Chapter News - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

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VT Bustin’ Clays with BHA — Event Recap

A bluebird day, good shooting, and even better company. On August 16, the Vermont Team of BHA’s New England Chapter gathered at the Northeast Kingdom Skeet & Sporting...
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues

Supreme Court Could Determine Access to 8 Million Acres of Public Lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   July 21, 2025   Contact:   media@backcountryhunters.org     WASHINGTON, D.C.—With more than 8 million acres of public lands on the line, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Roadless Rule Rollback

Roadless Rule Rollback On June 24 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) posted a statement (“USDA Rescinds Near Quarter Century Old Protections for 58.5 Million Acres of National Forest Lands”)...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Sunday Hunting coming soon to Pennsylvania

By Don Rank HARRISBURG, PA, July 9, 2025 – This morning, at a small ceremony near the state capital, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law House Bill 1431. At last the ban on Sunday...
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NJ Across the State Public Lands Packout_25

The New Jersey Chapter joined forces as they spread out to clean up 3 Wildlife Management Area across the state. In the North: Honey Run Wildlife Management Area, Centrally: Assunpink Wildlife...
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Jackson Fence Pull Event Recap

On a ridgeline at 8,000 feet in the west Pioneer mountains outside of Jackson, Montana, 13 volunteers from Montana BHA spent their summer solstice rolling up barbed wire and hauling it out of the...
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VT Team, Meet to Strategize Policy and Events

On the morning of June 15th, members of the VT BHA leadership team met at Green River Reservoir. After a brief parking lot link up, we paddled to a day use site. Important issues were tackled, and...
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6/12/2025 NM State Game Commission Recap

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Commission met in the Red River Convention Center in Red River, New Mexico. All seven Commission members were present, including Chair Richard Stump, Vice-Chair Sharon...
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Nebraska Chapter June 2025 Update

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers June newsletter! Latest: Your Nebraska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers hosted a volunteer event at East Willow Island Wildlife...
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues

BHA Condemns Senate Proposal to Sell Off Up to 3 Million Acres of Public Lands

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...
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CA BHA 2025 Desert Bighorn Survey Recap

At sunset on Saturday, a small and enthusiastic group of BHA volunteers joined up with CDFW's Region 6 sheep biologists at the foot of the Marble Mountains in the Mojave for the annual desert...
Media Chapter News State Issues

End of Session Texas Legislative Update 2025

Texas conservationists welcomed the end of the 89th Legislature on Monday, celebrating a handful of wins and dodging a long list of bad bills that would have undermined the state’s ability to...
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Trek For Trout in the Adirondacks

Trek for Trout: A cooperative effort to help brook trout in New York On Saturday, May 17, 2025, members of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers from NY, Vermont, and New Hampshire joined a one-day...
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Michigan BHA Goes to Washington DC

Michigan BHA goes to Washington DC In early April, Mike Donovan, Chapter Board member, participated in a “DC Fly-In” to talk to our Legislators about the importance of the Land and Water...
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NY May Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hey all, I hope all you turkey hunters have had some success chasing spring gobblers. If not, I hope you at least have enjoyed some time in nature!  This month, I want to...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Turkey Quills & Teenagers

I received a well written email from the head of student council at a local high school asking for BHA to come table an event during their Earth Week. He was put up to this task by his...
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Nebraska Chapter May 2025 Update

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers May update!   Latest:   The Nebraska Chapter of BHA held their annual Trashy Cat event May 2-4th at Two Rivers State Rec Area near Yutan, NE....
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Pop Up Waterfowl Birding at Chena Flood Project - A Recap

  Pop Up Waterfowl Birding at Chena Flood Project - A Recap by Nate Kibbey, Interior Representative AK ChapterMid-May is a great time to see all of the beautiful migrators pushing north. Birding...
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Stand Up for the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge

Hunting and Fishing Opportunities Threatened on the Mendenhall Wetlands The Mendenhall State Game Refuge (Taashuyee-Chookan.áani/Mendenhall Wetlands) in Juneau, Alaska, is a rare...
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CA BHA Turkey Camp 2025 Recap

Recap: California BHA’s 2025 Spring Turkey Hunt In the heart of California’s spring turkey season, the California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted its third...
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4/25/25 NM State Game Commission Recap

This meeting was called to order by Richard Stump, Commission Chair at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 25th at the NMDFG office in Roswell, New Mexico. All 6 members, Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Public Lands Mountain Merriam’s Hunt

Access And Opportunity Are On The Chopping Block Public lands, and hence hunting, are under threat like never before. From states like Utah (and 14 others) laying claim to Bureau of Land...
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Women's Tenkara Fly Fishing 101 with CT DEEP

This is a hands-on Tenkara Fly Fishing workshop with a day of instruction to learn basic understanding and practice techniques. Our organizers are from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA),...
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CA BHA 2025 Q1 Newsletter

Support a 2nd Bear Tag in CA! CDFW has released their final black bear conservation plan, and in response, CA BHA has submitted a resolution calling on the Fish & Game Commission to implement a...
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A Brief History of the Wild Turkey in Indiana

“A Brief History of the Wild Turkey in Indiana” “The first turkey that ever came to me on the ground did it a long time ago. I sat there with my hands shaking and my breath short and my heart...
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NV BHA March 2025 Newsletter

Spring is here, which means the big game tag application season is upon us. NDOW has set May 7th as the application deadline and results will be released on or before May 23rd. NDOW will be...
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NY April Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hey all, I hope you are all out enjoying the trout opener and getting prepped for the turkey opener coming up on May 1.  Want to keep my intro brief this month and get...
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RI BHA Sponsors 2025 Youth Mentored Turkey Hunt

RI BHA Sponsors 2025 Youth Mentored Turkey Hunt For the second year in a row BHA’s New England Chapter is sponsoring the RI Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt coordinated by The Light Foundation and...
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Colorado BHA Spring 2025 Newsletter

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.” - Pericles Standing Strong for Colorado’s Public Lands Across the nation, policies...
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A BHA Pint Night with Roman Dial

A BHA Pint Night with Roman Dial                 On March 26th a large group gathered at Midnight Sun Brewing Co. in Anchorage, Alaska. The group consisted of conservationists, students, outdoor...
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Nebraska BHA April update

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers April update!   Latest: Nebraska BHA met with Nebraska Game and Parks biologist Adam Kester in North Platte to discuss public hunting programs...
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Texas BHA - Mid-Session Legislative Update

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...
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New Mexico BHA March/April Newsletter

Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for the 14th Annual North American Rendezvous. Between June 13-15, we’re headed back to our roots in Missoula, Montana! Secure your spot and experience iconic...
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2025 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts

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...
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Alaska BHA's UAS Intern on SB 105

Alaska BHA's UAS Intern on SB 105 -Lillian Thorington's oral testimony at the committee hearing on March 17th.  Hello, I am your Miss Juneau Volunteer America, Lillian Thorington. I am also an...
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CT BHA Comments on Sunday Hunting and Bear Hunting

BHA submitted online testimony in reference to two bills up for public hearing in the Connecticut General Assembly Environment Committee today (3/24/25).   Connecticut is one of the few states...
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NY BHA March Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Spring is finally here!  The skunk cabbage is popping up and letting us know that soon the woods will be green again. We have been eating through the last of last year's...
Media Chapter News Press Releases State Issues

10th Circuit Court Affirms District Court Decision in Corner-Crossing Case, Upholding Public Access Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   March 18, 2025      CONTACT:   Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, odea@backcountryhunters.org     Denver, CO – In a huge victory for public land owners,...
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Utah BHA March Newsletter

Between Utah's legislative session, the opening of Hunting for Sustainability applications, and an amazing public lands party with Ryan Callaghan of Meateater, February was a busy month! Read on...
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New Mexico BHA Policy Update 3.17.25

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...
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Nebraska BHA March Newsletter

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers March update! This month, two BHA Nebraska board members Kyle Broadfoot and Bill Grossnicklaus set up a BHA booth at the Nebraska Bowhunters...
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RECAP: Southeast Chapter Small Game Hunt

On February 22, 2025, the Southeast Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers organized a small game hunt at Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lottie, Louisiana. This event combined...
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Western State Policy Spotter - March

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...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NM BHA Supports SB 291 to Enhance LEO Authority

BHA Supports Senate Bill 291 At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we fight to protect wild places, fair chase hunting, and responsible fishing. But none of that matters if our fish and game laws...
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Ohio BHA Chapter 2025 Spring Newsletter

The Ohio BHA Chapter has been busy this winter creating impactful plans across Ohio. Check out the 2025 Newsletter below! 
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Draw Tag Results Day and Night: February 21st, 2025.

AWP Draw Tag Results Party Moose Call Winners.  On the evening of February 21, over 100 Alaskans: hunters, anglers and trappers from all over Southcentral Alaska, gathered at Double Shovel Cider...
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IN BHA HB 1447 - State Management of State Forests

“I have read many definitions of what is a conservationist, and written not a few myself, but I suspect that the best one is written not with a pen, but with an axe. It is a matter of what a man...
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Oklahoma BHA '25 Winter Newsletter

The Oklahoma Chapter is working to make an impact on behalf of OK BHA members and the conservation needs in the state. Check out the latest from the chapter in the newsletter below!   
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Nebraska BHA February 2025 Newsletter

Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has begun sending out a regular report with a summary of our recent efforts and with alerts on potential upcoming events. This past month we added four new...
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Montana BHA Hosts Successful Conservation Celebration

A shoutout to our presenting sponsors Trailhead River Sports, Life Chiropractic, and Rangitsch Brothers RV for making this event possible! The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers...
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Wisconsin BHA Opens Board Applications for 2025

Are you looking to give back to those wild places in Wisconsin that you hunt and fish and ensure access to those places for generations to come?    Click here to apply for the WI BHA Board of...
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Agency Layoffs Jeopardize Our Public Lands

  Agency Layoffs Jeopardize Our Public Lands  Late last week, on orders from President Trump’s Office of Personnel Management, our federal land and wildlife management agencies laid off thousands...
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Maine State Team Winter Update

We are taking a moment before the snow melts revealing sheds, ice melts on our fishing spots and the turkeys start strutting to catch everyone up with some policy activity here in...
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NV February 2025 Newsletter

It’s that time of year when the final seasons have come to an end, and we start planning for the fall. That is of course, unless you’re one of the lucky few who were awarded a spring turkey tag....
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NV January 2025 Newsletter

As the dust settles on 2024, we can look back and assess the work that BHA has done. BHA advocated and supported actions taken by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service that...
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NY BHA February Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair With the hunting seasons mostly wrapped up, I am getting stir crazy dreaming about chasing gobblers in the spring turkey woods, and the NY Chapter is busy working on...
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BLM proposes sale of parcels in Nebraska

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is revising its land use plan in Nebraska, potentially opening nearly all of its 5,100 acres for sale. These parcels, primarily 40 to 80 acres each, are...
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NM BHA January 2025 Newsletter!

New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Don't miss your chance to connect with fellow hunters and anglers at the upcoming New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show. NMBHA will be selling...
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UTAH 2025 Mid-Legislative Session Update

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...
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RECAP: SC BHA Squirrel Hunt and Trash Pickup

On February 8, 2025, the South Carolina Chapter of BHA hosted a great day in the woods at Sumter National Forest near Clinton. The event brought together BHA members and families for a morning of...
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February 2025 with Alaska BHA - Newsletter

Alaska -- We made it through January, which was filled with Board of Game meetings, a few great Pint Nights, and a lot of news about public lands conservation in Alaska. Not...
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Western State Policy Spotter - First Look

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...
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EVENT RECAP: 2025 North Country Icebreaker

The North Country Icebreaker: A Gathering for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Public Lands Supporters A rendezvous is traditionally a meeting between two or more people at a pre-arranged location. The BHA...
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Rhode Island BHA 2024 Policy Roundup

Rhode Island BHA 2024 Policy Roundup Following a successful year in 2023, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ team in Rhode Island advocated more effectively than ever in 2024 to support the Ocean...
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Kentucky - Mullins WMA May be up for Sale

Map reading and general land navigation skills are essential tools in the outdoorsman’s tool kit. Those tools are doubly important when you are a public lands and waters user because it is...
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1.10.25 NM State Game Commission Recap

This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by Chair Richard Stump. Director Michael Sloane delivered the Commission roll call; six members were present (one position has...
Media Chapter News

11.8.24 NM State Game Commission Recap

The meeting gathered at Las Cruses. Five Commissioners were present in the room at the beginning of the meeting (Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon Salazar Hickey, Dr. Sabrina Pack, Tirzio Lopez,...
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Elk Hoof Disease 101

Elk Hoof Disease 101 – What You Need to Know About the Disease Afflicting Elk in the Pacific Northwest and Beyond Finding an elk herd in the thick, fog-laced forests of Southwest Washington can...
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Arizona BHA Helps Maintain Access on Perrin Ranch

The Arizona Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) have come together for a handful of rewarding days of volunteer work on Perrin Ranch in Unit 10, Arizona. This effort was part of the...
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2024 Indiana BHA Recap

Indiana BHA 2024 Year in Review!!!  The Indiana BHA Chapter had an excellent 2024! Below, we are going to provide you with a quick recap of some of our accomplishments over the course of the...
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Colorado BHA Winter 2024 Newsletter

As 2024 came to a close, Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers looked back on a year of many successes. We had one of our most active and impactful stewardship seasons ever, removing miles of...
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Happy Conservation Holidays from Alaska BHA

      Great news for Alaska's Public Lands to wrap up 2024!  On December 8, 2024, a significant win for conservation was achieved when an amendment mandating the Department...
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Smoked Goose Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Smoked Goose Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich      Growing up in the Midwest, I always had an ample amount of Canada geese breasts in the freezer. Since I stopped buying meat altogether, I found...
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Valley County is for Public Land Owners

  As the Utah lawsuit to seize our public lands rages on, some of our elected officials in Idaho are jumping on Utah’s bandwagon to destroy our public land heritage. In October we saw Idaho...
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4,000 Acres of Added Public Land in Indiana

New Public Land Acquisition a Win for Us All! As you’ve probably already heard, Indiana DNR recently acquired 4,000 acres in Sullivan County. In a world where so much conservation news is about...
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Sourdough Cougar Claws

By Melissa Hendrickson   What better way to celebrate the rejection of Proposition 127 in Colorado, the citizen initiative that tried to ban mountain lion hunting, than baking up a delicious...
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Alaska BHA Beer Dinner Recap

BHA Beer Dinner Recap  A Night of Conservation, Community, and Culinary Delights   Darren Bruning, Deputy Director of Wildlife Conservation presenting on Wood Bison Restoration in AlaskaThe...
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VT BHA Pint Night with Ethan Tapper

The Vermont team of the New England Chapter hosted a Pint Night at the Bear Naked Growler December 19th in Montpelier, VT. The focus of the evening was to hear from Ethan Tapper, local Vermont...
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California BHA 2024 Recap

With 2024 coming to an end, we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on California BHA's engagement and accomplishments that were made possible by the support of our dedicated members and...
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2024 Kentucky BHA Year in Review

Exceptional Growth and Impact throughout 2024   2024 has been another year of successful growth for Kentucky Backcountry Hunters & Anglers!   Since its inception and charter in 2019, the...
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Thankful for YOU, Alaska BHA

There is a new threat to Alaska's Brooks Range.  Veterans Against the Ambler Road: A Call for Responsible Stewardship of Public Lands "As a veteran who has dedicated my life to...
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Senate Committee Advances Final Public Lands and Waters Legislation for the 118th Congress

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...
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The History of the Whitetail Deer in Indiana

A Brief History of White-tailed Deer in Indiana “It’s hard to treat natural resources casually when you know that generations have fought for them” (Jim Posewitz) Introduction In November 2021,...
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NY BHA November '24 Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hi fellow public land advocates! I hope you are all enjoying the fall season and having luck filling your freezers! I am writing this before heading out to deer camp for...
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6x6 Karma: The Bear Facts

During the late summer/early fall I spend several days in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado scouting rifle season elk hunting locales. I’m not looking for elk, specifically, but for...
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CWD Detected in New York

Recently the New York Department of Environmental Conservation sent an email to locals in Region 6 and then to the rest of the state concerning detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) at a...
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Utah is Not For Sale, and Neither is Idaho

Utah’s lawsuit to seize 18.5 million acres of public land has brought with it significant outcry from public land enthusiasts across the beehive state. It can be tempting to think the...
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A Tribute to Arizona BHA Founding Member Kurt Bahti

  The Arizona Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is saddened to hear of the passing of founding member Kurt Bahti.  Kurt's dedication to protecting the earth’s most valuable resources and...
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North Dakota BHA Fall Newsletter

It's the best time of the year! Between getting out for hunting season, here's what we've been up to: Policy Updates The North American Grasslands Conservation Act has been introduced...
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NY OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Update from Chapter Chair Well, we have officially made it to the best time of the year. Fall colors, cooling temps, and lots of time in the woods and marshes chasing white-tailed deer, small...
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Event Recap: Wick's Wildlife Area Fence Removal

Nineteen Iowa BHA members, college students, and family members gathered on September 15th, 2024 at Wick's Wildlife Area outside of Story City, IA for a fence removal project. The goal of the...
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The Access Frontlines

This article originally appeared as the President's Message column of the Summer 2024 Backcountry Journal.   By Patrick Berry Imagine the excitement and anticipation after a long week of...
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Alaska BHA Fall 2024 Newsletter

Mary -- Tis the season for hunting, canning, and for some animals and humans, hibernating. But not for AK BHA!  Summer seems all but a blurr and we're still in freezer filling...
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Colorado BHA Fall 2024 Newsletter

“Deerness manifests a death.My word is grateful.”- Ursula K. Le Guin, Always Coming Home Fall is here, and hunting season is in full swing. Even as many of us turn our thoughts to filling...
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Massachusetts Team attends Striperfest

On September 28th, New England BHA attended StiperFest and was represented by Aaron Townsley and Jen True from the Massachusetts Team and talked with hundreds of folks about BHA's conservation...
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The Left Flip Flop Hypothesis

The Left Flip Flop Hypothesis (Recap of the Clark Fork Public Land Pack-Out) The author’s husband and son cruising the drift holding areas for trash.   Words and Photos by Melissa...
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2024 Indiana BHA Chapter Rendezvous Recap

  The Indiana Chapter of BHA hosted their 4th annual Rendezvous at Rockville Lake Park Campground this last weekend. The event was a massive success and rollicking good time!Three dozen people...
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Q3 CO BHA News Update

“If you want to hunt, first you have to have animals to hunt. And if you want animals, first they’ve got to have habitat to live in. So, if you’re not trying to protect habitat and improve it and...
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NY September Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair We are only a few weeks out from big game season opener (in some places already open).   I have been out a few times already chasing early geese and squirrels. I have...
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Water Access Wars Seep Into Southeast

As the population in North Carolina’s western mountains grows, so too does interest from private entities in laying claim to public water access. For decades, anglers have dealt increasing...
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East Otto State Forest Trash Pack Out

On August 18th, Western NY BHA members got together on East Otto State Forest for a public land trash pack-out. Members collected two pickup trucks worth of trash from camp sites and ditches along...
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The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project

    The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is committed to our mission to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education...
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Alaska BHA August 26th Newsletter: Essence of Fall

The essence of fall is in the air and termination dust has even made an appearance in some areas. Fall is here in Alaska...Our favorite time of year! This fall, aside from all the...
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Maine Team Learn to Hunt: Whitetail Deer

New England BHA led two Whitetail Deer Hunting workshops on August 17 at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Outdoor Education Center in Augusta.  The workshops were presented in partnership with...
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Bighorn Sheep Survey 2024 Re-Cap

CA BHA Volunteers help CDFW Staff Survey Bighorn Sheep Across the Mojave!    The heat was coming and we all knew it. With a projected high of 115 for both days, we knew that getting to elevation...
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NY BHA August Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Happy August everyone. I hope you all are as excited as I am about the upcoming hunting season opening up next month. DEC has some big changes this year to how they will...
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8/9/24 New Mexico State Game Commission Recap

This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Taos, New Mexico by Chair Stump. The Commission roll call was conducted by Director Michael Sloane; all members were present. Commissioners attending...
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Learn to Hunt North Idaho Class

By Rome Fiore My hunting journey started all the way in California when I was a kid. My father and grandfather taught me the necessary skills to harvest upland game birds and fish. These lessons...
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Enter the Vortex Edge Hunter Marksmanship Sweepstakes!

Get ready to “dial in” your rifle hunting skills with Vortex Optics and Wisconsin BHA! Find your “Edge” with the professionals at the Vortex Edge training program through an unforgettable 2-day...
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Trails at Mena - Project on Ouachita National Forest

In mid-July I traveled to Mena for my first look at Rich Mountain, Arkansas’ second highest peak. I wanted to see for myself where the Trails at Mena project would go and imagine what the...
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Save the Cutoff Road Case - July 17 Hearing Update

The battle to Save the Cutoff continues with new developments in the court case that BHA formally weighed in on earlier in the year – view the amicus curiae we submitted alongside the Texas Rivers...
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Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal: A Win for All

Backcountry Journal: Summer 2024 Backcountry hunters and anglers value wild country, clean water and intact habitat. It’s a founding principal of this organization, and one that remains a priority...
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Foraging, (Forest) Health, and Fishing

A different kind of FHF adventure Words and Photos by Melissa Hendrickson One of the lessons I’ve learned over the many years of doing field work and hunting is having several backup plans can...
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NY BHA July Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hey all, I hope everyone is managing to stay cool! This month, I want to encourage you all to take the time this summer to meet your fellow BHA members.  We have two big...
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U.S. Forest Service Clarifies Dog Leash Rule for BWCA

If you are a Boundary Waters visitor, and enjoy having your four-legged friends along on your hunting, camping, or fishing trip, you might have noticed a change to one of the rules listed on the...
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Florida's Right to Fish & Hunt Bill

This November, Floridians heading to the ballot box will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment 2, Florida’s Right to Fish and Hunt bill. This bill would protect Florida’s rich outdoor heritage...
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North Dakota BHA 2024 Summer Newsletter

Midsummer greetings from ND BHA! This newsletter features updates from your chapter's latest projects, events, podcasts, and more. And as always, contact us if you interested in getting...
Media Chapter News State Issues

BLM Denies Ambler Road Permit

Unloading for a backcountry hunt in the Brooks Range. PC: Barry Whitehill, AK Chapter of BHA.    BHA and Hunters & Anglers for the Brooks Range Celebrate the BLM's Denial of the Ambler Road...
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RECAP: Archery Day for New Hunters

On June 22, NY Hunters of Color (HOC), NY BHA, and The Nature Conservancy of New York hosted an intro to archery and deer hunting event at a TNC property in Westchester, NY.  We had roughly 40 new...
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RECAP: NY onX Pint Night with NYSDEC in Albany

On Wednesday June 26th we met at the Common Roots Brewing Company, Albany Outpost for a great onX sponsored Pint Night with the NYSDEC Bureau Chief of Fisheries, Steve Hurst. Steve enlightened us...
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Arkansas BHA 2024 Catfish Camp

Catfish Camp 2024 Thirty people braved the heat June 21-23 at Lake Dardanelle State Park to spend time with friends and get out on the water chasing America’s favorite whiskered fish. Trot lines,...
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Colorado BHA Chapter Newsletter, Summer 2024

“The solution to any problem–work, love, money, whatever–is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be.” John Gierach, Standing in a River Waving a Stick   Welcome to...
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Colorado BHA Q2 2024 Update

“The natural world sustains us with clean air, unpolluted water, recreation, and natural resources. If we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves.” –Jim Posewitz, Beyond Fair Chase[1]   Backcountry...
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2024 Arkansas BHA Summer Newletter

Can you believe it's already June?!  While some seasons may be in the rearview, we hope they are replaced by new pursuits to get you outdoors and explore all that our beautiful state has to...
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Grouse Creek Pack Out Recap

Grouse Creek Pack Out Recap Words and Photos by Melissa Hendrickson   How much trash can 12 adults, 3 pre-teens, and 3 toddlers pick up in 3 hours? Apparently the answer is 2 overfull dump...
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2024 Small Game Bootcamp Recap

  BHA Chapters are unique due to their abilities to cast a broad focus within the conservation world. Chapters identify and engage in important topics, issues, and trends that are localized to...
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NY BHA June Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair I hope everyone had an amazing May out chasing turkeys, trout or just spending time outdoors! As we roll into the summer months, we hope to see you at one of our many...
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Arkansas BHA Chapter Seeks Communications Chair

The Arkansas Chapter Board has an immediate opening for our Communications Chair.  This volunteer role is all about keeping our members in the loop. You'll be the mastermind behind our quarterly...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NY Wildlife Crossings Bill S4198B

NY Senate bill S4198B has been passed by the NY Senate and NY Assembly and is now on its way to Governor Hochul's desk for signing.  The bill directs the New York Department of Transportation and...
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Recap: Annual Central NY Spring Pint Night

NY held its second Annual Central NY Spring Pint Night May 30th '24 in Homer, NY and was sponsored by Sporting Lead-Free and onX! Folks brought a dish to pass and played conservation themed trivia...
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RECAP: NY BHA Turkey Hunting 101 at Filson 2024

NY Hunters of Color, the NY Chapter of BHA, and NY Department of Environmental Conservation got together May 15th at the Filson NYC store to support roughly new turkey hunters.   DEC gave a brief...
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The Long Road to Rendezvous

  The Long Road to Rendezvous Words and Photos by Melissa Hendrickson   As far as driving directions go, it’s a pretty easy route from our hometown to Rendezvous in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It...
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Elk Enchiladas

Elk Enchiladas This Elk enchiladas recipe is a must-try. It offers a rich and savory experience that brings game meat to the forefront of your culinary repertoire. Whether you use ground elk or...
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5/16/24 NM State Game Commission Recap

Thursday, May 16, 2024 Hobbs, NM The meeting began at 9 a.m. with the Commission roll call by Director Michael Sloane. Six Commissioners attended physically: Tirzio Lopez (Vice-Chair), Fernando...
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Buckman Road Cleanup Recap

On March 23 BHA volunteers partnered up with the BLM, NM Public Lands Interpretive Association, NWF, NM Wild, NM Crag, and NM Mountain Club to clean up 7 miles of Old Buckman Road down to the Rio...
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Habitat Stewardship in Idaho's Swan Valley

Look Near Before You Look Far One of the lessons I have learned over and over while elk hunting is ‘look near before you look far.’ In other words, make sure there are no animals right in front of...
Media Chapter News State Issues

TAKE ACTION: Support HB 1873 For Stream Access

Illinois stream access is widely misunderstood, a result of the state not mirroring federal law. A stream that would be considered public by federal law is not public under Illinois state law, as...
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NY BHA May Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Taking a break from the turkey woods to put together this newsletter. My season is off to a great start with a nice public land gobbler taken on opening morning hunting a...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024

“One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving the murk of March thaw, is the spring.”  -Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac   There’s no other organization like Backcountry...
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4/19/24 NM State Game Commission Recap

The State Game Commission is finally up to full membership, though with half the commissioners either brand new or relatively new to the job, their April meeting in Silver City was more about...
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Jacob Young Emerging Leader Spotlight

After joining the Idaho State Chapter Board, I’ve been lucky enough to get acquainted with the University of Idaho (U of I) Collegiate Chapter and their powerhouse of a President Jacob Young.  We...
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A Changing of the Guard

A Changing of the Guard This year's Washington chapter board retreat brought mixed emotions as my esteemed co-chair, Cameron Lankhaar, shared his decision to step down from his position. Cameron...
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NY BHA April Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Well, May is almost here, and despite the excitement of earthquakes and a solar eclipse, I can’t wait for it to finally arrive! There is no better time to be in the woods...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Minnesota BHA Position on State Land Transfers

BHA MN Position on Ownership Transfer of Public Lands   As the voice for public lands, waters, and wildlife, the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA MN) believes our shared...
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North Dakota BHA 2024 Spring Newsletter

ND BHA Quarterly Newsletter Greetings from ND BHA! We are making our way out of winter here in North Dakota. Plans for the chapter are taking shape, this letter will give you an update on what...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Kentucky Senate Bill 3 Defeated

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...
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NEBRASKA BHA FENCE REMOVAL PROJECT: Recap

On March 16th Nebraska Backcountry Hunters and Anglers hosted a fence removal project at Nebraska Game and Park’s Wapiti Wildlife Management Area in the Loess Canyons south of North Platte. As...
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The Patron Saints of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) started around a campfire during March 2004, thanks to seven hunters and anglers, men and women, the “Gang of Seven.”[1] They were inspired by the political...
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NY BHA March Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Happy spring everyone (did we even have a winter?)! If you are like me, you are digging out your turkey calls and dreaming of warm mornings chasing gobblers. Or maybe you...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NY BHA 2024 Legislative Tracker

Part of the responsibility of the NY BHA Chapter Board is to keep an eye on legislative proposals in the NY Legislature that potentially impact hunters and anglers.   We will do our best to keep...
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Indiana BHA 2024 First Quarter Action

  The Indiana chapter has had a tremendous start to 2024. Our Events Team organized a slate of events in February that set us on track for another banner year. We kicked things off with a wood...
Media Chapter News State Issues

AZ Public Lands Bill Watch

HB 2021 This bill would require the holder of a conservation easement to make an annual payment in place of taxes on the reduction of value of the original parcel caused by the placement of the...
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03/08/24 New Mexico Game Commission Recap

Friday March 8, 2024 Albuquerque, NM   The meeting began shortly after 9 a.m. with the Commission roll call. Commissioners present included Tirzio Lopez (Vice-Chair), Fernando Clemente, Sharon...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Iowa BHA Opposes Attempts to Block Public Land Acquisitions

Attacks to our public lands and public access can take many forms at the legislature. They can come as proposals that focus on maintaining current public lands rather than acquiring new lands,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

2024 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts

After a busy session, the Utah Legislature wrapped up this past Friday, March 1. The chapter leaders of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers tracked multiple bills this year and participated in...
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RI BHA Sponsors Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt

For the first time, BHA’s New England Chapter is sponsoring the RI Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt coordinated by The Light Foundation and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Q1 2024 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

ID BHA Opposes SB 1340

February 15, 2024   Senator Van T. Burtenshaw Chair, Senate Resources & Environment Committee P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0081   Chairman Burtenshaw:   The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry Hunters...
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Late Season Grouse on NY Public Land

My wife and I were enjoying a cross-country ski in a New York State Forest.  There was a foot of fresh powder snow and the skiing conditions were perfect.  We had stopped at a trail junction to...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors

Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors The title caught my attention: “Wilderness Warriors: Tales of Backcountry Hunting and Veteran Camaraderie.” It was for a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers...
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A Goose Hunt with a Conservation Twist

The alarm went off way too many hours before sunrise. The air was crisp with indecision on layers to wear. How many decoys to bring, what snacks to pack. Did the dog’s vest make it in? Should we...
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NY BHA February Newsletter 2024

Update from Former Chapter Chair Hey everyone!  Not sure where you are in the state but where I am it seems to be perpetual early March out there.  This will be my last greeting as NY Chapter...
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Utah Legislative Session Update 2024

The Utah Legislative Session commenced on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, and will extend through Friday, March 1, 2024. During this time, members of the Utah State Legislature convene to revise old or...
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ID BHA Opposes HB 469

February 6, 2024   Representative Ron Mendive Chair, House Resources & Conservation Committee P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0038   Chairman Mendive:   The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry Hunters &...
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Call of the Wild - Alaska BHA Volunteers Answer

  Call of the Wild - Alaska BHA Volunteers Answer by Barry Whitehill “The Call” for volunteers to help at the start of the 2024 Yukon Quest by former Alaska BHA Board member Travis Booms saw...
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2023 Indiana BHA Recap

2023 was a benchmark year for the Indiana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. With the support of our members and chapter leaders we were able to accomplish hosting a myriad of successful...
Media Chapter News State Issues

ID BHA Supports HB 404

Representative Ron Mendive Chair, House Resources & Conservation Committee P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0038   Wednesday, January 24th, 2024   Chairman Mendive: The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry...
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New England BHA – 2024 Annual Planning Meeting

  As 2023-24 hunting seasons wind down, New England BHA’s Board is making plans for the upcoming year. During the weekend of January 27th the NEBHA Board held its annual meeting, where we...
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WA BHA statement on Tribal Consultation

WA BHA statement on Tribal ConsultationThe following testimony was given at the January 26th, 2024 Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission:"Good Morning Chair, Director and Commissioners. My name...
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TN BHA joins TWRA for Wood Duck Boxes

The Tennessee BHA Chapter had an awesome turnout this past Saturday January 14th, at the Wood Duck Box build event with the TWRA on the Percy Priest WMA. As soon as we arrived, Mark Vance with...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California BHA 2023 Recap

With 2023 in the books and some meat in the freezer (hopefully), we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on California BHA's engagement and accomplishments that were made possible by the...
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NY BHA January Newsletter

Welcome! Hey Everyone,  Happy New Year! Winter has been slow to start in my area but with snow predicted it may show up after all. This time of year is great to get outside but be sure to be safe....
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WDFW Conservation Policy: TAKE ACTION

At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, conservation is the cornerstone of our volunteer efforts, advocacy, and even our long-term enjoyment of the outdoors. While many of us are hunters and anglers...
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2023 Michigan BHA Recap

  2023 has been an eventful year for the Michigan Chapter of BHA! This year, we've been deeply engaged in vital policy work that is shaping the future of our precious public lands and waters in...
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Tennessee BHA 2023 Review

Throughout 2023, the Volunteer State BHA chapter had a ton of fun while making an exceptional impact on conservation! We hunted hard together, but more importantly spent time cleaning up our...
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Sandia Bowhunt Outreach - November Hunt Recap

NMBHA and NMDGF were out at the Sandias on Nov 18th helping the general public understand the importance of hunting in conservation.  Did you catch our last public outreach event? About a dozen...
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2023 Kentucky BHA Year of Progress

2023 has been another year of success and growth for the Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. We hosted 15 official events in 2021, 31 events in 2022, this year we are up to 40...
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NY BHA December Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  December is upon us! As the end of the year approaches I ask you to take time to reflect on how you have used public lands and water in your outdoor pursuits. Our mission...
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Calls, Quacks, and Barbed Wire Hacks

Shining headlamps over the lake, the beams are refracted in a million different directions in the dense fog. The marsh bottom isn't as boot sucking mud as it has been in the past years, so decoy...
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Elk Hunting: A State of Mind (& Body)

“Elk hunting is a physically and mentally grueling endeavor, but is also worth every second for nothing other than the clarity it can provide in your life.” –Tony J. Peterson[1]   During...
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NY BHA November Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  It is the season to get out there!  Most game is in season and the water is still open! If you opened this newsletter and have read this far down then you are likely the...
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10/27/23 New Mexico Game Commission Recap

Friday October 27, 2023 Farmington, NM   Attending in person: Commissions Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Fernando Clemente Attending Virtually: Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Greg Fulfer, Ed Garcia All...
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Ohio BHA Fall 2023 Updates

It is October in Ohio, the leaves are brightly colored but falling fast, and hunting seasons are in full swing. Whitetail deer and squirrels are moving and feeding, and fish are fattening...
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Colorado BHA Q4 2023 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

RI Fishing Access at Risk in RIDOT Bridge Proposal

This Tuesday, October 24th, RI’s Coastal Resources Management Council will meet to consider Application 2023-04-094, in which RI’s Department of Transportation outlines plans to rebuild the bike...
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Minnesota BHA to host Governor's Deer Hunting Opener

October 19, 2023 [ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that the 2023 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener will take place in southeast Minnesota at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning...
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7th Annual Family Squirrel Camp Recap

The 7th Annual 2023 Family Squirrel Camp hosted by the Arizona Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Arizona Wildlife Federation is in the books! This event just keeps getting better and...
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5th Annual Trout Stocking with KY BHA

  On October 10th, 500 rainbow trout found their way to public waters in the heart of Kentucky thanks to conservation efforts of over forty volunteers! For the 5th year in a row, the Kentucky BHA...
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MA BHA Opposes ‘Act Modernizing Firearms Laws’

Earlier this year Massachusetts Representative Michael Day (D-Middlesex) introduced HD4420 – An Act to Modernize Firearm Laws. This piece of legislation, which was both complicated and extensive,...
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CO Chapter Newsletter Fall 2023

“A world in which a sacramental portion of food can be taken in an old way—hunting, fishing, farming and gathering—has as much to do with societal sanity as a day's work for a day's pay.” – Tom...
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NY BHA October Newsletter

Welcome! Hey Everyone,  The Vs of geese are pointed south and it is time to breathe in that fall air! Rendezvous was a great time! I cannot wait for next year’s event already!  We posted some...
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New York Chapter Rendezvous Recap

The NY Chapter Rendezvous was a great time! In the shadow of Whiteface Mountain along the Ausable River, the Hungry Trout Resort was a picturesque (check out the pictures below!) spot to build...
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Operation Javelina

I received word in 2019 that the military was sending me to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. To save time among ourselves, my wife and I named the move “Operation Javelina.” Javelina - more properly...
Media Chapter News State Issues

New England BHA Supports Moose Research

In collaboration with the University of New Hampshire's Wildlife Management and Modeling Lab (WMML) and New Hampshire Fish and Game, the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)...
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Shape the Future of Spotted Seatrout Management in Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting the public to participate in shaping the future of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) harvest regulations along the Texas coast. In...
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"Trigger Warning" - Thoughts on NY Laws & Regs

One of my favorite late-summer, early-fall rituals is sitting down with a cup of coffee and the latest New York state guide to hunting and trapping laws and regulations. I see this as the signal...
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It’s More Than A Hunt: Texas Dove Season

How BHA Members Are Using Dove Season to Support the Texas Voluntary Public Access Program Sitting in my chair overlooking an open area with my dad’s Browning A5 in my lap, I thought, “There is...
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The Essential Dove Hunting Gear List

Who doesn’t love a gear list? Now that we are in full-time prep season, Texas BHA thought it would be helpful to put out some of our gear lists for the types of hunting and fishing we enjoy the...
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NY BHA September Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  And just like that, it is September!  Rendezvous is this weekend and it’s not too late to join in! Information about registration is below. Do not miss this great event! ...
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Texas BHA Represents Hunters & Anglers at TPWD Annual Hearing

Austin, Texas – The Texas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers was represented at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) annual public hearing on August 23rd. John Sertel, Texas BHA...
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Massachusetts Archery Deer Hunting Season Extension

The Archery Deer Hunting Season Extension: Massachusetts BHA's Call for Change In the heart of Massachusetts, an important discussion has emerged surrounding the proposed extension of the archery...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Maine's High Peaks Refuge Proposal

For nearly twenty years, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has sought to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting. A vision for backcountry conservation and...
Media Chapter News State Issues

New England BHA Funds Striped Bass Research

For the last several years BHA’s New England Chapter has played a leading role in the organization’s advocacy efforts to recover and protect Atlantic Striped Bass, which have been supported by...
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NY BHA August Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  Summer is flying by!  Hope all are well after this last round of storms which flooded the eastern part of the state and our New England neighbors. The NY Chapter Rendezvous...
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2023 Michigan BHA Rendezvous Recap

      Michigan BHA Rendezvous Provides Connection and Community There is a unique sense of connection experienced at every BHA gathering. It is the result of knowing that a love for public land,...
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Colorado BHA Q3 2023 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
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2023 Muster in the Marsh Recap

"Muster" is a verb. To muster anything takes action, and being the hunters and anglers we are, it’s our nature to do just that. We push ourselves to the limit and give our all for the things we...
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7/21/23 NM Game Commission Recap

Friday July 21, 2023 Albuquerque, NM   Attending in-person: Commissioners Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Fernando Clemente Attending Virtually: Commissioner Greg Fulfer Not...
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ID SH-21 Cervidae Peak Wildlife Overpass Project

  Idaho BHA is excited to see construction begin on the wildlife overpass across State Highway 21 near Lucky Peak. This project is a win for wildlife in Idaho, especially along a critical...
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NY BHA July Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  Summer is flying by!  Hope all are well after this last round of storms which flooded the eastern part of the state and our New England neighbors. The NY Chapter Rendezvous...
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The Battle of Texas Public Lands

How the growing population of Texas has ignited a fight for more public lands for Texans There’s something special about Texas that draws people here. People have always been magnetically pulled...
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Colorado Chapter Newsletter Summer 2023

“What if I made a bunch of money and die before I can spend it to buy the free time to fish?” – Jim Harrison, Field & Stream, February 2003 Hopefully you’re taking Mr. Harrison’s warning to heart,...
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Colorado BHA Volunteer of the Month

Alex Krebs BHA Member of the Month: June 2023 (Colorado BHA Southwest Group Assistant Regional Director) During the spring of 2022 Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Southwest Group Assistant...
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AZ BHA First Half Legislative Summary - June 2023

We are halfway through the legislative year with our representatives back in session since June 12. As usual, many measures were introduced, but very few impactful items related to public-land...
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Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act

  The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is happy to support the recently introduced Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act proposed by Congressman Brett Guthrie...
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Colorado BHA Hosts Its 14th Annual Rendezvous

Colorado BHA 14th Annual Rendezvous Report: Gunnison National Forest (June 9-11, 2023) The Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 14th Annual Rendezvous was held in Gunnison National Forest south...
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Methow Fence Removal - Recap

A BIG thanks to all the volunteers that joined the 5th annual Methow Fence Pull work party on May 6 and helped dispatch nearly two miles of fence! Over twenty BHA members showed up to help roll...
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Sultan Basin Clean-up Recap

On Sunday June 4th, a group of over 30 public land enthusiasts from Washington Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Trash No Land showed up to clean a shooting area in Sultan Basin in Snohomish...
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New York BHA June Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  Well turkey season has closed and I hope all that made it into the turkey woods had success! I have seen some successful trout anglers out there as well. As this unusually...
Media Chapter News State Issues

The PUBLIC Lands Act

Support the PUBLIC Lands Act - Take Action Today! The California Chapter of BHA has spent several years advocating for the passage of legislation that would have a monumental impact on rivers,...
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Ohio BHA Summer Policy Update

  OH BHA Chapter Leader Tony Ruffing heads to D.C.   While we're looking forward to our big summer party, Muster in the Marsh, we're also keeping a close eye on developments in Columbus. Our...
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Red Snapper Ceviche

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing bowl of Red Snapper Ceviche on a hot summer day in Texas. With its bright and zesty flavors, it's the perfect dish to cool you down and satisfy...
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Mountain Merriam’s (Snow Toms) Hunt

The winter of 2022/2023 produced epic snow totals in Southwest Colorado. As Durango resident Dave Marston (publisher of Writers on the Range) pointed out, it was “obvious this winter as roofs...
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2023 IN Legislation Briefing

Wins for Indiana Conservation    During the 2023 Indiana General Assembly, Indiana BHA Chapter members and leaders advocated for public lands and waters alongside the other the organizations in...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Judge Reverses Permits that threaten Bloody Run Creek

May 1, 2023: Bloody Run Creek is a prime Northeast Iowa public trout stream in our state’s Driftless region.  The Iowa Chapter of BHA has supported efforts to protect its trout, so great public...
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NY BHA May Newsletter

Welcome!   Hey everyone!  May is here and it's time to chase those gobbling turkeys, rising trout, and running stripers!  This Spring has shaped up to a great one weather wise, and my garden is...
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Michigan DNR Rejects Camp Grayling Expansion

The Michigan chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers applauds the Department of Natural Resources for their decision to reject the proposed Camp Grayling lease expansion. Last summer the...
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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish April Update

4/28/23 NMDGF GAME COMMISSION RECAP  The meeting was opened by Vice Chair Tirzio Lopez (as there was not a current chair). Also present were commissioner Sharon Salazar-Hickey, as well as two new...
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Western Hunting for Texans

The best resources for Texans wanting to get into western hunting: Subscriptions   My first memory with subscriptions for hunting was at Bill’s Barbershop in Archer City, Texas. Part of Bill’s...
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Colorado BHA Q2 2023 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

North Dakota BHA 2023 Legislative Roundup

First and foremost, the reason for this blog is a sincere – and huge - THANK YOU!!! It’s been a long, arduous legislative session and we are overall happy with the way things have shaken out....
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Hoosiers must preserve investment in public land

The following is an excerpt from an Op-Ed written By Dan Boritt, executive director of Indiana Wildlife Federation and Scott Salmon, a board member of Indiana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers...
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TX BHA Cleans Up Grapevine Lake

Grapevine, Texas - The Texas Backcountry Hunters & Anglers chapter held a public land clean-up day on March 11th at Lake Grapevine Wildlife Management Unit (WMA) with nineteen volunteers. Austin...
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GET ENGAGED

Importance of Engagement- What can you do? Whether you’ve been in Washington your whole life or just moved here recently now is the time. If you’ve always been immersed in the out of doors or have...
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Spring 2023 CO BHA Newsletter

“Spring, in addition to many other things, is a time for renewal of memories that may have grown dim during the winter.” – Sigurd F. Olson, Wilderness Days  As the days grow longer and the weather...
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ArrowRifles During Archery Season in OK

Do Arrow Rifles have a place in Archery Season?  Legislation in Oklahoma that would allow an ArrowRifle to be used during Archery Season isgetting a lot of attention. Naturally, the groups...
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New York BHA Chapter Newsletter - April

Welcome! Hello everyone!  In my neck of the woods, March is not going out full lamb but the cacophony of birds returning and toms strutting gives hope that spring will be here shortly. Although...
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TPWD Passes 2023-24 Hunting Regulations

Austin, Texas – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department approved the 2023-2024 hunting regulations and season dates on March 23, 2022. No significant changes were made regarding bag limits, means,...
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OH BHA Spring Update

The sun is shining today, but it's gonna dump buckets of rain soon and the rivers will swell and get that coffee-with-creamer look to them. It's spring in Ohio, the days are getting longer and...
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Iowa BHA Opposes SF516

The Iowa BHA Chapter seeks to ensure our outdoor heritage of hunting, fishing, and trapping on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. That vision depends on equitable access to habitat...
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Field to Table Texas Syle - Venison Quesadillas

If you need a family-friendly recipe, here’s a dish that your kids will devour, and you’ll enjoy without much hassle in the kitchen.  Venison Quesadillas  Ingredients  - two tablespoons of olive...
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It's a ruff life: Grouse in Ohio

  By Gabe Karns, Levi Arnold, and Dustin Lindley In the pantheon of game animals, ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) occupy a unique position. They're a smallish game bird, reclusive and skittish,...
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New York BHA Chapter Update - Winter 2023

From the Chair Hello everyone!  As the ice fishing season was a bit lackluster in my area this year, I am looking forward to Spring and getting after some brook trout andchasing turkeys and...
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IN BHA Field to Table Conservation Night Experience

  We all look forward to occasions when like-minded folks can muster together and share a unique experience. Especially when that wonderful experience is centered around conservation and our...
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New Commissioners Appointed

March 1, 2023 – Today, Governor Inslee’s office announced two new appointments, Steve Parker, and Woody Myers, to the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission. Per statute, the appointments are...
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Texas Spring Spawn Report

March in Texas means white bass (a.k.a. Sand Bass) in Texas. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (TPWD) published an article about the white bass run. It said, “Due to the dry summer, some rivers and...
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OH Trainwreck: Literal and Figurative

                                                           AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar Ohio is no stranger to environmental contamination. We have a nose for industry here, and have lived in close...
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Western Hunting for Texans

The best resources for Texans wanting to get into western hunting: podcast edition There are a lot of resources out there if you are interested in heading west to chase big game. Texas has some...
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Jackson Mountain Trails Proposal

As members of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, we are passionate about preserving the natural habitats of game and nongame species alike. It's time to take action to mitigate the impact of...
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2023 COLORADO RENDEZVOUS

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS  2023 COLORADO RENDEZVOUS  SOAP CREEK CORRALS, GUNNISON COLORADO  A CALL TO THE WILD:  The Gunnison Region BHA folks are pleased to bring the ‘23 Colorado...
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Colorado BHA Q1 2023 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
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Striped Bass Addendum I

Next week ASMFC Commissioners from up and down the east coast will convene in Arlington, VA for the Commission’s Winter Meeting. As part of this meeting, ASMFC’s Striped Bass Board is scheduled to...
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Field to Table Texas Style - Venison Taquitos

VENISON TAQUITOS This is an excellent alternative to plain tacos and fairly simple to make.  Use deer, elk, or pronghorn with more tender hindquarter cuts (like the top round) or...
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OH BHA Spring Updates

Hunting seasons are winding down and fishing generally pretty bad for those of us who live away from the Erie tribs, the Ohio chapter is entering outdoor show, fly tying, and sausage making...
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Kansas deer tag legislation bad for hunters and hunting

Everybody knows there's no such thing as a free lunch, right? Yet there are some folks in the Kansas legislature who think that you don't understand that fact. They think that offering you free...
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Indiana BHA to Statehouse

The Indiana Chapter will be at the Indiana Statehouse on January 24th to speak with legislators in support of Govern Holcomb's proposed state budget that will benefit the Indiana DNR and...
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The Ghost Bulls of Colorado

“Taking the life of such a large, magnificent animal can change you. Looking into its lifeless eyes sticks with you.” It’s early Wednesday morning (September 21, 2022) and nearly pitch black on...
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Trashy Squirrel Hunt 2023

NC BHA’s 5th Annual Hunt for Squirrels & Trash on North Carolina’s Public Lands Saturday, January 28th — Saturday, February 12th Trashy is back!! Too good to be true? Nope. Too cool for school?...
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Beat the "Chicken Bill" in Ohio

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...
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Habitat Restoration Through Partnership

Texas BHA Chapter awarded conservation grant and partners with USFWS and CCA to spearhead Mid-Coast habitat restoration. Brazoria County, Texas – From Port Isabel to Sabine Pass, coastal...
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BHA PA names four to board seats in 2022

The Pennsylvania Chapter welcomed four new board members to its roster of leaders in 2022. We welcome our new leaders and are excited to see what they bring to our efforts in the Keystone...
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Colorado BHA Winter Newsletter

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Colorado Chapter Newsletter Winter 2022 “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Gary Snyder[1] Recently, I found myself in a vegetarian restaurant in New York...
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2022 Kentucky BHA Chapter Highlights

2022 KYBHA TIMELINE EVENT RECAP What a year 2022 has been for Kentucky Backcountry Hunters & Anglers/KYBHA!  We had only 15 official events in 2021 and this year we have had 31 total official...
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2022 West Virginia Chapter Highlights

    2022 was a good year for the West Virginia BHA Chapter. Policy and legislative issues were the primary focus rolling into the year and the chapter did an excellent job keeping members privy...
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2022 Michigan BHA Highlights

  Back at it! That’s what we are feeling here on the Michigan Chapter of BHA: the board has been fired up since the winter planning session, and we have enjoyed the ride this year! Our goals this...
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Indiana BHA Chapter 2022 Highlights

  The Indiana BHA Chapter had an excellent year in 2022. Membership recruitment and engagement was a top priority, with the objective of allowing the Indiana BHA community to grow so that we can...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Camp Grayling Expansion in Michigan and Public Access

Camp Grayling expansion may inhibit public land access    Earlier this year, a proposal by the Michigan National Guard to more than double the amount of public lands it already leases from the...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California BHA 2022 Policy Recap

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...
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Utah Chapter Open Board Positions

Are you at that point in your hunting and/or angling journey where you wish to be more involved in an impactful way? One of the best ways to make a difference in conservation and get involved with...
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Ohio BHA 2022 Recap

2022 was a time of change for Ohio BHA, as we continue to rebuild our ranks and host killer events across the state. Notable events included: A successful pint night at Land Grant Brewery on...
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Indiana BHA Assisting w/ DNR Revenue Planning

The Chapter was a critical player in defending the much-need 2021 DNR license fee increases from a legislative disruption. IN Chapter Board Members made phone calls to key legislators explaining...
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NM AFI ladies Night

The Kirtland AFB AFI chapter hosted its first ladies’ night. The event was centered around a pack dump where we discussed gear, tools, resources, and lessons learned. Attendees were treated to...
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caribou testimony WA chapter

Public Testimony at the 10/28/22 WDFW Commission Meeting: Good Morning Commissioners, My name is Dan Wilson and I’m the co-chair of the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. On...
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Utah's Elk Management Plan Moves Ahead

Early in the year, the Utah Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers was approached by Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Big Game Coordinator, now Wildlife Section Chief Covy Jones to have a...
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Kansas BHA Urges a "NO" Vote on HCR 5014

On Election Day ballots will include Constitutional Amendment HCR-5014.  Voting “Yes” for this amendment to our State Constitution would give the Kansas Legislature direct authority over the...
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OH BHA Helps to Improve Fishing Access

Ohio BHA helping to improve fishing access along Chagrin Riverby Jacob Pries and Dustin LindleyWhile many anglers in Ohio are getting their last casts in and perhaps embellishing their best fish...
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WA Chapter Joins Statewide Coalition

The state of Washington, hunting and angling organizations have banned together and created a Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Partnership, a new coalition dedicated to protecting the...
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WDFW Commission: Headed Towards Uncharted Territory

The WDFW commission continues to barrel forward into uncharted territory, creating new policies and processes around game management without structure or pre-defined guidelines. Under the current...
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WA Snowpack Forecast

Photo courtesy of NOAA It's that time of year again, hunting season is here (or has already passed if you're a bowhunter!). Leaves are starting to turn colors. As we go into winter many of us...
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Getting High on Cleaning Up Trash

On September 17th, the Kansas Chapter of BHA helped the Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to clean up a marijuana growth operation at Perry Lake in Eastern Kansas.  In 2014 the FBI along with a host...
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Missouri Public Lands Month 2022 Roundup

News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 29, 2022Contact: Missouri BHA, missouri@backcountryhunters.orgPaul Keeven, Chairman Missouri BHA, pkeeven@gmail.com    Alexandra...
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NY BHA Fall Chapter Update - September 2022

From the Chair Hello everyone and happy Public Lands Month!  As the fronts push through and the nights are getting cooler, autumn is creeping in. Early goose, squirrel and early archery deer...
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Utah BHA Teaches 12 New Hunters Big Game Basics

The Utah Chapter would like to thank the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and especially Rachael Tuckett, for their support of the Hunting for Sustainability Program. Without the resources they...
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NM AFI Antelope Adventure

As I sit here watching the sun go down, the chickens peck and the sheep do sheep things, I am chewing on a piece of backstrap from an antelope that not a week ago was living on a pasture that...
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Volunteers help keep Ouachita National Forest clean

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – (Sept. 14, 2022) Thirty volunteers, mostly from the Arkansas Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Natural State Overland, collected 50 bags of trash and 140 tires from a dump...
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2022 Indiana Chapter Rendezvous

Wow! The 2nd Annual Indiana Rendezvous wrapped up this past weekend and we can say that it was awesome! Numerous folks from across the state joined together at the Glendale FWA for a weekend of...
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WA Chapter Awarded Organization of the Year

  The Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has been recognized by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Region 2 as the 2022 Organization of the Year. The award was the result...
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Camp Grayling Expansion in Northern Michigan

Camp Grayling Expansion A recent proposal by the Michigan National Guard to more than double the amount of public lands leased from the state of Michigan is fast becoming a hot topic for...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Southern California steelhead CESA listing

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...
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Working Group Commences Meetings to find Viable Funding

A recent meeting was held between the Indiana Division of Wildlife and a working group of representatives from state and national Conservation organizations. The Fee & Licensure Working Group was...
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OH Set to Improve Water Quality

There are some cool things happening here Ohio, the heart of it all! The Ohio chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers would like to extend our gratitude to Governor DeWine and his...
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OH BHA Board Moving Forward

  "Hello Ohio hunters, anglers, and public land enthusiasts, Do you feel the change in the air? The days are getting shorter, the mornings are starting to have a crispness to them, and the...
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CWD Research and Management Act

Chronic wasting disease represents one of the greatest threats to wild deer and other cervids in Michigan and the rest of the US. This is also a threat to the quality of our hunting...
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KYBHA Peabody WMA Cleanup

  Kentucky BHA completed our third annual Clean Up Day at the 38,700 acre Peabody Wildlife Management Area in western Kentucky on August 13, 2022.  Over 40 volunteers showed up to help, including...
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UPDATE - Western Riverside National Wildlife Refuge Act

Yesterday, Senator's Feinstein (D-CA) and Padilla (D-CA) introduced the Western Riverside National Wildlife Refuge Act, companion legislation to Rep. Calvert (R-CA) & Takano's (D-CA) H.R. 972 The...
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Oklahoma HB 3280 Dies In The Senate

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...
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Mandates must be upheld in the WDFW GMP

The following is a recent letter submitted to the WDFW Commission in response to current discussions around the WDFW Game Management Plan. July 11th, 2022 Washington Chapter Backcountry Hunters...
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Catch + Cook for a Healthy Ocean Recap

The 2022 Catch + Cook for a Healthy Ocean Competition brought together an incredible community to celebrate wild food, coastal access and the good stewardship of our natural resources.  A huge...
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OH Gov. signs HB 687 Funding BIll

      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...
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IN BHA Public Lands Packout at Crosley FWA

Seven intrepid volunteers took to the road sides of Crosley FWA last Saturday for a clean up day. The crew cleaned 4.75 miles of roadsides.  The weather was great compared to the stifling heat of...
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6/3/22 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

EAGLE NEST, NM —The June 3 State Game Commission meeting dove into proposed big game rule changes on exotic species, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and javelina. Barbary Sheep Rules: No Single...
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AFI Alaska in the News

Alaska AFI leader David May had the opportunity to represent the program.  Have a listen below.   https://sourdoughoutdoorsmen.buzzsprout.com/1443304/10367598 This time on Lead and Line, Brandon...
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CO BHA Summer Newsletter

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Colorado Chapter Newsletter Summer 2022 “What I stand for is what I stand on.” – Wendell Berry Welcome to the first edition of our Colorado Backcountry Hunters &...
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Just Keep On Flyin'

“Just keep on flyin’ over!”  We all began laughing out loud and repeating the phrase over and over. We were loading up tools and feeling good after completing a project in a beautiful spot in our...
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CO BHA Comments On State Trails Policy

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...
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California Chapter May 2022 Update

The California Chapter of BHA is firing on all cylinders this Spring and is thrilled to have defeated the HSUS petition to ban bear hunting in CA in addition to receiving over $165,000 in funding...
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UT BHA Appointed to Elk Management Plan Committee

The Utah chapter was recently invited by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to sit on the Elk Management Plan Committee.  Every seven years, the Division rewrites this plan to provide...
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A Voice for Grasslands

Have you been greeted by the predawn whistle of a bobwhite? It’s natures version of Bach and Beethoven. A sound so sweet, the greatest composers on earth would have trouble replicating. If you’re...
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What is SCORP?

What is SCORP?  Per federal regulations, each state must complete a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan every five years to receive resource appropriations from the National Land and...
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BHA Bestows Top Honors at North American Rendezvous

News for Immediate ReleaseMay 17, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org  MISSOULA, Mont. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers bestowed its top honors on a suite of...
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Hunting Mountain Merriam’s (& Gettin’ Schooled)

More often than not encounters with mountain Merriam’s end with hunters getting schooled by wary toms or watching them from afar. After getting busted by a tom not long after sunup, we encountered...
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4/11/22 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

New Mexico elk hunters could see big changes including unlimited OTC private land hunts in GMU 34 and a prohibition on muzzleloader sights, while turkey hunters could get a longer season plus a...
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Colorado BHA Q2 2022 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was born around a campfire in March 2004 thanks to seven hunters and anglers, men and women, taking the initiative.[1] That’s how all battles are begun and won!...
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Safe Passage 97 Update

Just north of Riverside Washington, over 300 mule deer per year are killed in vehicle strikes along a 12 mile stretch of Highway 97. Thanks in part to the Washington Chapter of BHA, that number...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Feather River Closure Lifted in California

Just a week and a half after BHA and partner organizations submitted a coalition letter (led by American Whitewater) to the Forest Supervisor for the Plumas National Forest, a 2 year long closure...
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Spring Bear is only the Beginning

Stemming from the appointment of three new commissioners in recent weeks, the Fish and Wildlife Commission voted on March 19 against the Washington spring black bear hunt in a 5-4 decision. The...
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Massachusetts S.507 & S.508 Update

The Massachusetts State Leadership Team was disappointed to learn that S.507, An Act Addressing Noise Issues of Migratory GameHunters Near Coastal Dwellings, accompanied with S.508, An Act...
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Book Cliffs Highway Application Withdrawn

Last week, in a 4-3 commissioner vote, the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition (SCIC) opted to withdraw its application from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to build a highway through the...
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Support 'No Net Loss' in Georgia

The Georgia Chapter supports the No Net Loss Bill currently working its way through the Georgia legislature. House Bill 1349 would amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to prevent any net...
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3/4/22 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

If you hunt in New Mexico and want to see changes in elk, deer and other big game regulations – season dates, bag limits or anything else -- now is the time to tune in. The State Game Commission...
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Show Your Support for Public Land Hunting and Fishing in Iowa

Iowa hunters and anglers rely on quality public land hunting and fishing opportunities to sustain their outdoor traditions – and Iowa Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is dedicated to protecting those...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Take Action in Massachusetts!

Thanks to the hard work of the Massachusetts State Leadership Team and BHA’s Massachusetts membership, with the help of hunters, anglers, as well as other hunting and fishing organizations, we...
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Kiowa National Grasslands - A Hidden Gem

It’s always shocking when you find some wonderful piece of public land that’s been sitting under your nose for years. Many New Mexican’s are likely to find themselves in this condition if they...
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California BHA Comments on Pathways to 30x30

The California Natural Resources Agency recently released the draft "Pathways to 30x30" document and has solicited public comment. (From the Pathways to 30 by 30 draft) "In October 2020, Governor...
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Rhode Island Winter News

With the Rhode Island legislative session in full swing and DEM’s hunting & fishing annual regulatory process right around the corner we’ve been working hard to ensure the voices of hunters and...
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Texas BHA Member Lands World Record Catfish

Austin-area BHA member Ben Christensen officially had his name put in the record books this month for catching a 31-pound, 8 ounce blue catfish on the Pedernales River last October. He landed it...
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Maine Backcountry - Winter 2022

Welcome to the inaugural edition of a quarterly update from Maine Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Our goal is to provide highlights of current news on the policy front, preview coming events and...
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Protect the Yanahli WMA

Public wildlife management areas (WMAs) managed by the state agency are a valuable asset to Tennesseans and Tennessee’s rural economies, and Yanahli is one of the state’s most popular. Hunters...
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TPWD Seeks Input on Proposed Oyster Closures

At its March 23-24 meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider prohibiting the harvest of oysters in Carlos Bay, Mesquite Bay, and Ayres Bay. The closure to oyster harvest would...
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Temporary Spotted Seatrout Regulations Approved

At its January meeting and with formal written support from Texas BHA, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission passed temporary regulation changes for spotted seatrout, with a beginning target...
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Maine 2021 Policy Roundup

­2021 was the first year of the biennial session of the Legislature and a busy one for the Maine BHA policy team. In addition to the big $40 million Land for Maine’s Future win, volunteers worked...
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2022 Utah Legislative Session is Underway

The Utah Legislative Session commenced January 18, 2022 and will extend through March 4, 2022. During this time, members of the Utah State Legislature convene to revise old or consider new state...
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BHA Opposes Proposed Bear Hunting Closure

Stand up for black bear hunting in California! The Fish & Game Commission in California will be considering a petition (2021-027) to eliminate the open hunting season for black bear at the next...
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New York BHA Chapter Update - Winter 2022

#whyBHA This month’s #whyBHA is from Ted Krueger, NYBHA Board Member: I had heard of BHA after moving to Idaho in 2015. It sounded like a cool organization but I just didn’t get around to...
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11 Ways BHA Chapters Are Working on Public Access to Your Public Lands & Waters Right Now

Quality public hunting and fishing access consistently tops the list of issues outdoorsmen and women expect Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to help tackle.  The need for recreational access only...
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Southeast Wins on Hunting Buffer

In November of 2021 the Southeast Chapter was made aware of a proposed hunting buffer zone in Mississippi’s Malmaison WMA.  This proposed rule was intended to limit access to the public hunting...
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Paying It Forward

  BY JOEL GAY It’s not easy for resident hunters to draw an elk tag in New Mexico, even for kids. As in many states, demand for tags far outstrips supply. But that’s only part of the equation....
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WA Spring Bear Next Steps

02/1/2022 UPDATE: PRESS RELEASE: WDFW Commission Appointment Process Scrutinized. Link Here. Comments Publish in Everett Herald: Link Here. WA Leader Featured in MeatEater Article on WA Spring...
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Catch up with Minnesota BHA in Debut Newsletter

Minnesota BHA has been hard at work on conservation policy, events and education, but we’ve also been busy chronicling those efforts and activities in our first ever newsletter. We have an active...
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Great news! Lac Qui Parle Land Sale Approved!

  The Minnesota state land exchange board just approved the sale of 80 acres of land owned by Jo’s Family Farm, LLC to the DNR today. This ends an over two year battle by the landowner to sell his...
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CA Chapter Comments on Coastal Public Access Guidelines

California BHA comments on the California Coastal Conservancy revised Coastal Access Project Guidelines. View the comment letter: Dear California Coastal Conservancy Board Members, I write on...
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Alaska Announces First Sanctioned AFI Installation Club

Alaska AFI is excited to announce the South Central Installation Club, the first of three officially-sanctioned Installation Clubs in our state. The State of Alaska and our Armed Forces have...
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New York BHA Chapter Update - Fall 2021

#whyBHA This month’s #whyBHA is from  Gary Stefani (@ggstef11): I have been hunting and fishing since I was a youngster, but I’m relatively new to the BHA community. I joined @backcountryhunters...
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10/22/21 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

Big changes and a vast improvement in the Open Gate program could be in store in the near future, according to a report delivered to the State Game Commission last week in Las Cruces. NMDGF...
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WI BHA - Call for Volunteer Board Members

The Wisconsin chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is excited to announce our 2021-22 Board Member Search. We are looking to grow and expand the mission of Wisconsin Public Land. We are...
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Colorado Hunters and Anglers - Vote No on Amendment 78

Soon we will all fill out our ballots (or head to the polls) to join in the 2021 election. One of the initiatives we are asked to decide is Amendment 78, officially known as the Custodial Funds...
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BHAers Don't Camp

Guys, we need to talk.  I was there. At Muster. Camping right beside you.  Which is why we need to talk.  You guys know you don’t have to camp to be in BHA, right?  I’m serious. You can think...
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Utah BHA Supports CWD Testing Program

As the voice for public lands, public waters, and wildlife, the Utah BHA Chapter has launched a Fall 2021 program that particularly focuses on the health of our mule deer herds in Utah. Chronic...
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CA BHA Advocates for Sequoia NF Land Acquisition

A letter to the District Ranger for the Sequoia National Forest regarding LWCF nomination for the Fay Creek Ranch Acquisition:   September 14, 2021   Mr. Alfred Watson, District Ranger Sequoia...
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First Annual Indiana chapter Rendezvous recap

BHA members came together on public lands to celebrate public lands with the first state chapter rendezvous for Indiana. Throughout the weekend long event, 25 members (which includes 6 youth)...
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Help Pennsylvania BHA Fight for Sunday Hunting

Pennsylvania Backcountry Hunters and Anglers believes that restrictions on Sunday hunting are an impediment to reasonable hunting access, and we support the effort made by Senator Dan Laughlin...
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Recruit, Retain, Reactivate: A Quick Reflection

Push play. Tuesday evening. I took the opportunity to lie down, put on my headphones (for the record I could listen to Jason Isbell 24/7), and relax after my 9-to-5 before the evening’s BHA work...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Fire and Forest Service Closures in California

The California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the voice for our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife in the Golden State, is closely monitoring the Forest Service District 5 decision...
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NM BHA Applauds 30x30 State Executive Order

New Mexico's 30x30 Executive Order NM BHA Statement on 30x30 State Executive Order Hunt Fish 30x30  August 25, 2020 New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers welcomes Governor Lujan Grisham’s...
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Rhode Island BHA 2021 Policy Roundup

2021 has been an interesting year, and while we did not host in-person events during the first half of the year the New England BHA team was hard at work standing up for the interests of hunters...
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New York BHA Chapter Update - Summer 2021

From the Chair On a recent trip to the Saranac Lake region I noticed that there was some color in the mountains and the mornings were crisp. Yes, it’s getting to be that time of year when we start...
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NM BHA Applauds Sabinoso Wilderness Expansion

Public land hunters in New Mexico got a boost in mid-July when the Sabinoso Wilderness Area expanded by nearly 10,000 acres. Located on the Canadian River drainage east of Las Vegas, NM, the...
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Summer 21 North Carolina Chapter News

  Hunters across North Carolina are preparing to hunt our public lands on Sundays this fall for the first time in 150 years. There is still work yet to do on Sunday hunting regulations in NC,...
Media Chapter News

Water Flows Again in the Black Range

Many thanks to hunter, conservationist and BHA member Norm Gruner as well as Andrew Gruner, Mark Hakkila (BHA, RMEF and MDF member), RMEF and MDF, for fixing a critical water source.While hunting...
Media Chapter News State Issues

6/18/21 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

In a move that surprised both sides in the acrimonious debate over stream access, State Game Commission Chairwoman Sharon Salazar Hickey has delayed the decision on closing portions of five...
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Muster in the Mountains 2021

Muster in the Mountains began in 2019 in Pennsylvania. Canceled by the events of 2020, BHA is glad to bring this eastern gathering back for 2021! This time our site host is Mike Barcone and his...
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Embers & Ecology: Burn Morels

Springtime in North America is a special time for mushroom enthusiasts. With warmer temperatures, one of the most delicious and coveted of edible fungi start to cryptically emerge from the forest...
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New York BHA Chapter Update - Spring 2021

From the Chair I hope this newsletter finds everyone ready to hit the turkey woods Saturday morning, or to just get out and enjoy the outdoors whatever your pleasure. This past Sunday I was out...
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Spring 21 Utah Chapter News

  The Utah chapter has stayed vigilant and busy during the past quarter, working as a voice for Utah's public lands and waters and continuing its growth:   The Utah chapter held its 2021 Board...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Take action and support Wisconsin's CWD disposal bill

2021 Senate Bill 166 and 2021 Assembly Bill 151 is currently in front of the Wisconsin State Senate’s Natural Resources and Energy Committee. This bill mandates the Department of Natural Resources...
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California Chapter Helps with Guzzler Repair Project

Volunteers from the California Chapter of BHA recently showed up to support the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep on a guzzler repair project in Southern California. They believe a big...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Policy Primer - UPDATE on Striped Bass Management

NY BHA advocates for continuation of goals and objectives, with swifter management action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)   By Charles Witek  Striped bass are one of the...
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2021 NM Legislative Recap

It was a tough year in the Legislature this session for public land sportsmen and women, but one bill alone accounted for most of the setbacks. NMBHA strongly supported Senate Bill 312, which had...
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Keystone State has many options for trout anglers

By Aaron Hepler When it comes to fishing, opinions and styles differ. Some want catch and release fishing only. Some would like to keep every little minnow. Styles vary widely. Wilderness fishing,...
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3/14 Hearing Update! NM Trapping Ban Likely to Pass

Over the objections of thousands of individuals and organizations, including NMBHA, the proposed statewide ban on public lands trapping took a crucial step toward becoming law Sunday...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Maine BHA Policy Update March 2021

In the first two months of 2021, the Maine BHA team identified over 75 bills introduced to the Legislature that could impact hunting and fishing, land conservation, and public access.  As of March...
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Work To Be Done To Save Pine Tree

The Arkansas Chapter continues to work on multiple fronts to keep the University of Arkansas Pine Tree Research Station open and accessible by the public.  We need your help now to continue this...
Media Chapter News

Gobblers and Garbage 2021

Turkey season is right around the corner. Following the success from the last few years, the Southeast Chapter is hosting our Gobblers and Garbage trash cleanup contest again this year. During the...
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Florida Chapter Gobblers & Garbage Initiative

The Florida Chapter is gearing up for Turkey Season and encouraging sportsmen and women to get outside and give back to conservation through the Gobblers & Garbage Initiative! Gobblers & Garbage...
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Pre-Season Turkey Scouting Tips

Well, it is that time of year for some of us.  It is almost like clockwork.  Once New Year’s hits, a switch flips in us die hard turkey hunters.  I really notice it on social media.  What once was...
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Indiana BHA Turns Out for Invasive Species Workday

Fifteen Indiana BHA members turned out in the early hours of a cold January morning recently to partner up with foresters from Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources for an invasive species...
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The ABCs of LTEs: Writing Letters to the Editor

“Brave words are brave acts.” –David “Elkheart” Petersen[1] Renowned trad bow elk hunter David Petersen (a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot) founded the Colorado Backcountry Hunters &...
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NM Public Land Trapping Ban Moves Forward

A ban on trapping on public lands throughout New Mexico is a step closer after the Senate Conservation Committee today (Tuesday, Feb. 2) voted by a wide margin to approve it. Senate Bill 32, known...
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New York BHA Chapter Update - Winter 2021

From the Chair I hope this newsletter finds everyone healthy as we put 2020 in the rearview mirror and give our full attention to 2021. I also hope everyone had a successful hunting season by...
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East Tennessee Mountain Bird

The day before my “unplanned” hunt, I was at a customer’s Block Plant in Chattanooga.  My customer asked if I had my hunting gear with me.  “Yes sir!” I replied.  He said he would get someone to...
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Turkey Huntin' Out East

My friend Steven Locke and his buddy Kenneth came down to hunt around middle Tennessee.  After some unsuccessful tries on Public Land, we headed out Saturday morning to the place in Dunlap where I...
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An OK Turkey Trip

April 25 – May 1, 2020 Oklahoma Me and my buddies’ adventures this spring would take us to Western Oklahoma for some hard-gobbling Rio Grande Turkeys.  Jacob was able to get out there a day before...
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Understanding Fox Squirrels

When I decided to try out hunting, my only real goal was to get into the woods. At most, when I strained my imagination and desires, I knew that one day I wanted to take down a big game animal...
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Hog Hunt

As the alarm was going off, I looked over at my buddies and said “We gotta find better hobbies. I mean who gets up a couple hours before daylight to go mess around in freezing temps. Hell, best...
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Winter 2021 Colorado Chapter News

    Colorado recently lost a strong voice for wildlands and wildlife when BHA member Kent Ingram passed away (on Aug. 28). Kent was a consummate hunter-angler-conservationist and his lifetime of...
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Winter 2021 Utah Chapter News

    In spite of the pandemic, BHA Utah has remained active through the fall of 2020 and into a fresh 2021:   The Wild Utah Project (@wildutahproject)  held their End-of-Summer Volunteer...
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Trashy Squirrel Hunt 2021

NC BHA’s 3rd Annual Hunt for Squirrels & Trash on North Carolina’s Public Lands Saturday, February 6th thru Saturday, February 20th Way back in 2019 the NC chapter of Backcountry Hunters &...
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1/15/21 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

Funding for habitat protection projects throughout the state will roughly double after the State Game Commission last week approved the first increase in the Habitat Stamp in more than 30 years....
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Sage Black Pepper Walnut Squirrel Recipe

Ingredients:   2 squirrels, cleaned and pieced out (I save the ribs for stock) 2 tsp sage 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp walnut oil or pork fat 1 cup chicken or small game stock 2 tsp apple cider vinegar 5...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Utahns: We’re All Public Landowners

Utah’s public lands attract residents and visitors from all over the world to explore our state’s many wonders and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. For newcomers, these landscapes may...
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Boggs Mountain — The Facts

Petition: Stop the Sale of National Forest Land in Georgia   Sign this petition to join the Georgia Chapter in opposing the sale of Boggs Mountain.   So, here’s the deal: 818 acres of your public...
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Bachelor Party, Cornhusker Birds

My bachelor party was for sure going to be unorthodox.  For one reason, I didn’t care at all to spend a few days at a beach getting drunk and another, there are very few people I’d want to spend...
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Kansas Photo Contest with KDWPT

Do you want to win a lifetime Kansas hunting license? It's pretty simple: take advantage of Kansas' Walk-In Hunting Access program to hunt private land and submit a photo of your hunt! The Kansas...
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The Legislative Finance Committee Evaluates NMDGF

NOTE: The original post contained an error about EPLUS harvest reporting requirements. It has been corrected here. A new report by the powerful Legislative Finance Committee says New Mexico elk...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Beyond the Cast

Ohio BHA's Policy & Advocacy Committee hopes you follow our journey as we learn about the impacts of lead in hunting and angling, confront our own misconceptions about the subject, and consider...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Michigan Chapter Breaks Down Proposition 20-1

The Michigan chapter of BHA is the voice for our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife in our great state and seeks to inform members on issues affecting our members as well as public lands and...
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Introducing the Public Land Owner Stewardship Fund: Five Clubs Receive Funding for Local Stewardship Projects

BHA often touts the boots-on-the-ground, grassroots efforts of our organization and perhaps nothing embodies this more than the stewardship efforts of our college clubs. As collective owners of...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CWD In Tennessee: How Hunters Can Help

CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease), which is virtually undetectable with the human eye, has been found in deer in Tennessee since 2018. Unlike Blue Tongue or Fibromas, CWD can persist in a herd without...
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New York BHA Chapter Update – Fall 2020

From the Chair: What a year this has been! I hope this finds everyone in good health. Like most the New York chapter has been figuring out how to navigate in the new climate we now live in. The...
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10/16/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

Habitat restoration efforts in New Mexico could receive a major infusion of cash after the State Game Commission agreed with NM BHA and other sportsmen’s organizations to bring the cost of a...
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New York hosts Virtual Learn to Hunt Series

Throughout the Public Lands Month of September, a few of the members of the New York Chapter of BHA put together a series of Virtual Learn to Hunt Zoom meetings. The series were targeted towards...
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UT BHA Members Honored by Wild Utah Project

Wild Utah Project @wildutahproject recently held their End-of-Summer Volunteer Celebration and three Utah BHA members were presented Volunteer of the Year Awards. Melissa Early (Utah BHA board...
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The Wild Harvest Initiative Assesses Texas Harvest Data

A recent study on how Texas hunters use their harvested wild game shows, perhaps unsurprisingly, that almost every successful hunter shares with friends, family, and community members –...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Why Fight For Pine Tree — The History

The battle to defend public access to the entire Pine Tree Research Station near Colt, Arkansas may seem at first glance to be a matter of merely local interest.  Of the 11,850 acres on the...
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8/13 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

Image by Patrick Hendry - Unsplash. Unlike most state agencies, which are taking substantial cuts in this year of declining revenues, the Department of Game and Fish budget should see no...
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One Cast, Everyone Knows the Rules

As we walked further upstream, the location Sam described began to materialize. He is never one to be quiet, and he had been talking about this spot all morning. As we continued the trek, I could...
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Arkansas BHA Summer Sweepstakes!

Arkansas BHA is raising money to help protect The Natural State's public land, water and wildlife.  To do so, we have put together the Waterfowl Hunter's Dream prize package with three chances to...
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Student Leaders Step Up and Help Pass the Great American Outdoors Act

Today, the House passed the Great American Outdoors Act with a 310-107 vote. It now makes its way to the President's desk for a final signature. BHA members across the U.S. made their voices...
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Amanda's Venison Chorizo

Ingredients (10lb batch) ●  1 1⁄4 Cup Ancho Chili Powder ●  1⁄2 Cup Chipotle Powder ●  1⁄2 Cup Paprika ●  2⁄3 Cup Chili Powder ●  5 Tablespoon Salt ●  7 Tablespoon Cumin ●  7...
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6/25 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

The State Game Commission met Thursday, but it was mainly an opportunity to discuss issues coming up in the future. Meeting online, commissioners heard a variety of reports and proposals,...
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Colorado Get Outdoors Giveaway!

We are launching the Get Outdoors Giveaway to bring attention to the Great American Outdoors Act moving forward in Congress right now and to ask for your support. The Colorado Chapter has worked...
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Wild Recipes of California

Join us around a virtual campfire event for regional wild game, fish, or foraged recipe presentations, as well as camaraderie, companionship, storytelling and tradition. Present a favorite wild...
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California Big Game Drawing Overview - Deer

I can still remember the first time I tried to understand the process of applying for deer tags in California’s Big Game Drawing. Not coming from a hunting family I had no idea what preference...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Expanding Public Land Hunting Access in the Hoosier State

Expanding Public Land Hunting Access in the Hoosier State By Rob Seilheimer Photo by Adam Perrry   The Department of the Interior looks to keep its promise to expand hunting and fishing access on...
Media Chapter News State Issues

E-Bikes & Elk: A Bad Combination

A recent story in The Aspen Times (“Traditional cyclists, e-bikers clash over new trail rules across Colorado,” 5/17/20) included some observations from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) State...
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Utah Legislative Action Committee Recap

In an effort to more directly engage in bill tracking and direct lobbying efforts during the Legislative Session, BHA Utah created a Legislative Action Committee to make a more concerted and...
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Ohio BHA Comments on HB 553

Restricting the Ohio Division of Wildlife as the state agency to manage the very resources it is charged with managing is a misstep. Singling out the Chief of the Division of Wildlife and removing...
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4/30/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

A new committee devoted specifically to the concerns of hunters was formed Thursday during the State Game Commission meeting. Proposed by Vice-chairwoman Roberta Salazar Henry,  the Hunt Structure...
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Public Land in a Pandemic

Image Vince Scott   Indiana’s turkey season is here! Like many of you, I will be taking to the woods and fields for the next few weeks in the hopes of calling in a cooperative long beard. In a...
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Thank you Don Magstadt

In February, the North Dakota chapter was notified that BHA member Don Magstadt had passed away after a battle with cancer, and the family wanted to set up a memorial donation to honor his memory...
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4/20 NM State Game Commission Meeting Recap

The State Game Commission did not vote on anything substantial during its special meeting Monday morning, but there were fireworks nevertheless. The commission had called the meeting to discuss...
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Social Distancing on Arizona Public Lands

Bella the Public Land Bird Dog and I headed up the trail in Oak Creek Canyon into the designated wilderness. We went solo as we usually do and especially now with the need to reduce our contact...
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Spring 2020 North Dakota Chapter update

NDBHA has high hopes for 2020.  We have doubled down on our planning efforts this year, so we can be involved in more events to grow our membership and increase our fundraising. We have also...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Spring 2020 Kentucky Chapter News

  Above: Green River National Wildlife Refuge The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is proud to report that on November 22nd, the nation’s 568th national wildlife refuge, Green...
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Texas Chapter Update - March 2020

Texas BHA members put their boots on the ground in support of public lands and waters for the Second Annual Public Lands Workday last month, dedicating a Saturday to cleaning up popular hunting...
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Ohio BHA weighs in on Wayne National Forest comment period

The Wayne National Forest is currently in the process of revising its Forest Plan that has been in place since 2006. Now in the assessment phase, the Forest Service is soliciting input from...
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Mountain Merriam’s Chess Match

During April 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a month-long hunting trip up Divide Creek near Silt.[1] TR described the region as “a great, wild country … where the mountains crowded...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Kansas Chapter Leads Habitat Project with KDWPT

On February 29, 2020, 15 volunteers from Kansas BHA and the general hunting community joined Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) at Perry Wildlife Area for the chapter’s...
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3/4/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

There was little to note about the State Game Commission meeting this week in Albuquerque except this amazing statement from the chairwoman: The Department of Game and Fish has sued the Game...
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Spring 2020 Southeast Chapter News

Above: SE chapter squirrel hunt With big game season wrapping up in the South, several states within the Southeast chapter have begun hosting small game hunts. These hunts took place in Florida...
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Spring 2020 New York Chapter News

Above: BHA-NY worked with the Northeast Wilderness Trust to open up previously inaccessible land to recreation   The hunting seasons and New Year have come and gone, and it’s time to get back to...
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Spring 2020 New England Chapter News

  In New Hampshire, the New England chapter partnered with the Monadnock Conservancy to celebrate the protection of the Cunningham Pond Conservation Area, in Peterborough. BHA members provided...
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Spring 2020 Colorado Chapter News

  The Colorado BHA chapter has appointed five new Chapter Leadership Team (CLT) members: Liz Rose, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) State Trust Lands Liaison;[1] Kyle Vistuba, Membership...
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Exploring Small Game Hunting on Texas Public Land

A small group of hunters, public land enthusiasts, and BHA members gathered at Granger Lake on Feb. 1, to experience the small-game hunting opportunities offered on public land at the Willis Creek...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Chapter supports Federal Bills to expand public access

The California policy committee recently submitted a letter of support for the legislative bill Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act (S. 3288)....
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Kansas BHA Blitz

Think football season is over? Maybe not in Chief’s Kingdom! The Kansas Chapter of BHA has set up an 8 events in 8 weeks BHA Blitz! Check out our game plan: Kansas BHA has been working with the...
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Timber to Table Elk Hunt

Stephen came home from a BHA fundraiser, happy to tell me he had bid and won a guided elk hunt. I didn’t know right away that I would be going with him as the hunter.  He told me later that the...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Support for Northwest California

Anyone who has spent time in the vast expanses of public land in Northern California can attest to the richness of the landscape. From the ancient redwoods of the coasts to the sprawling...
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Ohio BHA Starts Strong in 2020

The Ohio Chapter of BHA had a whirlwind of a three-day stretch between January 22nd and 24th. The calendar started with Filson’s film screening event for “Will To Live: The Story of Gary Edinger”...
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Michigan highlights 2019 and looks forward to 2020

Your Michigan Board just finished our annual planning retreat and we want to share a few things with all of you about this past year and the upcoming plans that we have scheduled for 2020. First,...
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1/17/20 NMDGF Game Commission Recap

After Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham dismissed the best game commission chair we've ever had – Joanna Prukop – NM BHA specifically asked that Prukop's replacement be just as qualified. We were...
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Kansas Chapter Welcomes 2020

Welcome to 2020.  What a first year this has been for Kansas BHA!  Pint Nights all over the state, booths at conventions and shows, Beer Bands and Public Lands, and on and on. But even more...
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Learn to Hunt: An Ohio Success Story

Antillio and I met two years ago at a "Learn To Hunt" event put on by the Ohio Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Little did I know it at the time, but one of my most memorable hunts would...
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First Confirmed Case of CWD found in Val Verde County

State officials detected chronic wasting disease in a free-ranging, 5 1/2 -year-old whitetail doe last month between Del Rio and Amistad Reservoir, making it the first confirmed case of the...
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Opinion: AZ BHA Thanks Sen. McSally for Supporting LWCF

Some of my favorite traditions involve spending time outside with my family in the great outdoors. We make annual trips to places all over the state. We love to chase elusive trout in pristine...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Understanding Access on Arizona's State Trust Lands

Bella, my German Wirehair Pointer, and I quartered through the thick grass cover, prickly pear cactus, yucca, and a few pinon and juniper in search of Arizona’s renowned Gambel's quail. We were...
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Winter 2020 Utah Chapter News

Like every other chapter in BHA, our Utah members have spent a good chunk of the fall hitting the mountains hard during hunting season. We managed to slip in a few events before the hunting season...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Winter 2020 Tennessee Chapter News

The Tennessee Chapter officially kicked off in style with a pint night tour across the state in July. Land Tawney joined Josh Kaywood for the tour, stopping in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis and...
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Winter 2020 Pennsylvania Chapter News

In August, the Pennsylvania chapter continued to bolster their habitat improvement work throughout the state with their 3rd work day of the year at Raccoon Creek State Park’s Wetland Trail. The...
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Winter 2020 New York Chapter News

New York BHA has had a busy summer. Between fishing, hiking, getting ready for hunting seasons—oh yeah—and a whole bunch of public land conservation and advocacy, we’ve had a full plate. On...
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Winter 2020 Kentucky Chapter News

  Daniel Boone is an American icon and he is the namesake for the largest piece of public land in Kentucky. Spread across 21 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky, more than 708,000 acres of...
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Winter 2020 Iowa Chapter News

               As fall winds hit the leaves, Iowa’s hunters hit the fields in search of quarry from small game to whitetails and everything in between. A disturbing trend, which is not only being...
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Winter 2020 Colorado Chapter News

The Colorado BHA chapter recently appointed several new Chapter Leadership Team members, including: Mesa County-Grand Valley Assistant Regional Director Becca Fowler; Southeast Colorado Events...
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Winter 2020 Arizona Chapter News

This past summer we spent time with the University of Arizona on their Santa Rita Experimental Range continuing the placement of our OHV “Ride Legally” signs across the state. The Santa Rita is...
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LT in NC: The Week of Land

What a week we had with BHA President and CEO Land Tawney! Tremendous gratitude to all who came out to the events in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Asheville and extra special thanks to the volunteers...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Make a Call to Repeal Sunday Hunting Ban

Pennsylvania hunters are closer than ever to being able to hunt on Sundays. Senate Bill 147, sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin, would expand opportunities for Pennsylvania hunters by providing...
Media Chapter News State Issues Backcountry Journal

Saving Coni Island

South of the Brooks Range in northern Alaska there still exists intact ecosystems that remain largely unchanged except by forces of nature.  This is one of the largest public land wild areas left...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Eastern Chapters unite behind bill to support Chesapeake Bay restoration

The New York, Pennsylvania and Capital Region Chapters weighed in to support S. 2591, a bill to enable the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service to assist local stakeholders to expand conservation and...
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Gunnison Hosts Bighorn Observation Program Lecture

You may have heard of the Bighorn Observation Program in the Weminuche Wilderness in southwestern Colorado. If not, check out this story by High Country News. Program creators Terry Meyers, the...
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OHV Signage Protects Santa Rita Experimental Range

September 28, 2019 was National Public Lands Day and was celebrated by members of the Arizona chapter of BHA by assisting the University of Arizona’s Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) with the...
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Shared Stewardship

“Many hands make light work”. When these words were penned in the 1324 cult classic Bevis of Hampton, folks may have scoffed at it. Or they could have loved it. Who knows? But what I do know is...
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New England BHA Steps Up on Public Lands Day

On Saturday September 28 the New England Chapter of BHA partnered with the USFS and the USFWS staff on the Green Mountain National Forest and the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge for...
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Boots on the Ground and in the Water

Utah BHA recently participated in a beaver dam analog habitat (BDAs) project for coldwater trout fisheries in a tributary of the Weber river today called Chalk Creek. This...
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9/18 NM State Game Commission Meeting Recap

The State Game Commission met Sept. 18 in Cloudcroft, and although no final decisions were made, the Commission showed its intention to approve major changes to bear, cougar and trapping rules in...
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Cibola National Forest Planning Update

A new Land and Resource Management Plan for New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest is being enacted, and the public is encouraged to comment through November 7, 2019. What will the proposed changes...
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Fall 2019 Iowa Chapter News

One of the focuses for the Iowa chapter is R3 (recruitment, retention, and reactivation) events. Board member Max McDaniel has been communicating with the Iowa DNR in planning multiple events...
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Fall 2019 New York Chapter News

    The summer heat hasn’t stopped BHA-NY from working hard for our public lands. Over the last few months, BHA-NY has been spreading the good-word across the state at various events and through...
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Fall 2019 New England Chapter News

BHA-NE members partnered with other organizations on a riverbank restoration project on the East Branch of the Passumpsic River, a Learn to Turkey Hunt weekend, a Full Draw Film Tour event, the...
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Fall 2019 Tennessee Chapter News

The Tennessee Chapter kicked off its inauguration with a pint night tour across the state in July. Land Tawney came down to get everyone pumped about the new chapter.  Knoxville was first up with...
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Fall 2019 Southeast Chapter News

In the midst of our usual summer heat and humidity, the Southeast chapter has had a busy few months enjoying our public lands and waters. We followed up our successful Gobblers and Garbage...
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Fall 2019 Oklahoma Chapter News

The Oklahoma chapter was officially accredited in May and immediately set lofty goals for the upcoming year. Our inaugural State Rendezvous was held July 26th- 28th on the Upper Illinois River....
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Fall 2019 North Dakota Chapter News

The 2019 summer has proven to be both busy and trying for NDBHA.  We’ve dealt with multiple project cancellations due to weather and logistical issues. However, we were able to complete the...
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Fall 2019 Indiana Chapter News

The Indiana chapter hit the ground running after being officially accredited in May. The Board of Directors decided on several strategic priorities that are both consistent with the overall goals...
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Fall 2019 Colorado Chapter News

The Colorado BHA chapter recently appointed several new Chapter Leadership Team members, including Sam Williamson to serve as a Northern Colorado Assistant Regional Director, Gabriela...
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Fall 2019 Kansas Chapter News

Kansas chapter of BHA is official! The North American board approved our chapter application in May after a lot of effort by a lot of people. Kansas is now part of the fastest growing conservation...
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What Public Lands Month Means To Me

Many Americans are not aware of the true wealth they possess through their shared ownership of our Public Lands and Waters.  These wild places provide us untold benefits even if we do not ever...
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Ohio learn to dove hunt is a huge success.

The Ohio Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers just wrapped up an exciting Learn to Hunt event.  With over 20 total people involved over the course of three different days, we could make this...
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Summer 2019 Pennsylvania Chapter News

The Pennsylvania chapter has coupled their rapid membership growth with many opportunities for members to get involved with on-the-ground habitat improvement projects in 2019. Members attended two...
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Colorado Chapter Celebrates New Hunting Grounds

Photo Credit: Good Bull Outdoors   Earlier this week Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) announced the locations of state trust lands now accessible to hunters and anglers across the state of...
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Texas BHA Public Walk-in Access Adoption program

The Texas chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (TX BHA) adopts 11 public hunting areas in the Lubbock, TX area Since 1987, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has offered the Annual...
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Industry Partners Speak Up for Stream Access

On July 24 New Mexico's State Game Commission enacted a 90-day moratorium on the existing stream access regulation that allows sections of streams running through private land to be deemed...
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NM State Game Commission Recap - 8/22

As expected, the State Game Commission meeting in Santa Fe on Thursday was mostly discussion, although the panel did approve a $42 million operating budget for NMDGF, representing a 3 percent...
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Utah BHA Launches CWD Reporting Program & Giveaway

Chronic Wasting Disease is in Utah, and the Department of Wildlife Resources needs our help to ensure that deer, elk and moose herds in our state can thrive for years to come. From now until the...
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Reporting Locked Gates on NM State Land

It's that time of year when hunters head into the field to enjoy public lands and carry on our time honored tradition of hunting with family and friends. Sometimes during these outings we...
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Texas BHA Launches R3 Program

There are many potential barriers to becoming a hunter in Texas. Some of them perceived, yet some are very real. Despite these challenges, hunter recruitment is an important priority for TX BHA,...
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Sporting Clay Shoot in Southern California

Photo Credit: Eric Hanson Members and friends of the California Backcountry Hunters and Anglers chapter braved the heat on July 27 to bust some clays, prepare for the upcoming upland season, and...
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CO BHA Attends USFS Taylor Park Field Trip

The U.S. Forest Service’s GMUG Ranger District and the Center for Public Lands teamed up to provide an informative field trip to Taylor Park. Field trippers convened at the Tin Cup Town Hall and...
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Proposed mining operation near Okefenokee NWR

Recently, Twin Pines Minerals LLC of Birmingham, Alabama filed a permit to mine titanium dioxide near The Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Okefenokee Swamp (which is the largest...
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Summer 2019 Colorado Chapter News

The Colorado BHA chapter recently appointed two new Chapter Leadership Team members: John Barkowski, serving as our Assistant Regional Director for the Southeast Colorado Group, and Michael Kozer,...
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Summer 2019 North Dakota Chapter News

North Dakota BHA saw its first birthday on April 12, and after a year of incredible growth and learning, we are grateful to be where we are.  Thank you to our members for your support and...
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Summer 2019 North Carolina Chapter News

North Carolina BHA closed out its first full year this past May at Rendezvous 2019 in Boise, ID. What an incredible ride it has been! Our chapter grew by nearly 410% during those 12 months to...
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Summer 2019 Kentucky Chapter News

After over a year of hard work by a dedicated core group of volunteers, we have darkened the map for Kentucky by becoming an official chapter!  Not a group to rest on our laurels, we are hitting...
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Summer 2019 Kansas Chapter News

The Kansas Chapter has been working diligently towards official charter for the past several months.  As part of this effort we attended the Monster Buck Classic in January and the Kansas...
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Summer 2019 Wisconsin Chapter News

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Reauthorization The Wisconsin chapter has been actively working with other organizations to support the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. ...
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Summer 2019 Utah Chapter News

Utah had a rather rainy spring, but that has not stopped our members from getting outside! The Utah board is continuing to plan several exciting events to engage our members. At the end of...
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Summer 2019 Southeast Chapter News

The Southeast chapter recently held a public land cleanup initiative during spring turkey season. Our Gobblers and Garbage contest combined our love for turkey hunting with our passion for public...
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Summer 2019 Iowa Chapter News

Iowa BHA hit the ground running since becoming an official chapter in December 2018. The Iowa Deer Classic, in early March, marked BHA’s grand entrance upon Iowa’s conservation stage. The Classic...
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The Pearl in Peril

Mississippi is an outdoorsman's paradise. Our state offers almost limitless, publicly accessible, opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, and anything else outdoor related. These...
Media Chapter News State Issues

A Conservation Focus in Ohio’s Recently Signed Budget Bill

On July 17th, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a budget bill into law that includes a number conservation victories which the Ohio Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has been fighting for since...
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BHA Co-hosts Public GMUG Comment Writing Workshop

On July 16th, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) partnered with High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) to host a public comment writing workshop in Crested Butte, Colorado. The workshop was...
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California Chapter supports Federal Conservation Bills

The California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently sent a letter of support of Congresswomen Judy Chu’s (D-CA) San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act (H.R....
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Thou Shalt Not Hunt on Sundays — a NC Blue Law

If you find yourself hunting in North Carolina on both public and private land during hunting seasons, you might want to check your calendar and the time because if it happens to be Sunday and you...
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Chapter Supports Northwest California Bill H.R. 2250

The California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently authored a letter of support for Congressman Jared Huffman’s (D-CA) Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working...
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Summer 2019 California Chapter News

            With the chapter growing to over 2000 members, chapter leaders are planning many exciting events and clinics to keep the momentum moving forward for the remainder of 2019. The...
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Summer 2019 Arizona Chapter News

We have been watching a handful of legislative bills that could impact public land access since the beginning of the year. HB2557 was amended to include the previously introduced HB2056 and HB2547...
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Ohio's Bass Trash and BBQ bash

From the moment the Wisconsin Glacier receded, the Little Miami River has been a backdrop to the rise and fall of people and the ebb and flow of civilizations. The Paleoindians. The mound...
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Bonds of the Wild

You hear it all the time, hell, I’ve even said it myself: “it goes fast”. But nothing can really prepare you for how fast life actually goes. How you can be in your twenties and blink and you’re...
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Arizona BHA Policy Recap

The 54th session of the Arizona legislature concluded this May, and, thanks to the engagement and perseverance of hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts across the state, our voices were...
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The Joy of Mountain Goat Viewing in the Uinta Mountains

Anyone who has hiked Mount Timpanogos has likely seen (and been stared down) by a mountain goat somewhere along the trail. I didn’t know this was a normal occurrence when I did this hike for the...
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My Home Water, The River That Caught On Fire

There aren’t many universal truths that stand the test of time, but I’ve got one. This will be my 4thseason that I call the Cuyahoga River my home water. I live between Akron and Cleveland, a...
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Darby Creek Watershed: Cause for Concern

-Gabriel Karns, Policy and Legislation co-chair of Ohio Backcountry Hunters & Anglers What Ohio may lack in stunning mountain vistas or endless rolling plains of native grasslands, the Buckeye...
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New York BHA Spring 2019 Update

Drawing the winners at a New York BHA Pint Night. Photo by Kevin Koehler   After an extremely busy winter, BHA-NY has set its sights on events and activities for the Spring and Summer months. Oh...
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Ohio BHA Adopt a Trail and Cleanup Initiatives

Earlier this year, Ohio BHA kicked off a multipronged habitat and service initiative that will span the entire state.  The plan is to lead and coordinate several different projects that allow BHA...
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Reflections on Rendezvous from Ohio

It’s tough to really capture how badass the BHA North American Rendezvous is without experiencing it. The Ohio Chapter had six folks attend this year. We asked each to highlight their favorite...
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CO BHA Holds a Learn to Hunt Turkeys Seminar

For Colorado Public Lands Day on May 18th, 2019, the Colorado Chapter of BHA held a Learn to Hunt Turkey Seminar in Gunnison. The event featured an educational seminar, a target shooting field...
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Get Ready! Hike to Hunt Is Almost Here!

Hike to Hunt is just around the corner. For those of you not familiar with it, BHA puts on a Hike to Hunt contest yearly to promote people getting out and hiking on our public lands, all the while...
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First Public Land Deer

I have been a private land hunter my whole life growing up on a farm in middle Tennessee.  It wasn’t until I became involved with BHA that I wanted to take my hunting to another level by spending...
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CSU Work Project

On April 27th, 2019, the Colorado State University (CSU) Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA), accompanied by the CSU chapters of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and The Wildlife...
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Naturita River Access Project

For many years, even among local boaters, there has been much uncertainty and confusion about legal access points for running the section of the San Miguel River near Naturita, CO. This Spring,...
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CO Habitat Watch Volunteer Leads Stewardship Effort

We all know what a difficult and lengthy journey it is to get a habitat project off the ground. That’s why it is so important to continue monitoring these projects to ensure our efforts are making...
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CDFW Proposes New Fishing Regulations

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently released a proposed set of changes to the state’s inland trout fishing regulations in furtherance of the Department’s Inland Trout...
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Your Backcountry: San Juan Wilderness

Renowned elk hunter (and Colorado BHA founder) David Petersen describes, in his book A Man Made of Elk, a bugling bull as “an otherworldly music … like a calamitous crescendo of bluesy high notes...
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CO BHA Appoints Two Habitat Watch Volunteers

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Habitat Watch Volunteers The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently appointed two Habitat Watch Volunteers (HWVs): Justin...
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Wisconsin Chapter urges action on biennial budget

The 2019-21 budget process is underway, and we need you to make your voice heard. The Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers was extremely disappointed to find out Gov. Evers chose to...
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Sportsmen for the San Juan Mountains Wilderness

The Colorado Chapter of BHA is proud to announce the launching of the Sportsmen for the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Coalition. We have joined TU, Artemis, and a number of Colorado Business...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Letter: Let’s Celebrate Public Lands Day in Arizona

It is not often that a bill moves through the legislature with such widespread and bipartisan support as HB 2271, which would establish the first Saturday in April as Public Lands Day throughout...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Bill to help Game Commission acquire lands on target

The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers applauds two pieces of legislation authored by state Rep. Mike Turzai of Allegheny County aimed at increasing the Pennsylvania Game...
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California Chapter helps with Desert Sheep survey

On March 4th, members from the California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers volunteered to survey wild sheep in the San Gabriel Mountains located just west of Los Angeles. The survey was...
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New York BHA Winter 2019 Update

BHA-NY is as busy as ever this winter, cranking out events and pint nights, thanks to our hard-working board and membership. First up, let’s all welcome Carla Denn and Virginia Glazier who were...
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BHA Officially Launches Iowa Chapter

News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 1, 2019Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org   Public lands sportsmen and women in the Hawkeye State unite in support of...
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New England Chapter Newsletter Spring 2019

Thanks for being part of the fastest growing conservation organization in the country! Your efforts are paying off- the U.S. Senate just passed S.47, now we need the U.S. House to...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California Desert Bill included in S.47

On February 12th, the Senate overwhelming passed the Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47), a landmark conservation public lands package in a 92-8 vote in support of the measure. The highlight...
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Texas BHA - Spring Public Lands Work Day

TX BHA is proud to announce our 1st spring Public Lands Work Day, and we'd like to invite you to rally your family and friends, BHA members and non-members alike, to take part in this event at one...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Utah Chapter Campaigns for Hunters at Sage Grouse Summit

The Utah Sage Grouse Summit, recently renamed the Utah All Lands-All Hands Summit, took place this week in downtown Salt Lake City. The Utah Chapter of Backcountry Hunter & Anglers was in...
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Alabama Pint Night Tour Review

The Alabama Pint Night Tour was one of the more inspiring things I have been involved in with the Southeast Chapter.  Last August we did a similar tour across the state, averaging 4 attendees for...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Chapter works with Congress on Desert Protection

Throughout last year, the California Chapter was been involved in working with Representative Cook and Senator Feinstein on their California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act (H.R. 857) and...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California Chapter joins in R3 Initiative

This past October, the California chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers joined a group of California sportsman organizations and dozens of other stakeholders to review the first draft of the...
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New York BHA Fall Update 2018

Following a tough but rewarding turkey season, we got right back to work in New York. Chapter Chair, Todd Waldron, attended the NY Sportsmen's Legislative Breakfast at the Capitol in Albany which...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Wisconsin's new CWD rules under threat

“In any moment of decision, the best thing to do is the right thing, the next best thing to do is the wrong thing, and the worst thing that you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt For too...
Media Chapter News State Issues

New York BHA speaks up for LWCF

On Sunday, September 30th the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), one of our country’s most successful outdoor conservation tools, is set to expire and BHA needs you to take action to prevent...
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New York BHA Summer Update 2018

The New York Chapter has been active on many fronts. In March the board hosted several pint nights, including two incredibly well attended events in Brooklyn and Ithaca. Our Catskill rendezvous at...
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Colorado BHA Remembers Chapter Patriarch Bill Sustrich

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) member, William “Bill” Henry Sustrich, 91, of Salida died on July 25, 2018. He was two months shy of 92 years old. “He enjoyed BHA so we have asked for...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Bad Public Lands Bills Pass Michigan House and Senate

  Michigan public lands bills SB302, SB303, and HB4475 have passed the state house and senate. SB302, and 303 and HB4475 now move to Governor Snyder's desk.  The Michigan Board has submitted a...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Bighorn Observation Volunteers Needed Colorado BHA

Project Lead: SW Colorado BHA Regional Director Dan Parkinson DVM                                    docdanp@gmail.com  970-759-0545    Why?  Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, the highly valued and...
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NMDGF Overhauls Antelope Tag System

It just got easier for hunters, both resident and non-resident, to draw an antelope tag in New Mexico. The State Game Commission in May voted for a massive overhaul of its antelope management...
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NY BHA gets dirty to clean up public lands

By TIM ROWLAND, Originally published in the Sun Community News and Printing JUNE 13, 2018 2:00 PM HAGUE, New York — At an old sand pit in close proximity to the Rogers Rock State Campground,...
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Texas BHA Summer 18 Newsletter

Read about the role of public lands in Texas and see what our chapter is up to: Click Here This first edition of the Texas BHA quarterly newsletter includes important policy updates on issues...
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Campfire Storytelling Event at New Belgium a Big Hit

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Campfire Stories/Public Lands Day Celebration “Was Pretty Darn Cool” A recent Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (and Filson) Campfire Stories Public Lands Day celebration...
Media Chapter News State Issues

2018 New Mexico Primary Candidate Questionnaire

New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers members will vote in several crucial elections in 2018 that will affect hunting, fishing, and the management of wildlife and public lands, including...
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Colorado BHA Member of the Month

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Recognize U.S. Army Veteran as Member of the Month Russell Bassett, Colorado Front Range Sponsor/Events Coordinator, BHA The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)...
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2018 Colorado Chapter Rendezvous

The Colorado BHA 2018 Chapter Rendezvous will be on June 1-3 at the Lakeview campground in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest (about 29 miles north of Buena Vista) in the vicinity of the Twin...
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A Big Win for Sportsmen and Wildlife in Colorado

In a big win for sportsmen and wildlife, this week the Colorado State Legislature passed two separate pieces of legislation securing critical funding for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other...
Media Chapter News State Issues

BHA Supports GA Outdoor Stewardship Act

On March 22nd BHA officially endorsed Georgia's Outdoor Stewardship Act. Southeast Board Member, Chris Jenkins said "the Act positions the state of Georgia as a true leader in conservation, and...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Action Alert! Michigan Public Lands at Risk

What do you get when you make it harder for the DNR to acquire public land and easer for the DNR to sell public land? Less public land. And in a death of a thousand small cuts, that’s exactly...
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Conservation and Public Lands win in Alabama!

Earlier in the month of February, Representative Tuggle brought back to life HB 362, a bill introduced in 2012 that aimed to defund Forever Wild by taxing the principle fund.  Forever Wild is an...
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WA BHA Comments on SB 6140

To: Honorable Representatives Brian Blake, Mike Chapman, Vincent Buys, Tom Dent, Joe Fitzgibbon, Joel Kretz, Kristine Lytton and Larry Springer Cc: Honorable Senators Kevin Van De Wege, John McCoy...
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New York BHA Spring Update 2018

The New York Chapter has come into 2018 with a fury. With the election of new board members, the appointment of Chris Hennessey as the Northeast Coordinator, and the utilization of web based...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Action Alert - Wisconsin Water Access

As you may have already heard, there is currently a bill proposed that would limit public use of navigable waterways.  AB 599/ SB 506 prevents the DNR from declaring a stream a navigable waterway...
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New officers, board for Pennsylvania BHA

The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has an entirely new slate of officers and, for the first time, a full slate of board members. Immediate past chair Jeff Sample and...
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Colorado State Trails Grant Program Comments Needed

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Trails Program (i.e., State Trails Grant Committee) distributes millions in grants to user groups and federal agencies in Colorado for trail development each...
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Trapshooting Gaining Popularity

In Colorado, and on public lands nationwide, ATV/OHV overuse and abuse is increasingly impacting big game (and other wildlife) habitat and related watersheds for trout and other aquatic species....
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Uncompahgre RMP Comments - Adam Gall

October 28, 2016 Uncompahgre Field Office   2465 Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO  81401 Comments on the Draft RMP/EIS for the Uncompahgre Field Office Adam Gall, Colorado BHA Assistant Central West...
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Uncompahgre RMP Comments - Craig Grother

Project Manager, Uncompahgre RMP                                                                                  October 27, 2016 Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office 2465 South...
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September 2016 Member of the Month

BHA Member of the Month (for September 2016), Matt Anderson, took the bull by the horns during August when he hosted a Full Draw Film Tour event in Longmont, Colorado. With little time to plan,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Wisconsin BHA's Position on State Land Sale

The Issue:The latest phase of state lands proposed for sale by the state of Wisconsin would result in the direct loss of 1,344 acres of high quality public hunting, fishing and recreational...
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Minnesota BHA Rendezvous Report

Minnesota BHA Rendezvous Report (2016): Wild River State Park     Minnesota BHA held its fourth annual chapter Rendezvous during the weekend of August 19-21, 2016. We set up camp in Minnesota’s...
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New York BHA Summer 2016 Update

Member Todd Waldron has been keeping us up to date on the recent NYS DEC acquisition of the 20,758-acre Boreas Pond Tract purchase in the Adirondacks. Later this year NYS’s land classification...
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New England BHA Summer 2016 Update

Connecticut: A number of inquiries about membership came from Connecticut this spring. Board member Matthew McKenzie has met with one individual, Andy Billip, and together they are planning a...
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Minnesota BHA Summer 2016 Update

Minnesota BHA board member and filmmaker Mark Norquist was the recipient of BHA’s Sigurd Olson Award at the North American Rendezvous in Missoula. Mark’s award-winning film “Fish Out of Water”...
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Colorado BHA Summer 2016 Update

Colorado BHA held its 8th annual rendezvous during early June in the San Isabel National Forest west of Salida. During the weekend we recognized BHA Life Member Steven Choromanski for spearheading...
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California BHA Summer 2016 Update

The California Chapter will have a table at the North American Longbow Safari, July 2 and 3, hosted by Traditional Archers of California, in Petaluma. We are looking for members to help man our...
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Alaska BHA Summer 2016 Update

Summer has come to Alaska, snow and ice are giving way to green tundra and flowing rivers. Salmon are steadily making their way upriver and AK BHA members are already into the frantic pace of...
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Washington BHA Summer 2016 Update

Washington chapter and BHA Chapter Coordinator Ty Stubblefield, held a pint night hosted by Justin Klement, in Everett Washington. Chapter members attended a listening program from the Colville...
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Wisconsin BHA Summer 2016 Update

The Wisconsin Chapter of BHA was formed in March and has hit the ground running to tackle issues of conservation, public lands and waters access, and raising awareness of the chapter’s creation....
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Gooseberry Creek, Narrows Reservoir Project Delayed!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a comment on the Gooseberry Creek/ Narrows Reservoir Project. BHA Utah, along with several local partners Trout Unlimited, Utah Rivers Council, and Western...
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Washington BHA Spring 2016 Update

Washington chapter members participated in public lands rallies in the state capital, Olympia, and the federal building in Spokane. One member went to Burns, Oregon, to witness and talk with the...
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Utah BHA Spring 2016 Update

Utah BHA welcomes Josh Lenart to the chapter. Josh is actively involved in numerous chapter initiatives and has begun the distribution of a monthly chapter newsletter. To subscribe contact Chris...
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New York BHA Spring 2016 Update

Deer hunting regulations can unite or divide hunters in New York State. For several years, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has been considering regulation changes. After a...
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New England BHA Spring 2016 Update

Board member Matt McKenzie of Connecticut submitted a letter on behalf of the chapter in support of the proposed Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge in New England. The plan would protect...
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Minnesota BHA Spring 2016 Update

Minnesota BHA was recognized as BHA’s Chapter of the Month for November 2015 and has built on that momentum going into 2016. We started the year by submitting comments on the Department of Natural...
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Colorado BHA Spring 2016 Update

Colorado BHA wrapped up a series of four Hunter Happy Hours (aka “Beers for the Backcountry”) in December. Thanks to all those who helped organize these events, Bob Shettel and Kevin Alexander in...
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California BHA Spring 2016 Update

The California Chapter has been growing over the past three years, and our 2016 leadership team will continue to impact issues affecting the state. Craig Van Arsdale is secretary. The chairman...
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Arizona BHA Spring 2016 Update

AZ BHA has joined Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation. We attended our first meeting in February. This organization unites the most important conservation organizations in Arizona and...
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Alaska BHA Spring 2016 Update

With great sadness the Alaska chapter bids farewell to our long-term chair Mark Richards. Mark has taken a position with an Alaska-based hunting organization, and while he will be sorely missed,...
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Whitetail Deer Hunting Challenge

By Kyle Blasch   Like many hunting enthusiasts I enjoy the challenges and simplicity of traditional bow hunting.   The close proximity required by using a primitive weapon magnifies the hunting...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Hunters Don't Need Exceptions to the Rules

Research clearly shows that off-trail motorized use can have significant impacts on fish and wildlife habitat.  Thus I am struck by the fact that the Arizona Game & Fish continue to advocate for...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Arizona BHA Comments on Tonto Travel Management Plan

September 4, 2014   RE: Comments from Arizona Backcountry Hunters & Anglers on Tonto National Forest Travel Management Plan   Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor,   Please consider the following...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Resolving Public Land Disputes: There is a Better Way

By BHA Board Member, Jay Banta of Torrey, Utah The flaring disputes in southern Utah about the appropriate uses of public land highlights one of the very reasons Backcountry Hunters & Anglers was...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Banning Drones for Hunting - A letter from New Mexico BHA

                                                                        September 20, 2013To:     New Mexico Game & Fish CommissionFrom: New Mexico Chapter, Backcountry Hunters & AnglersIssue: ...
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Changes, Impacts and Unintended Consequences

By BHA Utah Coordinator, Ken Theis.Most of us, as we get older, become more resistant to change.  That is especially true when it comes to seeing changes to the hunting and fishing places we...
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Defending the Antiquities Act, Oppose HR 1459

March 25, 2014   Dear Representative:   Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has members in all 50 states and is committed to protecting wild public lands, water and wildlife. Stripping the Antiquities...
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What good are Meetings?

This is meeting season—the time of year when people are scrambling around making plans for the coming year, working on budgets, politicking and strategizing. In Utah, this is the most...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Standing with BHA & The Sportsman's Pledge

  Several months ago it came to light that traditional bow hunters are the fastest growing segment of BHA’s membership.  My own interest in shooting my long-neglected recurve bow had been...
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Arizona BHA - Our Newest Chapter!

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is proud to announce the formation of a new chapter in Arizona. The official BHA roster lists only 20 members for Arizona. Twelve of these members...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Book Cliffs Get Three-Year Reprive

The Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) announced today it would give a three-year reprieve to a controversial lease it planned to issue in the Book Cliffs. An...
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Arizona BHA Members Meet to Form State Chapter

In Arizona, Phoenix area BHA members escaped the heat this past weekend (6/29) for a meeting at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa, AZ. In recognition of a growing need for a voice that better reflects...
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NM BHA Update 4-30-13

NM BHA Member: Between spring turkey season, the designation of the Rio Grande del Norte and the reintroduction of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness legislation, NM BHA has been busy, to say the...
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NM BHA Update 3-28-13

NM BHA Update –As you’ve probably heard by now, this past Monday President Obama permanently protected 242,555 acres of high quality elk, mule deer, antelope and big horn sheep habitat through the...
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Utah Newsletter February 2013

Utah Backcountry Hunters & Anglers are honoured to host Randy Newberg at the 2013 International Sportsmen Expo (ISE) in Salt Lake City, March 14-17. As host of the Sportsman Channel’s “On Your Own...
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NM Update 2-14-13

Here's a run-down a few key projects that NM BHA is involved with: Improving the make-up of the Game Commission – As many of you are likely well aware the current composition is weighted heavily...
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Utah Newsletter January 2013

January 5, 2013Happy New Year!Thanks for taking a few minutes to join in celebrating the activities and successes of Utah BHA over the past few months.  We hope you enjoy this electronic...
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Reforming New Mexico's Game Commission

New Mexico Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is working in collaboration with other New Mexican sportsmen organizations and interests to reform the state game commission in a manner which better...
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Utah BHA Hosts Randy Newberg of On Your Own Adventures

  Utah Backcountry Hunters & Anglers are honored to host Randy Newberg at the 2013 International Sportsmen Expo (ISE) in Salt Lake City, March 14-17.  As host of the Sportsman Channel’s “On Your...
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Protecting Habitat in the Rio Grande del Norte

UPDATE: Since this article was posted, President Obama used the Antiquities Act to create the "Rio Grande del Norte National Monument."  NM BHA appluaded habitat protection in the Rio Rio Grande...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Utah Chapter News

Utah Chapter NewsMonday, June 18, 2012 Utah BHA held its first Chapter “Rendezvous” near Strawberry Reservoir in the foothills of the Uinta Mountains the first weekend in June.  Margo Taylor...
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Conservation Organization Transparency and Accountability

6-22-2012 Dear Utah BHA members. There has been a proposed rule change submitted to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The proposed rule change would cap the amount of funds a conservation...