The Power of Community: BHA's Mission Across the Country
The Power of Community: BHA’s Mission Across the Country
by Alec Boyd-Devine
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Having done short contract work in Utah over the past few years—and spending some time hunting and fishing while there—I’ve kept an eye on the Utah BHA chapter, hoping for a chance to attend one of their events. When I learned that BHA Utah was hosting a Public Lands Party after the expo at a nearby bar, I knew I couldn’t pass it up.
As I walked from the convention center to the event, I found myself reflecting on the strength of the BHA community. Across the country, from the remote wilderness of Alaska to the red rock country of Utah, we have chapters made up of passionate individuals working toward the same goal: protecting and preserving our public land opportunities. Whether it’s a backcountry elk hunt, a day on the river, or just the ability to roam freely in these wild places, we all share a deep connection to these lands and a responsibility to defend them.
Stepping through the doors of the event, I was immediately welcomed by Utah chapter volunteers and board members. There’s something special about meeting fellow BHA members—no matter where you are, you know you’re among like-minded people who care just as much as you do. With pride, I introduced myself as the newest member of the Alaska board, and just like that, conversations sparked, stories were shared, and a sense of camaraderie filled the room.
The night was filled with great discussions about conservation efforts, current challenges facing public lands, and the work BHA is doing at both the local and national levels. One of the things that stuck with me most was how, despite the stark differences between the landscapes we come from—the temperate rainforests of Southeast Alaska and the rugged deserts of Utah—our appreciation for public lands is the same. A mule deer hunter on the Wasatch Front and a blacktail hunter in the Tongass may pursue different game in vastly different environments, but they’re both driven by the same passion for wild places and the opportunities they provide.
This event reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time: the fight for public lands is bigger than any one region, ecosystem, or species. It’s a collective effort, and we have to stand together—across state lines, across different types of terrain, and across different outdoor pursuits—to ensure that these lands remain open and accessible for generations to come. Being part of this community means recognizing that our challenges may be different, but our mission is the same.
As public land owners, it’s up to us to protect what we love. Whether you’re in Alaska, Utah, or anywhere in between, we must continue to advocate, educate, and take action. The future of our wild places depends on it.