Colorado’s election office said Thursday that a proposal to add a constitutional right to hunting and fishing has qualified for the November ballot.

Backed by the International Order of T. Roosevelt, a group dedicated to preserving the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, Initiative No. 302 would amend the Colorado Constitution to include language establishing the people’s right to “hunt, fish, and take fish and wildlife” by the use of “traditional methods,” except when prohibited by state or federal law.

The amendment also states that hunting and fishing are the “preferred means of responsibly managing fish and wildlife populations” and underscores that it does not limit the authority of any state agency responsible for regulating fishing, hunting or wildlife management.

The Secretary of State’s office said the group submitted about 184,000 signatures, of which 145,000 were valid, clearing the threshold.

Luke Hilgemann of the Order of T. Roosevelt earlier said 24 other states have a right to hunt and fish in their constitutions.

“Hunting and fishing is part of Colorado’s heritage,” he said. “It’s something that the state traces its roots back to, and we want to make sure that those are forever protected against an onslaught of threats that have come from the anti-hunting and fishing groups, not only in Colorado, but nationwide.”

Opponents of the measure argued that establishing a constitutional right to hunting and fishing is unnecessary, since both activities are already legal.

Some critics also expressed worries about the measure’s use of the term “traditional methods,” sparking fears that it could repeal a 1996 ban on certain kinds of traps, poisons and snares.

Hunting and fishing bring in about $3.25 billion to the state’s economy every year, and the industry supports over 25,000 full-time jobs, according to the Colorado Wildlife Council.