and requirements) and can help you keep yourself and others safe in the field. While everyone has a right to hunt, it's important to do it legally and safely. To get a hunting license, you'll need to pass a state-approved safety course, like the Texas certification course from Hunter-Ed.

We know you're anxious to get out in the field this season! As part of your preparation and planning, get hunter safety certified through Hunter-Ed. It's easy to take the course online and then take the online exam.

You only need to pass the course once! Then, you'll have the certification you need to hunt every season in Texas.

Originally published November 4, 2015. Latest content update June 4, 2024.