Media Chapter News State Issues State Policy Spotter 7/1/2025 This is your July edition of BHA's State Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife across North America. Note - this... Tags: Idaho Chapter, Florida Chapter, New England Chapter, Illinois Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases Public Land Sell-Off in Senate Defeated After National Uprising by Hunters, Anglers, Public Land Advocates 6/28/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2026 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org Washington, D.C.—Today, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, is... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases USDA Rescinds Near Quarter Century Old Protections for 58.5 Million Acres of National Forest Lands 6/24/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont.—Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent decision... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Utah Sportsmen’s Organizations and Businesses Unite in Opposing Public Land Sales 6/23/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2025 CONTACT: media@backcountryhunters.org SALT LAKE CITY, Utah—Twenty-one Utah-based sportsmen’s organizations and over 50 Utah-based businesses in the... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases BHA Unveils Map Highlighting Hunter-Angler Impacts as Senate Pushes Public Land Selloff 6/19/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2025 CONTACT: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont.—Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) today released an interactive state-by-state ArcGIS Story Map... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases Legislative Threats to the Boundary Waters Stripped from Budget Bill 6/12/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is celebrating a critical victory for the Boundary Waters Canoe... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues BHA Condemns Senate Proposal to Sell Off Up to 3 Million Acres of Public Lands 6/11/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is rebuking a sweeping new proposal released by the Senate... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter
Media Press Releases Iron Bar Holdings Appeals Corner Crossing Case to U.S. Supreme Court 5/22/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Stands by its Position: Corner Crossing is NOT a Crime Iron Bar Holdings... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, wycorner_crossing, access
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues Public Lands Victory: BHA Applauds Removal of Land Sale Amendment from House Budget Bill 5/21/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org Public Lands Victory: BHA Applauds Removal of Public Land Sale Amendment from House Budget Reconciliation... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases, Nevada Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues Reintroduced Senate Bill and New House Companion Would Conserve More Than 700,000 Acres of Public Lands in Colorado 5/19/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org WASHINGTON, D.C. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, is... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases BHA Sounds Alarm, Mobilizes Grassroots Network to Fight Congressional Push to Sell 500,000 Acres of Public Lands 5/12/2025 For Immediate Release: May 12, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org Amendment bypasses public input and conservation safeguards, triggering national call to action – public lands must... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases Late-night Amendment to Sell Public Lands Erodes BHA’s Optimism for House Budget Package 5/7/2025 For Immediate Release: May 7, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. – Less than a week after expressing cautious optimism over the exclusion of public land sales in the... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases BHA Encouraged by House Budget Package That Omits Public Land Sales 5/2/2025 For Immediate Release: May 2, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, welcomes... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases In New Ads, Hunters and Anglers Thank Sens. Heinrich and Hickenlooper for Protecting Public Lands 4/30/2025 For Immediate Release: April 30, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org In New Ads, Hunters and Anglers Thank Sens. Heinrich and Hickenlooper for Protecting Public Lands Ads in Colorado and... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic New Mexico Watersheds 4/22/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic... Tags: policy blog, press releases, New Mexico Chapter
Media Press Releases Administration to Rescind Public Lands Rule, Potentially Shirking Public Engagement 4/16/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Administration to Rescind Public Lands Rule,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases BHA Commends Bipartisan Stand Against Public Land Sales as Senate Amendment Falls Short 4/16/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Washington, D.C. – Over the weekend, the U.S.... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues Hunters and Anglers Applaud the Reintroduction of the Ruby Mountains Protection Act 4/11/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2025 Contacts: Dan Johnson, California/Nevada Public Lands Manager, Trout Unlimited, dan.johnson@tu.org Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Nevada Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues Hunters and Anglers Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Permanently Protect Boundary Waters 4/9/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025 Contacts: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Lukas Leaf, Executive... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Urges Congress to Abandon Proposal to Sell off Public Lands as Part of Budget Discussions 4/2/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Washington, D.C. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues Montana BHA Rallies Against Anti-Public Lands Legislation 3/28/2025 Last week, Montana BHA members showed up in full force at the state legislature, advocating for the conservation and stewardship of our public lands, wildlife habitat, and hunting... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Texas BHA - Mid-Session Legislative Update 3/27/2025 Over a week has passed since the bill-filing deadline in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, and Texas BHA has been deep in the weeds monitoring key pieces of legislation on priority issues — most... Tags: policy blog, Texas Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 2025 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts 3/27/2025 After an extremely busy session, the Utah Legislature wrapped up on Friday, March 7. The chapter leaders of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers tracked several bills this year and participated in... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues California’s National Monuments a Bullseye, 850,000 Acres of Public Lands Under Threat 3/18/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org California’s National Monuments a Bullseye, 850,000... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, California Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues New Mexico BHA Policy Update 3.17.25 3/17/2025 Have you been paying attention to your local public lands? Sierra, Otero, and Catron counties recently passed anti-public lands resolutions, and now Luna County is next. The attack on our public... Tags: policy blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Press Releases New Legislation Would Safeguard 58,000 Acres, 74 Miles of Public Lands and Waters in Oregon 3/12/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org New Legislation Would Safeguard 58,000 Acres, 74... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, California Chapter, Oregon Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - March 3/4/2025 This is your March 4th edition of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Note - this... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Supports SB 5 - Bill Summary & Status Report 3/3/2025 The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (NM BHA) supports Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) and has worked with legislators and hook and bullet partners to ensure the hunting and angling... Tags: policy blog, New Mexico Chapter
Media Press Releases Reintroduction of CORE Act Renews Hope for Conservation of Colorado Public Lands and Wildlife Habitat 2/28/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 2025 CONTACT: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Reintroduction of CORE Act Renews Hope for... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Legislation to Expand Arkansas Wilderness Would Advance Conservation for Generations to Come 2/28/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2025 CONTACT: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Legislation to Expand Arkansas Wilderness... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases New Opportunities for Public Access, Habitat Conservation Possible with Bipartisan Reintroduction of VPA-HIP Bill 2/28/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2025 CONTACT: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org New Opportunities for Public Access, Habitat... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Senate Amendment to Reinstate Staff at DOI, Forest Service Fails 2/21/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2025 CONTACT: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Senate Amendment to Reinstate Staff at DOI,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues UTAH 2025 Mid-Legislative Session Update 2/11/2025 Every year in Q1, Utah state officials engage in the Utah Legislative Session to pass new laws or amend laws. Utah BHA follows and engages in the Session quite closely, as there are typically... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - First Look 2/7/2025 Welcome to your first glimpse of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Much like... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter
Media Press Releases Interior Secretary Burgum Issues First Orders, Conservation Doesn’t Make List 2/7/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Interior Secretary Burgum Issues First Orders,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Responds to Confirmation of Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary 2/3/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 3, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Responds to... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Local Fishing Businesses Call on President Biden to Designate Sáttítla National Monument 12/9/2024 Contacts: Sam Davidson, Policy Director, California Public Lands, Trout Unlimitedsam.davidson@tu.org; (831) 235-2542 Redgie Collins, Director of Law and Policy, California... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, California Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Senate Committee Advances Final Public Lands and Waters Legislation for the 118th Congress 11/20/2024 On November 19, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held its final Business Meeting of the 118th Congress. The record-breaking number of bills on the docket highlights the backlog of... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, access, Public Waters Access
Media Press Releases BHA Acknowledges Secretary of Interior Announcement, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Conservation 11/15/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 15, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, Communications Manager, plank@backcountryhunters.org Nadia Marji, VP of Marketing & Communications, nadia@backcountryhunters.org BHA... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues Veterans Against the Ambler Road: A Call for Responsible Stewardship of Public Lands 11/13/2024 As a veteran who has dedicated my life to serving this country, I am deeply troubled by an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would revive the Ambler Road project.... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, featured, Alaska Chapter
Media Press Releases Organizations Optimistic about Final Plan to Protect Sage-Grouse Habitat, Call for Work to Begin 11/8/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 1, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org BLM plan aims to stanch steep decline of iconic bird (WASHINGTON, D.C.--November 8, 2024) –... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Elected Officials in 15 States Oppose Public Lands, Condemned by Grassroots Network of Hunters and Anglers 11/4/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 1, 2024 Contact: Kaden McArthur, 435-770-3774, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Elected Officials in 15 States Oppose Public Lands, Condemned by Grassroots Network of... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News Utah Public Lands Lawsuit: How Can I Get Involved? 10/10/2024 A lot of hunters and anglers have reached out to our chapter asking how they can get even more involved in opposing Utah’s Public Lands Lawsuit in addition to signing the petition on BHA’s... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured
Media Press Releases The U.S. House of Representatives Introduces the North American Grasslands Conservation Act 10/9/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 9, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org The U.S. House of Representatives Introduces the North American Grasslands Conservation... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Bill Signed into Law in California 9/30/2024 As urbanization increasingly carves up California's landscapes, the need to conserve and enhance wildlife connectivity becomes critical. Assembly Bill 1889 is a significant step toward addressing... Tags: policy blog, California Chapter
Media Chapter News Keep Public Lands Out of Utah's Greedy Hands 9/4/2024 In the history of ill-advised plans and underhanded schemes to squander the public lands legacy shared by all Americans, Utah officials may have just eclipsed the rest of the bunch. In August, the... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire
Media Press Releases New BLM Solar Plans Seek to Balance Conservation and Renewable Energy Goals 8/30/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 30, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, plank@backcountryhunters.org New BLM Solar Plans Seek to Balance Conservation and Renewable Energy Goals Hunting, fishing organizations... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News Press Releases Anglers and Hunters Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Create Sáttítla National Monument 8/30/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 30, 2024 Contact: Joel Weltzien, (406) 925-3771, weltzien@backcountryhunters.org Anglers and Hunters Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Create Sáttítla National... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, California Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases BLM to Maintain Conservation Status for 28 Million Acres in Alaska 8/29/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 29, 2024 Contact: Mary Glaves, 415-246-5329, glaves@backcountryhunters.org BLM to Maintain Conservation Status for 28 Million Acres in Alaska Washington, D.C.... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Alaska Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues Utah Attempts to Wrest Public Lands Out of Public Hands 8/20/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 20, 2024 Contact: Devin O’Dea, 415-246-5329 odea@backcountryhunters.org Utah Attempts to Wrest Public Lands Out of Public Hands SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Backcountry... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases Public Hunting and Fishing Access Expanded on National Wildlife Refuges 8/2/2024 For Immediate Release Aug. 1, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org Public Hunting and Fishing Access Expanded on National Wildlife Refuges WASHINGTON, D.C.... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Coalition of Hunters and Anglers Invest in Ad Campaign to Highlight Need for the Designation of the Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument 8/1/2024 For Immediate Release Aug. 1, 2024 Contact: Zoe Bommarito, Trout Unlimted, zoe.bommarito@tu.org, 517-604-1844 Mary Jo Brooks, National Wildlife Federation, BrooksM@nwf.org, 303-549-8351 Thomas... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases ‘Good Samaritan’ Legislation to Clean Up Abandoned Mines Passes the Senate 8/1/2024 For Immediate Release Aug. 1, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org “Good Samaritan” Legislation to Clean Up Abandoned Mines Passes the Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. –... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases House Appropriators Move to Slash Funding, Target Public Lands 7/9/2024 News for Immediate Release July 9, 2024 Contact: Kaden McArthur, 435-770-3774, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Appropriations Committee voted on party lines to... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Kansas Legislative Recap 2024 - Efforts to Fight Commission Attacks 6/17/2024 The policy team at Kansas BHA rode a veritable roller coaster of legislation in the 2023-2024 session aimed at abolishing or drastically modifying the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission, the... Tags: policy blog, Kansas Chapter
Media Chapter News Senate Committee Considers Legislation to Conserve Public Lands and Waters 6/14/2024 On June 12, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining held a legislative hearing which included the consideration of six bills supported by... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, featured, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Wyoming Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases BHA, TU Launch Sportsmen for the Dolores 6/7/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Jay Chancellor, Trout Unlimited, jay.chancellor@tu.org, 720-484-9247 Kaden McArthur, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org,... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases
Media Press Releases Reauthorization of ACE Act Will Keep Important Conservation Programs Funded Until 2030 5/9/2024 For Immediate Release May 9, 2024 Contact: Thomas... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Trout Unlimited laud expansion of San Gabriel Mountains National Monument 5/2/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2024 Contacts: Sam Davidson, Trout Unlimited, sdavidson@tu.org, 831-235-2542 Joel Weltzien, California BHA, weltzien@backcountryhunters.org,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News House of Representatives to Vote on Attacks to Public Lands and Waters 4/25/2024 Update 5/1/2024: On April 30, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the WEST Act with a vote of 211-202. The Superior National Forest Restoration Act was passed with a vote of 212-203. On May... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Alaska Chapter, Nevada Chapter
Media Press Releases Western Arctic Public Lands Receive Greater Protections 4/19/2024 For Immediate Release April 19, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org Western Arctic Public Lands Receive Greater Protections WASHINGTON, D.C. — As a leading... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Admin Signals Intent to Deny Ambler Road Permit: BHA, Conservation Groups Approve 4/19/2024 For Immediate Release April 19, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org Admin Signals Intent to Deny Ambler Road Permit: BHA, Conservation Groups Approve WASHINGTON,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Final Public Lands Rule Will Elevate Conservation on Public Lands 4/18/2024 For Immediate Release April 18, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org Final Public Lands Rule Will Elevate Conservation on Public Lands WASHINGTON, D.C. – As... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News Press Releases Chuckwalla National Monument Would Conserve, Connect Public Lands 4/16/2024 For Immediate Release April 16, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org Chuckwalla National Monument Would Conserve, Connect Public Lands WASHINGTON, D.C.— As... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, California Chapter
Media Press Releases BHA, Advocates for Grassland Act Welcome New Conservation Tool 4/11/2024 Advocates for Grassland Act Welcome New Conservation Tool Science-based project demonstrates the need for legislation aimed at conserving America’s prairies, savannas, glades, and... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Kentucky Senate Bill 3 Defeated 3/29/2024 FRANKFORT, KY -- The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers helped defeat a dangerous bill in the statehouse that would have made conservation more difficult in the state. Senate Bill... Tags: Kentucky Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases BHA Supports Legislation to Extend, Increase Funding for Wetland Conservation 3/27/2024 For Immediate Release Mar. 27, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org Legislation to Extend, Increase Funding for Wetland Conservation WASHINGTON,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases New Federal Legislation to Benefit Habitat, Falls Short of RAWA 2/29/2024 For Immediate Release Feb. 29, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org Kaden McArthur 435-770-3774,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Kansas BHA encourages action on three bad House bills 2/22/2024 Kansans are facing a rash of bills in the state legislature that will greatly affect hunters and anglers. It should be noted that all these bills originated from the House Committee on Agriculture... Tags: policy blog, Kansas Chapter
Media State Issues Support Expanded Sunday Hunting in Delaware 2/1/2024 The core mission of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a non-profit conservation organization, is to preserve our unique outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing through... Tags: policy blog, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Media State Issues Michigan BHA Opposes Commercial Targeting of Sport Fish 10/26/2023 Michigan BHA Opposes Commercial Targeting of Sport Fish Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through... Tags: policy blog, Michigan Chapter
Media State Issues Southeast Chapter opposes construction impacts on Swan Creek WMA 9/19/2023 The Southeast Chapter of BHA, which represents members in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, is alarmed by the planned construction of a bridge through the Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, a... Tags: policy blog, Southeast Chapter, habitat
Media Chapter News State Issues Wilderness in Virginia? Yes, that there is! 9/17/2023 Back in the spring I was fortunate enough to participate in a “fly-in” event in support of the LWCF Coalition at our Nation’s capital. You can read the blog post I published about that... Tags: policy blog, AFI Featured Stories, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Capital News, Capital issues
Media Press Releases ‘Good Samaritan’ Senate Bill Would Enable Remediation of Abandoned Mines 9/13/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 13, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Legislation heeds the calls of hunters, anglers for Congress to expediate cleanup of... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Alaska Public Lands, Habitat Conserved Following Administration Action 9/6/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 6, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Oil and gas leases cancelled in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, conservation activities... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Alaska Chapter
Media Chapter News BHA, Other NGOs Save Waterfowl Season at Popular Missouri National Wildlife Refuge 9/6/2023 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently helped score a big win for hunter access and opportunity in Missouri that will keep hunting open during the upcoming waterfowl season at Swan Lake National... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, access, Missouri Chapter
Media State Issues Under landowner proposal, 235K acres of BLM lands in northeastern Nevada could be privatized permanently 8/18/2023 Word has been spreading like wildfire about a sweetheart land deal being pushed by out-of-state billionaire landowner Stan Kroenke, a 3:1 land transfer that could result in public lands hunters... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues The Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits our nation, so let’s build on it 8/16/2023 The following article was first published by The Virginian-Pilot on 15 August 2023. It is an op-ed I wrote in support of an ongoing collaboration with the LWCF Coalition on behalf of Backcountry... Tags: policy blog, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Capital News, Capital issues, lwcf
Media Press Releases New House Bill Would Triple Investment in Successful Public Access Program 8/15/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseAug. 15, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act would increase funding for VPA-HIP to $150... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues RI Shoreline Access Bills Become Law 6/27/2023 On Monday June 26, 2023 RI Governor Dan McKee signed H5174A & S417A, completing the legislative process for the pair to become State law. The Governor’s signature comes less than two weeks after... Tags: New England Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Public Waters Access
Media State Issues Spring Policy Update from Idaho BHA 6/26/2023 The Chapter was busy with public comment periods this spring, sending in comments on a range of issues impacting our public lands, waters and wildlife. The BLM has continued to demonstrate the... Tags: Idaho Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases New Hunting Access Proposed on National Wildlife Refuges 6/23/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseJune 23, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Public input is requested on 48 expanded opportunities on three refuges, as well as... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Colorado Supreme Court Rules Against Public Water Access 6/6/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseJune 5, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Court ruled against plaintiff Roger Hill, reversing progress in the fight for legal... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Supreme Court Rules Against Clean Water, Wetlands 5/26/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMay 26, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org BHA maintains that wetlands and other waters with a significant connection to traditional... Tags: Idaho Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues LWCF Coalition Fly-in with Capital Region Chapter and AFI 5/25/2023 Capital Region Chapter Vice Chair and Mid-Atlantic AFI Liaison Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a fly-in hosted by the LWCF Coalition in Washington, D.C. This is the second time... Tags: policy blog, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Capital News, Capital issues, Capital BHA
Media State Issues Nevada Legislative Update - May 2023 5/22/2023 Hunters and wildlife conservationists scored two major wins in May by killing two bills which would have had significant negative impacts on the state’s hunting traditions and wildlife habitat.... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Kansas Chapter Chair heads to D.C. to speak up for LWCF 5/22/2023 By Kurt Ratzlaff Kansas BHA Chapter Chair The words “What the heck am I doing here?” rattled around in my mind several times during the 48 hours I recently spent in Washington DC. But there I was,... Tags: policy blog, Kansas Chapter
Media Press Releases 1872 Mining Law Reform Legislation Launched in 118th Congress 5/19/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMay 19, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org The bicameral Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act would impose industry royalties and fees,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases State Issues Montana BHA and Partners Celebrate Bill that Defends Legal Public Access 5/19/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMay 19, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Montana’s House Bill 486 increases the fine 10X for illegally blocking public... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases, public lands
Media Chapter News Senate Committee Takes Action on Recreation, Conservation 5/18/2023 A May 17th business meeting held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was a highly anticipated opportunity to advance multiple conservation and recreation policy priorities... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, New Mexico Chapter, California Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Petition to Conduct SB 442 Veto Override Poll with Partner Groups 5/8/2023 Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media Chapter News Press Releases House Bills Would Weaken, Strip Funding from Land and Water Conservation Fund 4/28/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseApril 28, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org BHA roundly condemns suite of House bills that would undermine America’s most... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Arizona Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA's Guide to Navigating a Full Fish & Game Commission Agenda 4/19/2023 The Fish & Game Commission meets this Wednesday and Thursday (4/19 & 4/20), and we hope you can show up to provide comments on some very important issues for hunters and anglers in... Tags: policy blog, California Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Central Coast Heritage Protection Act Reintroduced 4/14/2023 BHA is once again rallying support behind the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act recently reintroduced by Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24). This legislation would add nearly 250,000 acres... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, California Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montanans Support SB 442 as Amended 4/13/2023 April 13, 2023 Montana State Capitol Building1301 E. 6th AvenueHelena, MT 59601 RE: Montanans Support SB 442 as Amended Dear Gov. Gianforte and Members of the Montana Legislature, Right now,... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Nevada BHA Weighs-in on Legislation Impacting Horse Management, Commission Make-up and Youth Opportunity 4/3/2023 The Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has been actively engaged in Carson City this year on several pieces of key legislation. In addition to advocating for needed investments in... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter
Media Press Releases Proposed ‘Public Lands Rule’ Defines Interior’s Conservation Strategy 3/31/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 30, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org BHA commends administration’s ‘forward-looking, comprehensive’ management approach to... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Introduced in 118th Congress 3/31/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 31, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org U.S. Senate reinvigorates bipartisan push for state and Tribal conservation of at-risk... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana sportsmen groups oppose HB 635 3/26/2023 Montanans have long fought to make sure that hunting is available for all, equitably, and not just reserved for the wealthy and well-connected. This is so important that when many of us agreed... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Co-Chair Receives Sigurd F. Olson Award 3/21/2023 The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Sigurd F. Olson Award recognizes outstanding effort conserving rivers, lakes or wetland habitat. Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Co-Chair Don... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases State Issues Southwest Public Lands Permanently Conserved Via Antiquities Act 3/21/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 21, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org President Biden designates Avi Kwa Ame National Monument and Castner Range National... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Nevada Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: What’s good for prisoners may not be good for hunters 3/17/2023 In 2022, FWP established a new pheasant release program: “... which aims to engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success, and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 151: Bill Avey, 40 Years in the Forest Service 3/14/2023 Retired Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor Bill Avey is here to give us a clear view into the workings of the U.S. Forest Service – and what is arguably, for a public lands hunter... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast
Media Chapter News State Issues Utah Legislature Approves Funding for Wildlife Crossings 3/13/2023 A request for appropriation (RFA) called “Wildlife Highway Mitigation” was approved by the Utah Legislature in the 2023 Legislative Session budget. This funding request was for $20M of State funds... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases Administration Budget Invests in Programs, Jobs that Would Advance Public Lands Conservation 3/10/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 10, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org $6.8 trillion proposal for FY24 would increase public lands management funding by... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues LETTER: Fully Fund Wildlife Crossings and AB 112 3/9/2023 March 6, 2023 Dear Chairman Watts, Vice Chair Brown-May, Growth & Infrastructure Committee members, To ensure Nevada continues its leadership in protecting and maintaining wildlife migration... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter
Media Press Releases Senate Bill Would Conserve Corridors, Habitat in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains 3/8/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 8, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Ruby Mountains Protection Act would conserve 340,000-plus acres home to mule deer, sage... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Nevada Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Another Dam in the Arkansas River? In Tulsa? Why? 3/3/2023 The Oklahoma chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has joined several other local conservation organizations to raise concern at a proposition brought forth by the City of Tulsa to add an... Tags: policy blog, Oklahoma Chapter
Media Press Releases Bison Reintroduction Prioritized in Admin Plan for Public Lands Resiliency 3/3/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 3, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Interior Department’s Restoration and Resilience Framework identifies strategic... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues Dem's Bill Would Ensure Shed Hunters Can Be Prosecuted for Trespassing 2/27/2023 A bill in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee would add penalties for criminal trespassing while collecting antlers, sheds, or horns. Rep. Jill Cohenour, D-East Helena, is... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Bill awards large nonresident landowners with big game combination hunting licenses 2/24/2023 Fifteen percent of the available big game combination licenses would be set aside for nonresidents owning a minimum of 2,500 acres under a bill designed to spread out hunting pressure and reward... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Reducing acreage requirement for landowners proposed in elk hunting bill 2/24/2023 For two years without success, Rep. Marty Malone, R-Pray, has attempted to draw a landowner preference tag to shoot cow elk on his property in the Paradise Valley. In the Montana Legislature on... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues OPINION: It’s time to put Montana hunters first 2/16/2023 Show us a resident hunter who doesn't think there are too many out-of-state hunters in Montana. We’ll wait. Truth is, this sentiment isn’t just from anecdotal observations from packed... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Protect Habitat Montana funds 2/16/2023 The secret is out. Everyone wants a piece of Montana. As property values skyrocket and taxes become increasingly burdensome, Montana’s landowners deserve every tool in the toolbox to protect... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Sportsmen Decry Bill Removing Marijuana Tax From Habitat Funding 2/14/2023 Conservationists are amassing to oppose a Legislative bill that would go against voters’ wishes and permanently cut marijuana tax money out of Montana’s popular habitat acquisition program. On... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media Press Releases State Issues Montanans Rebuke Legislation to Limit Access and Habitat Funding 2/9/2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/9/2023 Contact: Jim Klug, Business for Montana Outdoors: 406-581-6434 Frank Szollosi, Montana Wildlife Federation: 406-417-9909 Whitney Tawney, Montana Conservation... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, press releases, public lands, habitat
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Sporting Groups Support for Conservation Funding from HB 701 (2021) 2/2/2023 February 2, 2023 Speaker of the House Matt Regier & Senate President Jason EllsworthState Capitol1301 E. Sixth Ave.Helena, MT 59601 RE: Montana sporting groups support for conservation funding... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, public lands, habitat
Media Chapter News Press Releases Milestone Decision Reached on Boundary Waters, Most Visited Wilderness Area in United States 1/26/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseJan. 26, 2023Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org Protections will Keep Pristine Wilderness Untouched for 20 Years WASHINGTON, D.C.—... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases, public lands
Media Press Releases State Issues Roadless Protections for Backcountry Lands in Southeastern Alaska Restored 1/25/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseJan. 25, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Roadless Areas in the Tongass National Forest offer irreplaceable big game habitat, host... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Alaska Chapter, public lands
Media State Issues OPINION: Why All Montanans Should Support In-Person Hunters Ed 1/23/2023 In Montana, new drivers are required to take an in-person driving test before being allowed to legally operate vehicles. As a high school teacher, I had to be visually observed and evaluated to... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Weigh in on Bear Management as NJ DEP considers plan and regs 1/13/2023 New Jersey BHA is pleased that legal challenges to New Jersey’s 2022 bear hunt have been nullified, the hunt was held and sportsmen and women were able to pursue bears this season. There is... Tags: New Jersey Chapter, policy blog
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Oppose North Dakota HB 1151 1/10/2023 UPDATE: 4/4/23- House Bill 1151 failed to pass with a Senate vote of 26 opposed, 21 in favor. Likely the most contentious bill of the legislative session for ND BHA, the bill passed the house but... Tags: policy blog, North Dakota Chapter
Media State Issues Elk regulations top talks in Helena as 2 gatherings are planned 1/6/2023 Elk hunting is dominating discussions outside and inside the capitol this legislative session. On Jan. 14, eight organizations have announced a conversation concerning elk management at the... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Public invited to hear panel of stakeholders discuss state elk management Jan. 14 1/6/2023 The event is set for Jan. 14, the final day of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association Winter Convention, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Delta Colonial Hotel in Helena. It will include... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Beat the "Chicken Bill" in Ohio 1/6/2023 To be beaten in a game when you’re on the field and playing hard – that’s a defeat you can live with. To be beaten in a game that you didn’t even know had started – that’s just not fair. The... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Ohio Chapter
Media Press Releases EPA Takes Action to Conserve Clean Water, Wetlands, Healthy Habitat 1/5/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseJan. 5, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Final ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule integrates best available science, public input,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Press Releases Congressional Budget Bill Increases Funding for Public Lands Management, Addresses Threat of Chronic Wasting Disease 12/20/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseDec. 20, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org $1.7 trillion omnibus bill would fund federal government through end of fiscal year... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Pennsylvania BHA Legislative and Policy Roundup 2022 12/15/2022 The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has had another busy year advocating for our members in Harrisburg. Our board members have regularly visited the capitol to meet with... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, policy blog
Media Chapter News Protect Colorado's Thompson Divide 12/7/2022 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has been working for years to secure greater certainty for Colorado’s Thompson Divide and the quality hunting and fishing experiences it provides. Now we need your... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA 2022 Policy Recap 12/5/2022 California BHA has been firing on all cylinders in 2022 not only with a record number of stewardship projects, but also on policy matters and advocating in the legislature. (link to a story map of... Tags: policy blog, California Chapter, container
Media State Issues NJ BHA applauds return of bear hunt as part of management plan 11/29/2022 The New Jersey Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supports the New Jersey Fish and Game Council's vote to amend the Game Code and adopt a new black bear management plan for 2022 that... Tags: New Jersey Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases BLM Formalizes Approach to Conserving Wildlife Migration Corridors, Supporting Habitat Connectivity 11/15/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseNov. 15, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org BHA applauds administration policy intended to protect important habitat, facilitate... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues OPINION: It's up to us to defend our hunting traditions 11/4/2022 Hunting season is here. Many hunters— including me — will head out this weekend in search of good times and a chance at harvesting Montana’s publicly owned game. While afield I’m often reminded... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter, access
Media Chapter News State Issues Passage of SB431 Pink Envelope Bill a Win for PA Hunters! 10/26/2022 The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers applauds the passage today of SB431. Now approved by the full legislature, the bill goes to Governor Tom Wolf, who has said he will... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, policy blog, Events
Media State Issues Hunting groups say Rosendale misfired on gun tax repeal 10/14/2022 Pro gun, anti tax. The candidate who takes those positions in a Montana election usually avoids a lot of criticism, but not this year. Hunting groups and the firearms lobby are displeased with... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Madison River Work Group’s recommended changes 10/14/2022 October 14, 2022 Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 RE: Madison River Work Group’s recommended changes Chair Robinson, Vice Chair... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases BHA CEO Appointed to Federal Committee to Advance Hunting, Conservation 9/23/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 23, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org The Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council advises the Interior and Agriculture... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues Judge allows conservation groups to intervene in elk regulation lawsuit 9/2/2022 A Fergus County district court judge has granted the request of hunting and access groups to intervene in opposition to a lawsuit seeking to overturn Montana elk hunting regulations. Judge... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Southern California steelhead CESA listing 8/31/2022 It Is Time to Designate Southern California Steelhead as Endangered The story of southern steelhead is a story of concrete and progress, of the forces of human will over the balance of... Tags: policy blog, California Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Don't Forget What Happened Last Session 8/26/2022 Since the 2021 legislative session, there's been a lot of outcry from Montana hunters and anglers. Whether it's our discontent about repeated attempts to privatize elk, a disregard for scientific... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Votes to Approve Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program 8/25/2022 The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park (FWP) Fish and Wildlife Commission has voted to approve a controversial new pheasant stocking operation for select public lands in the state. The vote occurred... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Time to kill FWP's pheasant stocking 8/22/2022 Checks and balances are a cornerstone of American democracy. This system of controls is also central to managing our fish and wildlife as a public trust resource in Montana. Here, our elected... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Daines playing DC politics 8/10/2022 My mother, a fourth-generation Montanan, regularly preached “leave it better than you found it.” Now that I’m a father who hunts and fishes on public lands and waters with my family, the reason... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Angling Restrictions and Hoot Owl Criteria 8/4/2022 August 4, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Hollow complaints on elk management 8/3/2022 Debby Barrett, former lawmaker from Dillon, is reprimanding Montana FWP for not using more tools to kill more elk in Montana. Pointing to her legislation from nearly 20 years ago, she... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments re: Delaying Implementation of Madison River Commercial Use Cap 7/28/2022 July 28, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt 59620-0701 cc:... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues July '22 Montana Elk Update 7/22/2022 For the most part, we know our draw results and our fall hunting plans are beginning to take shape. Even though we're six weeks away from archery opener, elk still dominate the news here in... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News Slate of Public Lands Bills and Nominee Considered in Senate Committee 7/22/2022 A long-awaited markup of public lands legislation by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was held on Thursday, July 21. Among a total of more than three dozen bills were eight pieces... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Oregon Chapter, public lands
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments On Final Pheasant Stocking Commission Approval 7/21/2022 July 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments In Support of Big Snowy Mountains WMA Acquisition 7/21/2022 July 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases Public Land Advocates Appeal Anti-Access Ruling in Crazy Mountains Lawsuit 7/21/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseJuly 21, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Coalition of sportsmen-conservationists maintains the Forest Service is abdicating its... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Oklahoma HB 3280 Dies In The Senate 7/21/2022 For the 3rd consecutive year the Oklahoma Legislature has attempted to limit public land percentages, while also trying to impose government overreach into the rights of private land owners. The... Tags: policy blog, Oklahoma Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Habitat Lease Conservation Agreements 7/21/2022 July 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Bill overturning 'Cottonwood' decision advances 7/21/2022 With a temporary measure set to sunset next year, a bill that would permanently reverse an appellate court’s decision on when federal agencies must consult on endangered species advanced from a... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Pick or choose: Montana hunters lose 7/20/2022 FWP's elk advisory group has proposed many productive ideas regarding shoulder seasons, the hunt roster, new approaches to block management and improving hunter behavior. But their proposal to... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Reroute: Coalition appeals ruling over Crazy Mountains public access rights to Ninth Circuit 7/19/2022 A coalition of conservation and sporting groups are appealing a federal district court judge’s decision over public access rights in the Crazy Mountains, the organizations announced last... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Comment now on Hudson Canyon sanctuary designation 7/18/2022 The Hudson Canyon sits roughly 100 miles offshore from New Jersey. Throughout history it has played an economic, environmental, commercial, and recreational role by providing pristine habitat for... Tags: New Jersey Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases State Issues Montana BHA Cheers USFWS Establishment of Lost Trail Conservation Area 7/13/2022 News for Immediate Release July 13, 2022 Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Multi-use nature of Lost Trail property will conserve wildlife habitat and... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues PA BHA: Game Commission should oversee deer shooting operations 7/13/2022 The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers joins the National Deer Association in calling for the regulatory oversight of the 723 captive deer shooting facilities to be... Tags: Fair Chase, Pennsylvania Chapter, policy blog
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on MT FWP Proposed Habitat Conservation Lease Agreements 7/13/2022 July 13, 2022 Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks c/o Ken McDonald P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 RE: Habitat Conservation Lease Agreements EA Dear Mr. McDonald, I’m submitting this letter... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Mt. Haggin WMA Addition to Land Board 7/12/2022 July 12, 2022 Governor Gianforte Attorney General Knudsen Commissioner Downing Secretary of State Jacobsen Superintendent Arntzen CC: Secretary Christensen landboard@mt.gov RE: Willow... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA responds to 'pick your weapon/season' proposal 7/12/2022 FWP's elk advisory group deserves our thanks for their sincere, well-intended efforts to improve elk management in Montana. On July 7th, members forwarded a recommendation to 'pick your... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases BHA Opposes House Bill That Would Strip Pittman-Robertson Funding 7/2/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseJuly 1, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org The shortsighted legislation is drawing widespread condemnation from hunting industry... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media State Issues OPINION: Why we want to keep elk public 7/1/2022 In their latest attempt to dismantle public elk hunting throughout the Big Sky State, the United Property Owners of Montana, a group representing wealthy, out-of-state interests and some resident... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues W.VA. Monongahela National Forest Receives Funding 6/27/2022 West Virginia is beginning to feel the effects of the Great American Outdoors act with $6Million dollars going to help with deferred maintenance at the Monongahela National Forest! The money... Tags: policy blog, West Virginia Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues It's time to modernize PA's antlerless license system 6/26/2022 Whether by working to ensure walk-in-access to our favorite hunting spots or breaking down barriers to recruit new hunters, BHA PA strives to improve access and opportunity for hunters throughout... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, policy blog
Media Chapter News $25 Million Dedicated to Indiana Conservation 6/25/2022 The Indiana DNR has announced the formation of the Next Level Conservation Trust and the state is passing along a record breaking $25 Million into the NLCT! This is the largest amount of money... Tags: policy blog, Indiana Chapter
Media Press Releases Boundary Waters Conservation Advanced by Administration Action 6/24/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseJune 24, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Lukas Leaf, SFBW, 612-270-6805, lukas@sportsmenbwca.org U.S. Forest Service... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases, public lands, Public Waters Access
Media Chapter News OH Gov. signs HB 687 Funding BIll 6/22/2022 Ohio’s Governor DeWine just signed the Capital Budget Bill(HB 687) which allocates $515 million, the largest such investment in Ohio history, to help provide significant improvements in... Tags: policy blog, Ohio Chapter
Media State Issues Conservation groups, FWP disagree over defense against elk regulation lawsuit 6/19/2022 In the weeks following the filing of a lawsuit seeking to have Montana’s elk hunting regulations overturned, both the state and conservation groups have sought to oppose the litigation while... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases House of Representatives Advances 'Unprecedented' Wildlife Conservation Bill 6/14/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseJune 14, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would annually invest $1.4 billion in state/tribal... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases
Media Chapter News State Issues Massachusetts Hunting Regulatory Amendments - Hunting Hours on WMAs & Small Game 6/14/2022 Take Action Now! For the past few months, we have been excited to share that MassWildlife will be moving forward on several of our regulatory priorities. These include ending hunting hour... Tags: New England Chapter, policy blog
Media State Issues Report: 8.3M acres of public land in limbo due to questions over legality of corner crossing 6/9/2022 Access to 8.3 million acres of public land in 11 western states is in limbo due to questions over the legality of crossing from one corner of public land to another, known as corner crossing. The... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News CO BHA Comments On State Trails Policy 6/1/2022 Public Comment - State Trails Program Policy and Grants May 27, 2022 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Members of our organizations have been actively engaged with the State trails program... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog
Media State Issues Tell the EPA to Protect Bristol Bay Permanently 5/25/2022 For decades, the Pebble Mine has loomed over Alaska’s Bristol Bay, threatening fish, wildlife, and the people that call this watershed home. In November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Alaska Chapter, Public Waters Access
Media State Issues Montana Property Owners File Lawsuit to Force FWP to “Remove, Harvest, or Eliminate Thousands of Elk” 5/17/2022 A lawsuit filed in April by a group of Montana property owners accuses wildlife officials of breaking a state law that requires elk populations to be maintained at sustainable levels, squandering... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2022 Idaho Legislative Recap 5/10/2022 The Idaho Legislature officially adjourned on March 31, 2022, capping off an 81-day session. As in every year, multiple bills were introduced in the legislature during this session that... Tags: Idaho Chapter, policy blog
Media Press Releases CWD Research, Management Bill Introduced in Senate 4/28/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseApril 28, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Legislation widely supported by hunting interests, Senate action follows House move to... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, public lands
Media Press Releases Congress Launches Bicameral Effort to Reform 1872 Mining Law 4/27/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseApril 27, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org The Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act would institute royalties and fees on industry,... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, public lands
Media Press Releases Senate ‘Good Samaritan’ Bill Would Facilitate Cleanup of Abandoned Mines 2/3/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseFeb. 3, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act was long requested by hunters... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, public lands