The Right to Hunt, Fish and Trap Wildlife

December 19, 2025

State Senator Dave Wilson

This week, I introduced Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), bipartisan legislation to begin the process of amending the Delaware Constitution to recognize the right to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife.

Delaware has a long and proud outdoor heritage. For generations, hunting, fishing, and trapping have played a critical role in wildlife conservation, land stewardship, and maintaining balanced ecosystems. Twenty one states already protect these rights in their constitutions, and SB 212 ensures Delaware does the same.

Just as importantly, this proposal includes strong protections to make clear what it does not do. It does not affect private property rights or trespass laws. It does not interfere with water rights. It does not limit the state’s authority to regulate wildlife or commercial activity. It does not prevent licenses from being suspended or revoked under existing law.

Because SB 212 proposes a constitutional amendment, it must pass with a two thirds vote of the General Assembly and then be approved again by the next General Assembly after the next general election. While that process takes time, I believe it is worth the effort to ensure these longstanding rights are protected for future generations of Delawareans.