Campaign banner against Colorado Amendment 83 vandalized at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center told KRDO13 that someone vandalized a banner expressing opposition to Colorado Amendment 83 on its private property Monday.

Darlene Kobobel, the founder and president of the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, said she went to check on the banner to find it had seemingly been sliced in half with a razor blade.

The wildlife sanctuary hasn’t been shy about its opposition to Colorado Amendment 83, but Kobobel is calling what happened “disgraceful.”

“Being a conservation center, it's our right to be able to be a voice for these animals. And that's what we're trying to do. And something like this... it's wrong,” Kobobel said.

If passed, Colorado Amendment 83 would establish a constitutional right to fish and hunt certain wildlife, joining 24 other states.

It would also create a policy that states hunting and fishing are the preferred means of managing fish and wildlife populations in Colorado.

Colorado Amendment 83 would apply to traditional hunting and fishing methods only. It does not apply to nongame species, endangered species or any species that is illegal to hunt under federal law.

However, opponents often argue that the amendment's language is too vague and that the state constitution should protect fundamental rights rather than recreational activities.

Some opponents have expressed worry that it could allow for inhumane ways of hunting and fishing to be brought back, such as poison bait and wildlife killing contests.

Organizations in support of Colorado Amendment 83 also condemned the act of vandalism.

In a statement to KRDO13, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) says it "firmly believes that everyone has the right to express their views and participate in the democratic process without intimidation or destruction of property. We do not condone vandalism or the destruction of campaign materials, regardless of which side of an issue they represent. While we may disagree on policy, those differences should be addressed through respectful dialogue, public education, and ultimately, the ballot box."

"From our side, both proponents and opponents of this amendment have the right to express themselves and their views safely and disagree respectfully. And I think that's why 127 sportfishing businesses and organizations recently joined a letter in support of this amendment because the right to fish and sound scientific management of Colorado's fisheries is essential to sportfishing businesses across the country and in Colorado themselves," said Connor Bevan, Inland Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association.

Those in support argue that enshrining this right in the Colorado Constitution protects against possible future attempts to restrict hunting and fishing in the state.

Supporters also say hunting and fishing are a critical part of Colorado’s economy, fueling thousands of businesses and jobs that, in turn, fund conservation work.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office (TSCO) said they received a report of the incident and are investigating the matter.

Colorado Amendment 83 will require 55% of the vote in support to pass in November's election.

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