Wildlife preservation group honors Wilton Simpson for helping to secure hunting rights

A group dedicated to preserving hunting and wildlife habitats across America has named Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson as its top conservationist for his efforts to preserve hunting rights.

Simpson snagged the honor of “2025 Conservationist of the Year” by the International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR). The decision came from the organization that describes itself as an activist group following in the footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt, the nation’s 26th President who was largely responsible for founding the national park system.

Simpson was selected for the honor because of his advocacy of Amendment 2, which was a referendum that appeared on Florida’s ballot in 2024. That measure easily cleared the required 60% threshold to pass, with 67.34% of ballots cast approving the measure. Amendment 2 established a constitutional right for Floridians to hunt and fish.

Simpson said he is humbled by the recognition.

“Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy endures in each and every one of us if we dare to stand in the arena and take action on behalf of future generations,” Simpson said.

“From our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that has permanently preserved more than 180,000 acres, to forever protecting the rights to fish and hunt in Florida’s Constitution, I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing to advance true conservation here in Florida.”

Leaders of the IOTR consider Florida’s constitutional amendment effort to be a model that other states should follow.

“As the 24th state to enshrine the rights to fish and hunt in their constitution, Florida has once again built a road map forward for the rest of the nation,” said IOTR Executive Director Luke Hilgemann. “As we take this fight to the next dozen states, Wilton Simpson will stand as the first leader to personally and financially invest in not just Florida’s rights, but ultimately the rights of millions of Americans across the country.”