Update from Chapter Chair
Hey everyone,
I’m writing this as the cool air of fall starts to creep in—my favorite time of year. With the season opener just around the corner, I know we're all feeling that familiar excitement. It’s a season that reminds us why we do this work. It’s about more than just the hunt; it’s about the quiet moments in the woods, the traditions we pass down, and the shared responsibility we have to protect these wild places for future generations.
It was incredible to see so many of you at our Muster in the Mountains. Seeing this community come together, share stories, and work to support our public lands is what BHA is all about. That energy is what fuels our work, from on-the-ground habitat projects to making our voices heard in Albany.
Thank you for being a part of this. The work we do is only possible because of you, the boots on the ground. Here’s to a great season ahead.
As always, I want to encourage you all to please tag and follow us on social media, join us at Pint Nights and conservation stewardship events, let your legislators hear from you about proposed bills impacting hunters and anglers, and make sure your BHA membership is current! Get out there and enjoy your NY public lands and waters!
Greg Whalin - NY BHA Chapter Chair
Chapter News
Event Recap: Muster in the Mountains a Huge Success!
Our annual Muster in the Mountains was one for the books! We had a fantastic turnout at the stunning West Kill Brewing in the Catskills, with members from all over the state coming together for a weekend of camaraderie, conservation, and friendly competition.
From hands-on activities like 3D archery, fly casting, and guided woods walks, to informative sessions on trapping, saddle hunting, sausage making, and wild game tasting, the weekend was packed with action. We also had some incredible raffles and silent auctions with amazing gear from our generous sponsors. The highlight, as always, was the stories shared around the campfire, new friendships made, and the collective passion for our public lands and waters. Together, we raised much needed funds to support BHA's work, both here in New York and nationwide. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who made it happen.
Policy Update: A Win for Science-Based Wildlife Management and Access
We're thrilled to announce a major policy victory for wildlife and hunters across the state. Governor Hochul recently signed Senate Bill S6360 into law, a bill that modernizes New York's crossbow regulations. Specifically, this law removes outdated equipment restrictions, gives the DEC the authority to regulate crossbows as they do other archery equipment, and opens up new hunting opportunities in areas like Westchester and Suffolk Counties.
This is a win for science-based wildlife management, putting management authority for crossbow use in hunting back where it belongs: with the biologists and wildlife professionals at the DEC. This is a huge step forward, ensuring that regulatory decisions will be made by biologists, not by legislatures.
A major positive outcome of this is expanded opportunity for hunters of all ages and abilities. This change will help recruit and retain hunters, ensuring our traditions are passed on to future generations. This is a direct result of advocacy from the hunting community, including many BHA members who made their voices heard. Thank you for speaking up for sound management and our hunting heritage!
DEC has published a FAQ for hunters regarding the regulation changes for crossbow use this season. You can see those here: Crossbow Hunting Changes: Questions and Answers
Upcoming Events
Public Lands Pale Ale Release Party | September 19th | Common Roots Outpost Albany
The Common Roots Brewing Outpost in Albany is hosting us to celebrate Public Lands Month and Public Lands Pale Ale brewed by them! New and renewing members get an onX Premium One Year Subscription!
RSVP Today!
NYC Filson Party | October 9th | Filson NYC Store
Join the NY Chapter at the Filson flagship store in NYC for a night of storytelling and camaraderie. We'll have drinks, snacks, and some great raffle prizes. It's a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow BHA members in the city and celebrate our shared passion for public lands.
RSVP Today!
Thank our NY Chapter Sponsors!
We want to call out a huge thanks to our NY Chapter Sponsors! They have generously donated funds or items to the chapter to help us achieve our membership and fundraising goals. Please consider booking a trip, shopping with, or spending your money with our sponsors!!
They include:
NY BHA Call for Volunteers
We need your help! We are looking for volunteers to help with the following efforts.
- Regional Event Coordinators - Want to help us plan gatherings for your fellow NY BHA members? We need help with local Pint Nights and conservation events!
- Policy and Legislative work - Our Policy team and newly forming Legislative team needs passionate folks to jump in and help us do the important work to protect our public lands and access for hunters and anglers!
- Mentorship work - We want to build a list of folks in the state who are open to being mentors for new hunters and anglers. We have opportunities and need for folks who can give a little all the way up to folks who want to really invest a lot. Everything from answering questions to being a one on one coach to participating on our larger weekend long hunt camps for new hunters.
- Conservation work - We are working with DEC to have more opportunities for events to do quality habitat work on our public lands. Want to roll your sleeves up and help, we would love to have you!
If you are interested in volunteering a bit of your time and talents, please let us know by filling out and submitting this form.
How to Connect with Us
Here are a few ways you can keep in touch with the New York BHA chapter:
Stay up to date with events and blogs from New York on our BHA web page at New York Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
Join our Facebook group at New York BHA on Facebook.
Follow us on Instagram New York BHA (@newyorkbha).
Contact the Chapter Board by email: newyork@backcountryhunters.org
Thank our sponsors: New York BHA Corporate Sponsors
Join us at an upcoming event: BHA Events
Signup to be a volunteer: NY BHA Volunteer
Last but not least, make sure your BHA membership is current and give the gift of BHA to a friend or family member!
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