Media Chapter News State Issues Roadless Rule Rollback 7/14/2025 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”)... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Sunday Hunting coming soon to Pennsylvania 7/10/2025 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... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NC: Helene Storm Debris Removal Threatens Native Trout Habitat in Western North Carolina 7/2/2025 Nine months after Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southern Appalachians, contractors hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to rip through critical aquatic habitats in the name of... Tags: North Carolina Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues State Policy Spotter 7/1/2025 This is your July edition of BHA's State Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife across North America. Note - this... Tags: Idaho Chapter, Florida Chapter, New England Chapter, Illinois Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Russian River Fencing Project 2025 Recap 6/26/2025 Russian River Fencing Project 2025 Recap“Ahhh yes, the great Friday evening Kenai migration,” my wife joked as we headed south along the Seward Highway. In front of us stretched a seemingly... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NC Chapter Urges Members to Take Action During Small Legislative Window to End Inshore Bottom Trawling In State 6/18/2025 TAKE ACTION NOW! A rare opportunity has presented itself during this legislative session for recreational anglers in North Carolina to support a ban on inshore, bottom-disturbing trawlers from... Tags: North Carolina Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues New England Chapter Opposes Watered-Down CRMC Reform Bills in Rhode Island 6/18/2025 For the last several years the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has advocated to reform Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). After first weighing in in... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases BHA Condemns Senate Proposal to Sell Off Up to 3 Million Acres of Public Lands 6/11/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is rebuking a sweeping new proposal released by the Senate... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter Download
Media State Issues Privatization of Public Lands 6/9/2025 “Privatization of Public Lands.” Colorado Springs (Colo.) Gazette: 6/5/25 Public lands, and hence hunting, are under threat like never before. From states such as Utah (and 14 others) laying... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CA BHA 2025 Desert Bighorn Survey Recap 6/5/2025 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... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues Comment in Support of Access to the Crossbar SRMA 6/4/2025 The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on future development and recreation management of the Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area in the Panhandle from now until June... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues End of Session Texas Legislative Update 2025 6/4/2025 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... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media State Issues Sulfide-Ore Mining a Lose-Lose for Minnesota 6/4/2025 Op-Ed: “Sulfide-ore mining a lose-lose for Minnesota.” Duluth News Tribune: 5/21/25. From the column: “Mining should not take place in water-worlds like the BWCAW watershed.”[1] In April, U.S.... Tags: Minnesota Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NC Chapter Advocates for the Removal of Part III, Section 3.1(a) from HB1012 "The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 6/3/2025 North Carolina House Bill 1012 provides 500 million dollars of funding to state agencies and grants to local governments for Hurricane Helene disaster recovery. While we applaud the additional... Tags: North Carolina Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Minnesota Heritage Forest Protects Over 8,000 Acres of Public Land and Access 5/30/2025 MINNESOTA HERITAGE FOREST PROJECT ENSURES PUBLIC ACCESS AND HEALTHY ECOSYSYTEMS, BOTH LOCALLY AND DOWNSTREAM The Conservation Fund and Northern Waters Land Trust announced on May 1, 2025 that... Tags: Minnesota Chapter Download
Media State Issues Op-Ed: Missouri Hunters Should Be Careful What They Wish For 5/22/2025 There are a few things that I know to be absolutes in my realm of existence: government is and should be by the people for the people, that efficiency and effectiveness are two indispensable... Tags: Missouri Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Public Lands Victory: BHA Applauds Removal of Land Sale Amendment from House Budget Bill 5/21/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org Public Lands Victory: BHA Applauds Removal of Public Land Sale Amendment from House Budget Reconciliation... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases, Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Iowa BHA Chapter Hosts Auction for 2025 Statewide Nonresident Deer Tag! 5/20/2025 The Iowa chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to offer a highly-coveted Statewide Special Non-Resident Deer Tag! This will be the second year in a row that the Iowa BHA chapter has... Tags: Iowa Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Reintroduced Senate Bill and New House Companion Would Conserve More Than 700,000 Acres of Public Lands in Colorado 5/19/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2025 Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org WASHINGTON, D.C. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, is... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Turkey Quills & Teenagers 5/15/2025 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... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Mendenhall Wetlands: A Place of Abundance and Connection 5/14/2025 The Mendenhall Wetlands: A Place of Abundance and Connection by Alec Boyd-DevineThe Mendenhall Wetlands is a 4,000-acre wetland in the heart of Juneau, Alaska. It is home to a variety of flora... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Pop Up Waterfowl Birding at Chena Flood Project - A Recap 5/13/2025 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Stand Up for the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge 5/9/2025 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Steev Wilson To Roaring Fork Valley Group Regional Director Position 5/7/2025 The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Steev Wilson to serve as Regional Director for the Roaring Fork Valley Group. Steev was raised on the east coast fishing with... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Attorney General Weighs in on 10th Circuit Corner Crossing Decision 5/5/2025 The following communication is from Colorado Statewide Hunter Education Coordinator, Jordan Likes, and details the current Colorado Attorney General's position regarding corner crossing. While... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Alaska BHA Spring 2025 Internship Recap: Lillian Thorington 5/2/2025 Alaska BHA Spring 2025 Internship Recap by Lillian Thorington As my internship with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers comes to an end, I feel I have so much to reflect on. At the end of an... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CA BHA Turkey Camp 2025 Recap 5/2/2025 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 annual Spring... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Celebrates Sine Die and is Optimistic about Bills Awaiting Governor's Signature 5/2/2025 As the final gavel dropped and Montana’s 2025 legislative session came to a close, the dedicated members and volunteers from the Montana Chapter of BHA took a deep breath—and then a moment to... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Spring Migration Celebration, April 26th 2025 5/1/2025 Spring Migration Celebration, April 26th 2025 by Nate Kibbey Nearly 100 swans, hundreds of geese, and a wonderful array of multiple duck species all flock to Creamers Field Migratory... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues AK Copper Ammo Challenge at the Fairbanks Outdoor Show, April 2025 5/1/2025 The Alaska Copper Ammo Challenge at the Fairbanks Outdoor Show by Mark LindbergLate in my career in academia, I gave several lectures about lead contamination and its negative effects on... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Kassi Smith To San Luis Valley Public Lands & Community Liaison Position 4/25/2025 The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Kassi Smith to serve on their Chapter Leadership Team (CLT) as San Luis Valley Public Lands & Community Liaison. She... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Public Lands Mountain Merriam’s Hunt 4/25/2025 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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CA BHA 2025 Q1 Newsletter 4/23/2025 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... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Recap: eBird for Waterfowlers, Birders, and Outdoor Enthusiasts – April 18–19, Juneau, AK 4/22/2025 Recap: eBird for Waterfowlers, Birders, and Outdoor Enthusiasts – April 18–19, Juneau, AK by Alec and Angelica Boyd-Devine Mary Glaves, Alaska BHA Chapter Coordinator, introducing the event... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic New Mexico Watersheds 4/22/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic... Tags: policy blog, press releases, New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Chapter of BHA Appoint Aidan McCormick To Routt County Assistant Regional Director Position 4/22/2025 The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Aidan McCormick to serve as Assistant Regional Director for the Routt County Group. Aidan started hunting and fishing as an... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers - 16th Annual Rendezvous 4/22/2025 August 8-10, 2025 The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) 16th annual Rendezvous is scheduled for August 8-10, 2025. We’ll set up camp in the Gunnison National Forest south of... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NV BHA March 2025 Newsletter 4/22/2025 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... Tags: Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA Drafts Resolution in Support of a Second Bear Tag & Submits a Petition to the Fish & Game Commission 4/17/2025 After many years advocating for science-based management of fish and wildlife, California BHA celebrates the release of the Final Black Bear Conservation Plan and has submitted a petition to the... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues A Review of the Alaska Board of Game 4/16/2025 A Review of The Board of Game I went into the Board of Game as someone with no prior experience with the Alaska state fish and game regulation process, minimal understanding of... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana's $8 Billion Gamble - the High Stakes of Transferring Federal Lands to the State 4/15/2025 Montana BHA has signed a report detailing crippling costs to the state that would ensue if federal lands were to be transferred to the state. BHA has long opposed this notion and has pushed back... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Hunters and Industry: An Essential Partnership for Migratory Bird Conservation 4/14/2025 Hunters and Industry: An Essential Partnership for Migratory Bird Conservation Photos and Story by Mark LindbergThe 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), an international conservation... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Building Community at the Alaska BHA Beer Dinner Spring 2025 4/14/2025 Building Community at the Alaska BHA Beer Dinner Spring 2025 by Ridge NelsonSince moving to Alaska last year, I have attended several Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) events. The primary... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Recap of Alaska BHA’s Pint Night with Cameron Carroll – A Great Time for Conservation and Community! 4/11/2025 Recap of Alaska BHA’s Pint Night with Cameron Carroll, ADF&G Small Game Program Coordinator – A Great Time for Conservation and Community! by Alec Boyd-DevineOn the evening of April 7th, Alaska... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Hunters and Anglers Applaud the Reintroduction of the Ruby Mountains Protection Act 4/11/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2025 Contacts: Dan Johnson, California/Nevada Public Lands Manager, Trout Unlimited, dan.johnson@tu.org Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CA BHA San Gabriel Bighorn Survey Recap! 4/11/2025 Counting Sheep in the San Gabriels – Even When We Don’t See Them Earlier this spring, BHA members joined volunteers from the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep (SCBS), personnel from... Tags: California Chapter, California Events Download
Media State Issues Take Action to Support Conservation Funding in Montana 4/11/2025 In 2021, Montana led the nation by dedicating a portion of marijuana tax revenue to the Habitat Montana program. That funding has already delivered significant returns, including improved public... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Hunters and Anglers Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Permanently Protect Boundary Waters 4/9/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025 Contacts: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Lukas Leaf, Executive... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, press releases Download
Media State Issues Press Releases Ruby Mountains Administrative Mineral Withdrawal Cancelled 4/8/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2025 CONTACT: Russell Kuhlman, executive director, Nevada Wildlife Federation: Kuhlman@nvwf.org Devin O’Dea, western policy & conservation manager, Backcountry... Tags: press releases, Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Two PA Sunday hunting bills introduced for 2025 legislative sessions 4/7/2025 Pennsylvania Senate bill SB67, and House bill HB851 were introduced recently and referred to each chamber’s Game & Fisheries Committee. Both SB67 and HB851 would permit the Pennsylvania Game... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Arkansas, Stop SB290: Defend Our Watersheds, Recreation, and Rights 4/6/2025 TAKE ACTION NOW! Amid controversy and under threat of damming, Arkansas’ iconic Buffalo National River was designated as the country’s first National River in 1972. Despite that monumental step... Tags: Arkansas Chapter Download
Federal Issues State Issues Issue 6 4/6/2025 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean euismod bibendum laoreet. Proin gravida dolor sit amet lacus accumsan et viverra justo commodo. Proin sodales pulvinar sic tempor.... Tags: Download
Federal Issues State Issues Issue 5 4/5/2025 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean euismod bibendum laoreet. Proin gravida dolor sit amet lacus accumsan et viverra justo commodo. Proin sodales pulvinar sic tempor.... Tags: Download
Federal Issues State Issues Issue 3 4/3/2025 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean euismod bibendum laoreet. Proin gravida dolor sit amet lacus accumsan et viverra justo commodo. Proin sodales pulvinar sic tempor.... Tags: Download
Media Chapter News State Issues A BHA Pint Night with Roman Dial 4/2/2025 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Federal Issues State Issues Issue 2 4/2/2025 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean euismod bibendum laoreet. Proin gravida dolor sit amet lacus accumsan et viverra justo commodo. Proin sodales pulvinar sic tempor.... Tags: Download
Media State Issues Protecting Oregon’s Backcountry: Keeping Members Updated on Deschutes National Forest E-Bike Proposal 4/1/2025 “We just started out by riding down deer trails...” It might sound like the beginning of a joke, but for local wildlife populations, one could argue it has almost become a nightmare. The Oregon... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues Freedom and Healing on the River 3/28/2025 A veteran’s story and thoughts on protecting the Kootenai River I am 36 years old. At this point in, what I like to think of as being, my young life, I have served my country and community in... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Rallies Against Anti-Public Lands Legislation 3/28/2025 Last week, Montana BHA members showed up in full force at the state legislature, advocating for the conservation and stewardship of our public lands, wildlife habitat, and hunting... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Texas BHA - Mid-Session Legislative Update 3/27/2025 Over a week has passed since the bill-filing deadline in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, and Texas BHA has been deep in the weeds monitoring key pieces of legislation on priority issues — most... Tags: policy blog, Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues 2025 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts 3/27/2025 After an extremely busy session, the Utah Legislature wrapped up on Friday, March 7. The chapter leaders of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers tracked several bills this year and participated in... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog Download
Media State Issues Securing Michigan's Outdoor Heritage: MI BHA's Support for House Joint Resolution C 3/26/2025 The Michigan Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MI BHA) is actively working to protect and strengthen the future of hunting and fishing in our state. House Joint Resolution C (HJR-C),... Tags: Michigan Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Alaska BHA's UAS Intern on SB 105 3/24/2025 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CT BHA Comments on Sunday Hunting and Bear Hunting 3/24/2025 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... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Understanding SB5 and Future NM Fish & Wildlife Governance 3/21/2025 SB 5, signed into law in 2025, brings major updates to wildlife governance in New Mexico. It renames the State Game Commission as the State Wildlife Commission and changes the Department of Game... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media State Issues Nolichucky River – TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation Public Comment Period 3/21/2025 On December 11th, 2024 the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit to CSX Transportation Inc. for the repair of railroad... Tags: Tennessee Chapter Download
Media State Issues Fly Fishing in Juneau: Presentation Recap and Rundown! 3/21/2025 Fly Fishing in Juneau: Presentation Recap and Rundown! by Angelica Boyd-Devine Photos by Alec Boyd-Devine & Mary Glaves On March 19th, Alaska BHA members and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Hunters & Anglers Raise Strong Opposition to SB 307 3/20/2025 This bill passed the second reading in the Senate by a vote of 30 to 20, but there is still an opportunity to kill it. Check out the letter that BHA and other sporting organizations submitted... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts, container Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Opposes Legislation that Would Streamline the Sale of State Lands 3/20/2025 HB 676 has already passed the house and has a hearing this Friday in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Right now, only constituents of committee members may take action, but if it advances out of... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts Download
Media State Issues Restoring Alaska’s Wood Bison through Dedication and Collaboration 3/18/2025 Restoring Alaska’s Wood Bison through Dedication and Collaboration Two wood bison settling into the soft release pen in Minto Flats State Game Refuge. by Mark Lindberg I always thought it a... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases 10th Circuit Court Affirms District Court Decision in Corner-Crossing Case, Upholding Public Access Rights 3/18/2025 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,... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Utah Chapter, the campfire, press releases, New Mexico Chapter, Oklahoma Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Kansas Chapter, utah Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases California’s National Monuments a Bullseye, 850,000 Acres of Public Lands Under Threat 3/18/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org California’s National Monuments a Bullseye, 850,000... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, California Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues New Mexico BHA Policy Update 3.17.25 3/17/2025 Have you been paying attention to your local public lands? Sierra, Otero, and Catron counties recently passed anti-public lands resolutions, and now Luna County is next. The attack on our public... Tags: policy blog, New Mexico Chapter Download
Media State Issues MI BHA Chapter Raises Concerns About Sea Lamprey Control Staff Cuts 3/17/2025 Michigan Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Raises Concerns About Sea Lamprey Control Staff Cuts The recent firing of 12 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) employees responsible for sea... Tags: Michigan Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Applauds Passage of Senate Joint Resolution 25-009 in Defense of Public Lands 3/14/2025 DENVER – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Colorado chapter celebrates the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 25-009, "Protection of Colorado’s Public Lands," which reaffirms the state’s... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues March 2025 Alaska BHA Newsletter 3/11/2025 February brought some challenges for public lands and it also brought Draw Results Day. Alaska BHA hosted 3 Draw Tag Celebrations across the state,... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Mid-Session Legislative Report 3/11/2025 GOOD NEWS: BHA’s Two Top Priority Bills Are Moving Forward! The Montana Chapter of BHA is promoting two key pieces of legislation this session and both are meeting with success: HB... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NC BHA in Opposition to Denial of Public Access in Senate Bill 220 3/9/2025 The provisions outlined in North Carolina senate bill SB220, Section 4, specifically the new Section 14-280.4, pose significant restrictions on public access to our waterways by making it a... Tags: North Carolina Chapter Download
Media State Issues The Power of Community: BHA's Mission Across the Country 3/6/2025 The Power of Community: BHA’s Mission Across the Country by Alec Boyd-Devine I recently had the opportunity to attend the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Having... Tags: Utah Chapter, Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues SC Supports Bill H3872, Hunting Heritage Protection Act 3/5/2025 South Carolina Bill H3872 "Hunting Heritage Protection Act" is measure aimed at preserving and promoting hunting opportunities on South Carolina's Department of Natural Resources managed lands. A... Tags: South Carolina Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Statement on HB25-1258, Scientific Management of Wildlife 3/4/2025 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a member organization that seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through conservation education and work on... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - March 3/4/2025 This is your March 4th edition of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Note - this... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Supports SB 291 to Enhance LEO Authority 3/3/2025 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... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA Supports SB 5 - Bill Summary & Status Report 3/3/2025 The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (NM BHA) supports Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) and has worked with legislators and hook and bullet partners to ensure the hunting and angling... Tags: policy blog, New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Blacktail Deer Foundation Pint Night Juneau: Recap and Citizen Science Opportunities 3/3/2025 Blacktail Deer Foundation Pint Night Juneau: Recap and Citizen Science Opportunities by Lillian Thorington, AK BHA Intern Spring Overview of BDF in Southeast Alaska. One of the most... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Draw Tag Results Day and Night: February 21st, 2025. 3/2/2025 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Sportsmen’s Caucus Advisory Council: A Collective Voice in the Legislature 3/1/2025 For the last handful of years, Utah BHA’s Board has been involved with the Utah Sportsmen’s Caucus at the Capitol during the Legislative Session. In the past, the Caucus served as an opportunity... Tags: Utah Chapter Download
Media State Issues Senate Bill 105: "An Act relating to the lease and sale of state land for recreational cabin sites; and providing for an effective date." 2/28/2025 POLICY ACTION Updates from Alaska's 34th Legislature On February 26th, 2025 Governor Dunleavy introduced legislation Allowing Alaskans to Build Recreational Cabin Sites, Senate Bill 105. SB... Tags: Alaska Chapter, Alaska events Download
Media State Issues Montana HB 763 - Accessing Public Lands Through Block Management 2/27/2025 Montana is home to millions of acres of public land, yet much remains out of reach for hunters. Over 3 million acres—10% of our state and federal lands—are landlocked, surrounded by private... Tags: Montana Chapter, access Download
Media State Issues KYBHA Opposes Senate Bill 89 – Surrendering Waters of the Commonwealth 2/27/2025 Hunters and Anglers must stop Senate Bill 89 (SB89). SB89 abandons Kentucky’s definition of “Waters of the Commonwealth” contained in KRS 244.1-010, replacing it with the federal definition of... Tags: Kentucky Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues IN BHA HB 1447 - State Management of State Forests 2/26/2025 “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... Tags: Indiana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Minnesota BHA Emphasizes Importance of BWCAW Protections 2/26/2025 Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' Position Statement on Protecting the Boundary Waters Watershed As the voice for wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, the Minnesota... Tags: Minnesota Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Interagency Collaboration Leads to Reward for Private Citizen 2/24/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February, 24th, 2025 BHA Contact: Dre Arman arman@backcountryhunters.org BLM Contact: Bruce Hallman bhallman@blm.gov Interagency Collaboration Leads to Reward for Private... Tags: Idaho Chapter, OHV Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NV February 2025 Newsletter 2/19/2025 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.... Tags: Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NV January 2025 Newsletter 2/19/2025 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... Tags: Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Mountain Goat ID Public Lands Pint Night with Alaska BHA & RMGA 2/14/2025 Mountain Goat collars, skulls, horns, and ID information made available by ADF&G and RMGA at the Mountain Goat ID Pint Night On the evening of January 31st BHA Alaska Chapter co-hosted a fun... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Colorado BHA Statement of SN25-053, Protect Wild Bison 2/14/2025 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a member organization that seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Why New Hampshire House Bill 202 is Bad for Wildlife Conservation 2/13/2025 UPDATE - 2/13/25 Good news! House Bill 202: House Committee Vote 14-1, Inexpedient to Legislate. Fortunately, the bill’s forward progress is all but over. Today, the House Fish and Game and Marine... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NM BHA January 2025 Newsletter! 2/11/2025 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... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues UTAH 2025 Mid-Legislative Session Update 2/11/2025 Every year in Q1, Utah state officials engage in the Utah Legislative Session to pass new laws or amend laws. Utah BHA follows and engages in the Session quite closely, as there are typically... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues February 2025 with Alaska BHA - Newsletter 2/7/2025 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Juneau Mountain Rescue 2/7/2025 Juneau Mountain Rescue On January 29, the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted a pint night at Forbidden Peak Brewery in Juneau, Alaska. BHA invited Juneau... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - First Look 2/7/2025 Welcome to your first glimpse of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Much like... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Defends Coyote Hunting and Commission Processes in CA 2/5/2025 Next week, the California Fish & Game Commission will consider acting on a recommendation by the Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC) that C.C.R. § 472 be amended to remove coyotes. CA BHA... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues Take Action to Allow Montana to Offer Raffles AND Auctions for Big Game Tags 2/3/2025 Montana BHA has been tracking and engaging on a large number of bills during this legislative session, and we are urging you to support House Bill 283, which would allow Montana Fish, Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Policy Alert: Senate Bill 5 Gains Momentum in the New Mexico Legislature 2/3/2025 After many years of unsuccessful attempts at reforming the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, a new bill is speeding through the 2025 legislative session. The New Mexico Chapter of... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Rhode Island BHA 2024 Policy Roundup 1/30/2025 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... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Nolichucky River - Stop CSX Destructive Construction Activities 1/29/2025 Protect the Nolichucky River: Stop CSX’s Destructive Construction Activities In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods and landslides across Southern Appalachia, a Herculean effort... Tags: North Carolina Chapter, Tennessee Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NC Chapter Applauds Wildlife Commission for Fighting Against Privatization 1/27/2025 Last summer, a private property owners association in Western North Carolina filed a contested case against the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to block public recreation on sections of two... Tags: North Carolina Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Mid-Atlantic Chapter Celebrates Maryland’s Newest National Wildlife Refuge 1/22/2025 The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is thrilled to share exciting news for Maryland and the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed. On December 13, 2024, U.S. Secretary of... Tags: Mid-Atlantic Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Advocating for Wildlife Protection and Resilient Infrastructure in Virginia 1/22/2025 As Virginia faces increasing challenges related to wildlife-vehicle conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to support proactive measures that... Tags: Mid-Atlantic Chapter Download
Media State Issues New England BHA Supports Proposed Bear & Deer Hunting Regulation Changes in Massachusetts 1/21/2025 The Massachusetts State Leadership Team (SLT) supports a series of proposed regulation changes impacting both deer and bear hunting in Massachusetts. These changes create additional hunting... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases President Trump’s Day One Actions Include Assault on Alaska Public Lands 1/21/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 21, 2025 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org President Trump’s Day One Actions Include Assault on... Tags: the campfire, featured, press releases, Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB2059) Moves Forward: Action Needed! 1/17/2025 Exciting news! Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB2059) has been referred directly to the House Appropriations Committee (HAC), bypassing the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources... Tags: Mid-Atlantic Chapter Download
Media State Issues NM BHA Supports Caja del Rio Monument Designation 1/17/2025 Recognizing Caja del Rio as an Ancestral Homeland The Caja del Rio holds profound significance as an ancestral homeland for Indigenous communities, including the Pueblo people who have lived,... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2025 Winter Newsletter 1/14/2025 Hello from the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers! We hope you're beginning the new year by taking stock of a successful 2024 in the backcountry, as well as looking forward to what... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues January 2025 Alaska BHA Newsletter 1/13/2025 2025 with Alaska BHA Alaska BHA has been active in Southcentral Alaska attending the Board of Game meetings, talking with partners and sponsors about plans for this... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Florida Black Bear Management - The Full Story About the Potential 2025 Hunt 1/12/2025 Will bear hunting in Florida be a reality in the future? At the December 2024 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) commission meeting the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute... Tags: Florida Chapter Download
Media State Issues Field to Table Mule Deer Picadillo 1/9/2025 Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was exposed to an abundant food scene fueled by the city’s diverse population. From African oxtail stew to VietCajun crawfish and noodles, I developed an... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Wyoming BHA Response to House Bill 99 1/9/2025 The Wyoming Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) has long advocated for sportsmen’s and women’s ability to access public lands via corner crossing—the act of moving between adjoining... Tags: Wyoming Chapter, wycorner_crossing, public access Download
Media State Issues Q & A with the Montana BHA chapter’s new Board Chair, Jake Schwaller 1/8/2025 To welcome the new year, the Montana BHA board elected a new leader, Jake Schwaller, after our previous Chair, John B. Sullivan III, completed his term. First and foremost, we are grateful for the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Jimmy Carter's Alaska Public Lands Legacy 1/7/2025 Alec Boyd-Devine walks into the Tongass National Forest on Admiralty Island to go Sitka Black-tailed deer hunting.Jimmy Carter’s Alaska Public Lands... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Hunters & Anglers Celebrate Temporary Oil and Gas Withdrawal in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains 12/30/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 30, 2024 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org The Sportsmen for the Rubies Coalition encourages strong collaboration... Tags: the campfire, press releases, Nevada Chapter Download
Media State Issues Floating to the Hunt: Lessons from Alaska's River Expert, Barry Whitehill 12/23/2024 Floating to the Hunt: Lessons from Alaska's River Expert, Barry WhitehillFloating the wild waterways of Alaska is a bucket-list adventure for many outdoor enthusiasts. For Barry Whitehill,... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Valley County is for Public Land Owners 12/23/2024 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... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues Waterfowl Banding at Creamers Field 12/23/2024 Photo by Nick Schaefer The only thing that I like more than hunting ducks has to be banding them. Banding ducks consists of capturing ducks live, putting a numerated metal band around their leg... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Alaska BHA Beer Dinner Recap 12/22/2024 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues The Alaska Copper Ammo Challenge 12/22/2024 AK BHA Volunteer shooting ballistic gels in Feb. 2024 at the Hank Harmon Rifle Range in Juneau, AKThe Alaska Copper Ammo Challenge Earlier this year, Alaska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA 2024 Recap 12/13/2024 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... Tags: stewardship blog, California Chapter, habitat, r3 Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Two-Year Protection Initiated for Pecos River Watershed 12/13/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 13, 2024 Contact: Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Two-Year Protection Initiated For Pecos River Watershed Washington, D.C.... Tags: press releases, New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Michigan chapter urges action to protect Lake Superior: The Threat of Copperwood Mine 12/13/2024 At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), we are passionate about preserving the wild places and public lands that provide us with the hunting, fishing, and recreation opportunities that we all... Tags: Michigan Chapter Download
Media State Issues WHY BHA? 12/3/2024 WHY BHA? Mary Glaves, AK Chapter Coordinator It’s #GivingTuesday 2024. The onslaught of attacks to the heritage of public lands in this country defies over a hundred year value system to... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Trapping Heritage and Education with Alaska Board Member, Ryan Bandy 12/3/2024 Trapping Heritage and Education with Alaska BHA Board Member, Ryan Bandy Greetings from the Interior, BHA members! As we arrive in December, trapping along the Yukon and Koyukuk Rivers is in... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Trails (Motorized & Mechanized) Impacts On Public Lands Habitat 11/25/2024 As populations and outdoor recreation grows in the west it’s imperative that trail planning and management consider the effects of roads, trails, and recreation activities on big game high... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Senate Committee Advances Final Public Lands and Waters Legislation for the 118th Congress 11/20/2024 On November 19, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held its final Business Meeting of the 118th Congress. The record-breaking number of bills on the docket highlights the backlog of... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, access, Public Waters Access Download
Media Chapter News State Issues US Marines Provide Helicopter Support for Bighorn Sheep Habitat Improvement 11/15/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 15, 2024 Contact: Devin O'Dea 415-246-5329, odea@backcountryhunters.org | Scott Gibson 909-210-0548, scottygibson@gmail.com Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the... Tags: stewardship blog, the campfire, California Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues Veterans Against the Ambler Road: A Call for Responsible Stewardship of Public Lands 11/13/2024 As a veteran who has dedicated my life to serving this country, I am deeply troubled by an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would revive the Ambler Road project.... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, featured, Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues First Annual Alaska Chapter Board Retreat & Crawdad Catch-and-Cook Stewardship Event October 2024: Event Recap 11/12/2024 First Annual Alaska Chapter Board Retreat and Crawdad Catch-and-Cook Stewardship Event October 2024: Event Recap Board Retreat Earlier this year, our Chapter Chair, Dave Johnson, shared an... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CWD Detected in New York 11/12/2024 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... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Utah is Not For Sale, and Neither is Idaho 11/8/2024 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... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CALL TO ACTION: Support a Sandhill Crane Season in Wisconsin 11/4/2024 Join the Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in urging committee members to recommend the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources seek federal approval for a hunting season of... Tags: Wisconsin Chapter Download
Media State Issues Protecting Access and Preserving Public Lands in the Crazy Mountains 10/25/2024 The Crazy Mountains in Montana have long been a battleground for public land access. As a cherished area for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, the region represents a vital part of... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Mid-Atlantic Chapter Supports Virginia’s Great Outdoor Act 10/24/2024 The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is expressing its support for Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB 1297). Introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek of Virginia’s 16th District,... Tags: Mid-Atlantic Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues MINNESOTANS: Vote "YES" To Renew Lottery Funding to Natural Resources 10/18/2024 Minnesotans will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot as they head to the polls for the general election. It is called “Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund... Tags: Minnesota Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Rhode Island BHA Submits Comments to NOAA Coastal Program Evaluation 10/15/2024 On October 15, 2024, BHA’s Rhode Island Team submitted written testimony to NOAA, related to their periodic coastal management program review focused on Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media State Issues Proposed Indiana Bobcat Season, Public Comments Needed 10/4/2024 Update - Second Comment Period Open NOW until January 16th! Natural Resources Commission seeks input on proposed bobcat trapping rule changes - State of Indiana To learn more about how seasons and... Tags: Indiana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2024 Fall Newsletter 10/3/2024 It's the best time of the year! Take a look at what we’ve been up to the last three months at the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Montana BHA and their conservation... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Montana BHA Celebrates Public Lands Day 10/2/2024 To celebrate this year’s Public Lands Day, Montana BHA Chapter volunteers organized a river cleanup on the Missouri River between Holter Dam and the town of Cascade. Boasting over 7,000 trout per... Tags: stewardship blog, Montana recap, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Field to Table Grouse & Dumplings 10/2/2024 The arrival of fall means many things to a hunter. Here in Montana in September, I’m often conflicted by the dueling options of archery elk hunting and the upland bird season. Bow or shotgun?... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Wyoming BHA Fall Newsletter 10/2/2024 It's the most wonderful time of the year! The days are getting shorter and hunting season is officially upon us. Like most of us here at Wyoming BHA, we expect many of you are spending as much... Tags: Wyoming Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Reward Issued in Central Idaho for Successful Report of Illegal Motorized Use 10/1/2024 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is pleased to issue a $500 reward to Ken Mason as a token of appreciation for the time and effort invested in reporting a tip that resulted in two separate... Tags: Idaho Chapter, OHV Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Bill Signed into Law in California 9/30/2024 As urbanization increasingly carves up California's landscapes, the need to conserve and enhance wildlife connectivity becomes critical. Assembly Bill 1889 is a significant step toward addressing... Tags: policy blog, California Chapter Download
Media State Issues NY Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area Management Being Questioned 9/17/2024 An advocacy group is trying and stop the New York State Deperment of Environmental Conservation (DEC) from completing a forestry management project at Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area in Otto New... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Illegal Motorized Use Reward: Hunters Speak Up to Protect Habitat in the White River National Forest 9/17/2024 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was recently happy to celebrate the courage and commitment of two hunters who played a crucial role in combating illegal motorized use on Colorado’s public... Tags: Colorado Chapter, OHV Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Hunters Cannot Dismiss the Magnitude of Utah’s Public Lands Lawsuit 9/16/2024 On August 20th, 2024, Utah’s Governor Cox announced a sweeping lawsuit that the State filed with the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge the federal government’s legal right to hold and manage 18.5... Tags: Utah Chapter, the campfire, featured Download
Media State Issues Spring Bear Hunting to Continue in Oregon 9/16/2024 Last week the Oregon Fish and Game Commission met to discuss big game hunting regulations for 2025 based on the recommendations of biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Prior... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Public Lands Rule could be great for conservation – we should give it a chance 9/14/2024 The Public Lands Rule could be great for conservation – we should give it a chance The Bureau of Land Management Conservation and Landscape Health rule, commonly known as the Public Lands Rule,... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues OR Chapter Supports Agency Proposed Game Regs for 2025 9/12/2024 The following letter was submitted to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission on September 12th ahead of the September 13th, 2024 ODFW Commission meeting: September 12, 2024... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Make Your Voice Heard! Travel Management Planning on the Little Missouri National Grassland 9/11/2024 The Forest Service is in the early engagement stage of their Travel Management Plan for the Little Missouri National Grasslands. They are hosting a series of Open House meetings to engage the... Tags: North Dakota Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Fight for Stream Access: Hunters, Anglers, and Boaters Unite for Colorado’s Waters 9/6/2024 “Colorado’s magnificent rivers and streams are a public trust to be enjoyed by all. Our message to state officials: let our people float and fish.” - Colorado Chapter Co-Chair, Don... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Public Waters Access, stream access Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project 8/30/2024 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... Tags: Mid-Atlantic Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Hunters And Anglers Call For President Biden To Designate Dolores River Canyons National Monument 8/26/2024 Area faces threats from industrial scale mining, habitat fragmentation, unmanaged recreation) (Colorado Newsline: 8/21/24) In the words of former Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Conservation... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Welcomes Murphy Robinson to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission 8/23/2024 Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is glad to welcome Murphy Robinson as the newly appointed sportsmen’s representative to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission. Appointed by... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases Utah Attempts to Wrest Public Lands Out of Public Hands 8/20/2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 20, 2024 Contact: Devin O’Dea, 415-246-5329 odea@backcountryhunters.org Utah Attempts to Wrest Public Lands Out of Public Hands SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Backcountry... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, featured, press releases Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Montana to Idaho Wildlife Crossing Feasibility Study 8/16/2024 August 14, 2024 Honorable Pete ButtigiegU.S. Secretary of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, SEWashington, DC 20590 Subject: US-93 Darby, Montana to Idaho Wildlife Crossing Feasibility Study Dear... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Using the eBird App to Further Citizen Science Efforts in Bird Hunting Species & Habitat Conservation 8/12/2024 Using the eBird App to Further Citizen Science Efforts in Bird Hunting Species & Habitat Conservation The integration of technology into conservation efforts has opened up new ways for citizen... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Wyoming BHA Comments on Proposed Big Game Damage Claim Regulation Change 8/9/2024 Earlier this year, with your help, Wyoming BHA helped to defeat HB60 in the legislature. Our efforts were aimed at protecting the investment of hunter and angler dollars from a significantly... Tags: Wyoming Chapter Download
Media State Issues OR Chapter Gathers Signatures and Submits Comments Opposing E-bikes in Deschutes National Forest 8/8/2024 On July 30th, the Oregon Chapter of BHA submitted comments and petition opposing e-bikes on specific trails within the Deschutes National Forest. The proposal by the US Forest Service... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Statement on Colorado Ballot Proposition 127 8/6/2024 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is disappointed that Proposition 127, which proposes a hunting ban for Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx, has garnered enough signatures to appear on the Colorado... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on Mule Deer Management Plan Guiding Principles 8/6/2024 The Montana Chapter submitted the following comments to the FWP Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Committee in response to the Guiding Principles that MDCAC has developed to help shape a mule deer... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Trails at Mena - Project on Ouachita National Forest 7/31/2024 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... Tags: Arkansas Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana Hunting and Conservation Groups Laud Legal Victories alongside the State of Montana in Defense of Elk and Game Management 7/29/2024 Joint Press Release by All Intervening Organizations In a major legal victory for the State of Montana, hunters, and conservation groups, a District Court judge has sided with the public and... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Save the Cutoff Road Case - July 17 Hearing Update 7/25/2024 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... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal: A Win for All 7/22/2024 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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Large-scale mountain bike project on Ouachita National Forest 7/18/2024 The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is requesting a Special Use Permit for an area of National Forest Service lands for trail development and recreation-related infrastructure.... Tags: Arkansas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Florida's Right to Fish & Hunt Bill 7/15/2024 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... Tags: Florida Chapter Download
Media State Issues Support of Emigrant Creek Ranch 7/11/2024 Sue DoroffPresident, Western Rivers Conservancy 71 SW Oak St., 100Portland, OR 97201 RE: Western Rivers Conservancy’s Emigrant Creek Ranch project in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Permanent Public Access Secured on Missouri's Finley River 7/10/2024 The Missouri Court of Appeals has rendered its verdict on the appeal of the decision in favor of public access to the Finley River at Lindenlure. In a unanimous ruling by all three judges, the... Tags: Missouri Chapter Download
Media State Issues WY BHA Seeks to Protect Our Investments in Wildlife Management 7/10/2024 As hunters and anglers, we invest significant time, money, and care into the management of our state's wildlife and habitats. It's our right to protect these investments and ensure that our... Tags: Wyoming Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2024 Summer Newsletter 7/9/2024 Besides turkey and bear hunting, fishing, and camping, we've had a busy spring here in Montana. Take a look at what we’ve been up to the last three months at the Montana Chapter of Backcountry... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Field to Table Whitefish Melt 7/8/2024 Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) often get a bad rap among Western anglers, but the native salmonid deserves our respect as both worthy quarry and delicious table fare. Related species dominate... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Illegal Motorized Use Reward: Gunnison Area Hunter Speaks Up to Protect Habitat 7/2/2024 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was recently happy to celebrate the courage and commitment of a local Gunnison hunter (name withheld at his request) who played a crucial role in combating... Tags: Colorado Chapter, OHV Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Rendezvous Roundup: San Isabel National Forest (June 21-23, 2024) 7/2/2024 The Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) chapter held their 15th Annual Rendezvous in the San Isabel National Forest west of Salida/Poncha Springs during June. A dozen hunters and anglers... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BLM Denies Ambler Road Permit 7/1/2024 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... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues RI BHA Submits Comments to CRMC on Quidnessett Country Club’s Illegal Seawall 6/28/2024 Some time between late 2022 and early 2023 the Quidnessett Country Club (QCC), located near the northern end of North Kingstown RI, built a sea wall near one of the holes of their golf course. Had... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Chapter Newsletter, Summer 2024 6/26/2024 “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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Russian River Stream Watch Fencing Project: Longterm Stewardship 6/23/2024 Alaska Chapter Backcountry Hunters & Anglers & USFS at the fence site, Sunday June 9th, 2024. Every year over 150,000 anglers, nearly a quarter of the population of Alaska, fish along the... Tags: AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Alaska Chapter, stewardship, AFI Event Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Q2 2024 Update 6/21/2024 “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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Wisconsin BHA Signs on to Protect Prairie Chicken Habitat From Solar Farm Project 6/20/2024 The Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has signed on to a letter that addresses concerns around the Vista Sand Solar Project, which if allowed, would be the largest solar farm in... Tags: Wisconsin Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NY sends comment into NYSDEC on OGC-9 Public Rights to Navigation and Fishing 6/20/2024 On June 14, 2024 The New York Chapter submitted a comment to NY Department of Environmental Conservation in regards to OGC-9 Public Rights to Navigation and Fishing. Access to some streams and... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media State Issues BHA opposes mandated seats for special interests on Pennsylvania Game Commission 6/18/2024 Pennsylvania BHA leaders and members - and all of our conservation organization allies - were hopeful earlier this year when there was not one, but two bills, one each in the Senate and House,... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, featured, news Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Kansas Legislative Recap 2024 - Efforts to Fight Commission Attacks 6/17/2024 The policy team at Kansas BHA rode a veritable roller coaster of legislation in the 2023-2024 session aimed at abolishing or drastically modifying the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission, the... Tags: policy blog, Kansas Chapter Download
Media State Issues NM Youth Hunter Benefits from Soules Family Elk Tag Donation 6/12/2024 Since 2021, the family of late game commissioner and conservationist David Soules has generously donated a private land elk authorization to New Mexico BHA with the aim of getting one more public... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues RI Assembly sends Three BHA-Backed Wildlife Bills to Governor 6/12/2024 Just days before the end of the 2024 legislative session the RI General Assembly approved three wildlife bills in concurrence, each of which was supported by the New England Chapter of Backcountry... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NY Wildlife Crossings Bill S4198B 6/11/2024 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... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues OPINION: Non-residents harvest more mule deer bucks than residents in NE Montana 6/6/2024 When it comes to hunter crowding and the state of mule deer, non-resident hunting pressure and harvests aren’t the only culprits, but mounting evidence shows they’re a big one. According to an... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana’s Stream Access – a Legacy Worth Protecting 6/5/2024 Forty years ago, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed that the public may use rivers or streams – regardless of who owns the streambed or adjacent land – for recreation purposes. This is now known... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ raffle raises record amount for mule deer conservation in Montana 6/3/2024 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers generated a record-setting $56,620 for mule deer conservation by raffling the species’ Governor’s tag. The amount raised this year exceeded... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Hunting Colorado’s Mountain Merriam’s (with The Colonel & The Fox) and Struttin’ & Cluckin’ at Rendezvous 5/28/2024 Among hunter-conservationists the story of the decimation of wildlands and wildlife during the 1700s-1800s followed by a remarkable recovery during the 1900s-2000s is well known. However, a week... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Oregon Hunters and Anglers Rally Rapid Support for Next Director of ODFW 5/23/2024 In a quick turn of events, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) Commission announced their final candidates for the next ODFW Director, allowing a short turn around for stakeholder... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana BHA raffle raises the bar, sets record amount for mule deer conservation 5/22/2024 The opportunity to hunt shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. So why should Montana’s special, statewide tags be any different? This was our pitch to the Fish & Wildlife Commission last summer. We... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Local Outdoorsmen Rally to Save the Cutoff 5/22/2024 In early 2022, a private landowner illegally blocked access to a popular public hunting and fishing destination in East Texas known locally as “The Cutoff”. A group of local sportsmen who hunt and... Tags: the campfire, Texas Chapter, access, Public Waters Access, container Download
Media State Issues Montana Raises Record Funds for a Coveted Mule Deer Tag — Through a Public Raffle 5/21/2024 Montana’s chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers today announced that it raised a record $56,620 for mule deer conservation by raffling a single statewide deer tag. The winner is a Washington... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues BHA raffle raises record amount for mule deer conservation in Montana 5/20/2024 Montana BHA’s statewide mule deer raffle raised a record amount for mule deer conservation, and the lucky winner has been drawn!Last summer, we successfully argued in front of the Fish and... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues TAKE ACTION: Support HB 1873 For Stream Access 5/13/2024 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... Tags: Illinois Chapter Download
Media State Issues Tribes, sportsmen groups warn against ballot initiative 5/8/2024 You may have seen them at the grocery store. Outside a gas station. Or walking around town. People are out collecting signatures for a number of proposed ballot initiatives. One in particular... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Mining Company Out of Canada Says it Will Continue to Explore Bitterroot River Headwaters for Rare Earth Metals 5/8/2024 On May 2, U.S. Forest Service officials stationed in the Bitterroot National Forest of western Montana said they’ve received a mining company’s Notice of Intent (NOI) to further explore the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024 5/8/2024 “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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Hunters and anglers, pay attention 5/7/2024 Whether it's repeated attempts to privatize our wildlife or attacks on public access, Montanans have had plenty to complain about recently. While the legislature and Gov. Gianforte have been... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues California’s New Era in Black Bear Conservation: A Science-Driven Approach with a Role for Hunters 5/6/2024 Bear hunting has been an integral part of California’s history since the Golden State was founded in 1850 and for thousands of years prior to colonization. In 2021 and 2022, anti-hunting groups... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues Central Yukon Resource Management Plan 5/3/2024 Floating and fishing in the Jim River Area of Critical Environmental Concern along the Dalton Highway. The Jim River is an important spawning tributary for... Tags: AFI Featured Stories, Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues OK BHA Pilot CWD Program on Wild Deer 5/3/2024 Oklahoma BHA Members, HB3462 has advanced to Governor Stitt’s office and will likely be considered this coming week. IF passed, the bill would initiate a program involving captive bred deer and... Tags: Oklahoma Chapter Download
Media State Issues 2024 Idaho BHA Legislative Recap 5/3/2024 The Idaho legislature adjourned the 2024 session on April 10, bringing to a close what was ultimately a fairly average session from a conservation and public lands perspective. Idaho BHA tracked a... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues OH BHA Joins Partners to Take Legal Action Opposing Permitting Process 5/3/2024 History In 2011, a law was passed permitting natural gas drilling at state parks in Ohio. (Ohio Senate approves bill to allow oil and gas drilling at state parks). Largely due to public concern... Tags: Ohio Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement – Phase 1 5/2/2024 *** Learn more about this proposal and submit your own comments by the May 15th, 2024 deadline. *** May 2, 2024 Leah Breidinger Habitat Conservation Biologist Montana Fish, Wildlife &... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Hunting and Fishing Opportunities Threatened on Mendenhall State Game Refuge 4/30/2024 Alaska BHA is committed to fighting for wild places and critical habitats that give hunters and anglers an opportunity to participate in the outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Board Member Dan Parkinson Receives Aldo Leopold Award 4/29/2024 Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Board/Executive Leadership Team (ELT) member Dan Parkinson received the BHA Aldo Leopold Award for outstanding effort conserving terrestrial wildlife... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: BHA Supports Gold Creek-Twin Creek BLM Acquisition 4/25/2024 LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN LETTER OF SUPPORT BY APRIL 30TH April 25, 2024 Lonna SandauBureau of Land Management Western Montana DistrictMissoula Field Office3255 Fort Missoula... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development PEIS/RMPA 4/11/2024 *** Learn more and comment here by the April 18th, 2024 deadline *** April 11th, 2024 Mr. Jeremy Bluma, Acting Division ChiefNational Renewable Energy Coordination OfficeBLM Headquarters1849 C... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues VT: GMNF TELEPHONE GAP INTEGRATED RESOURCE PROJECT, 2024 4/11/2024 On April 8th, 2024, the Vermont team submitted a comment to the US Forest Service on the Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project (Telephone Gap IRP). The Green Mountain National Forest is part... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Support Dolores River Canyons National Monument Proposal 4/5/2024 In the words of former Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Conservation Director John Gale, “Conserving large tracts of undeveloped public lands as national monuments is essential to America’s... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues VT: GMNF Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project Comment Period 4/5/2024 4/5/24 The US Forest Service is seeking public comment on a project called the Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project (Telephone Gap IRP). The scope of the project is broad and it includes a... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Update: Vermont BHA Opposes Legislative Bill to Restructure Fish & Wildlife Board 4/3/2024 Thanks to pressure from the hunting and angling community, which was generated from New England BHA and other key Vermont Sporting groups, lawmakers made significant amendments to S.258 before... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Minnesota BHA Position on State Land Transfers 4/2/2024 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... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, container Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2024 Spring Newsletter 4/1/2024 Besides waterfowl hunting, ice fishing, and enjoying home-cooked comfort meals featuring wild game, here’s what we’ve been up to the last three months at the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Kentucky Senate Bill 3 Defeated 3/29/2024 FRANKFORT, KY -- The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers helped defeat a dangerous bill in the statehouse that would have made conservation more difficult in the state. Senate Bill... Tags: Kentucky Chapter, policy blog Download
Media State Issues Field to Table Mule Deer Reuben 3/29/2024 I’m a daydreamer at heart, and I spend a lot of time fantasizing about recipes during the big game hunting season. Between the idle hours spent driving to trailheads, hiking to glassing knobs in... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Hunting For Experience: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Oral History Project 3/28/2024 During December 2023 I was contacted by a University of Montana student about taking part in a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Oral History Project. “I am a student enrolled at the University... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Lolo National Forest Plan Revision 3/25/2024 *** Learn more and comment here by April 7th *** March 25, 2024 Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attn: Amanda Milburn - Lolo Plan Revision 24 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula, MT... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on 2024 WMA CLOSURE EXCEPTIONS 3/21/2024 ***Learn more and submit your own comments by March 28th, 2024*** Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners: On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we submit... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on 2024-2025 MIGRATORY BIRD REGULATIONS 3/20/2024 *** Learn more and submit your own comments by March 28th, 2024 *** Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners: On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we submit... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues LETTER: North Dakota BHA Supports Keeping Grand Forks Water Board Lands Open for Hunting 3/19/2024 March 18, 2024 Tom PerdueChairmanGrand Forks County Water Board151 South 4th StreetGrand Forks, ND 58201 Chairman Perdue and Members of the Grand Forks County Water Board, On behalf of the North... Tags: North Dakota Chapter Download
Media State Issues Pathways to Clarity - PART 3 3/18/2024 The confluence of forces that created the checkerboard land ownership patterns that so vex many Montanans was not an overnight phenomenon. A slew of congressional acts, land transfers, lawsuits... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment at Northwest Montana Wetland Management District 3/15/2024 *** Learn more and submit your own comments by April 3, 2024 *** March 15, 2024 Ben Gilles, Project LeaderUS Fish and Wildlife Service53775 MT HWY 212 Charlo, MT... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Spring Black Bear: Sealing the Deal 3/13/2024 Ryan Schuman, Southeast Alaska Representative with a black bear.It’s nearly April and spring is fast approaching. With that, myself, and many other hunters across Alaska are starting to poke... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports Left Coulee Access Proposed Action 3/13/2024 *** Learn more about this proposal and submit your own comments. The deadline is March 28th, 2024.*** March 13, 2024 Bureau of Land ManagementUpper Missouri River Breaks National Monument920 NE... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Auction vs. Raffle Tags: Should States Stop Selling Big-Game Tags to the Highest Bidder? 3/13/2024 This Friday Arizona’s Game and Fish Commission may direct the agency to consider alternatives to its controversial system of auctioning coveted hunting opportunities that raise millions of dollars... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues OR Chapter Submits Comments for ODFW Selection Process 3/12/2024 On January 26th, 2024, the Oregon Chapter of BHA submitted comments reflecting the necessary considerations needed for the recruitment of the next Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NY BHA 2024 Legislative Tracker 3/12/2024 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... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media State Issues Efforts Combating CWD and Invasive Species Receives Funding 3/11/2024 The 2024 legislative short session has come to an end and in a bewildering turn of events, despite broad stakeholder support, House Bill 4148, (HB4148) Rep. Helm’s Wildlife Omnibus Bill, died in... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues AZ Public Lands Bill Watch 3/11/2024 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... Tags: Arizona Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues 03/08/24 New Mexico Game Commission Recap 3/11/2024 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... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media State Issues Nearly 900,000 acres of Montana in access limbo - PART 2 3/11/2024 Nearly a decade before four Missouri Hunters drove to Wyoming for a now-famous hunting trip that landed them before state and federal judges on trespassing charges, Bozeman-based hunting... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Iowa BHA Opposes Attempts to Block Public Land Acquisitions 3/7/2024 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,... Tags: Iowa Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Opposes Sweeping Fishing Closures in California 3/7/2024 Right now in California, anglers, spear fishers, Tribes and other saltwater stakeholders are grappling with a series of regulatory petitions that could result in reduced fishing access along... Tags: California Chapter, access Download
Media Chapter News State Issues NY Chapter Visits Albany to Lobby for Wildlife Crossing Bill 3/6/2024 Tuesday March 5th NY BHA along with Wildlands Network, The Nature Conservancy, Rewinding Institute, Protect the Adirondacks, Scenic Hudson, and Hudson Highlands Land Trust visited with NY Assembly... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Commissioners got it right with black bear vote 3/5/2024 As a responsible black bear hunter and firm believer of hunting as a crucial component of wildlife management, I thank Commissioner Brooke along with Chair Robinson and Commissioners Burrows and... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues TN BHA - Legislation to END Sandhill Crane Hunting 3/5/2024 SB 1876/HB1867 in the Tennessee Legislature aims to criminalize Sandhill Crane hunting. The bill will be voted on Wednesday March 6th by the TN Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources... Tags: Tennessee Chapter Download
Media State Issues KY BHA: Defeat Senate Bill 3 3/5/2024 Senate Bill 3 is a concerning piece of legislation that could have profound impacts to hunting, fishing, and trapping in the state of Kentucky. CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION In 1945, Kentucky was... Tags: Kentucky Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana proponents for public access, landowners, await implications of Wyoming lawsuit - PART 1 3/4/2024 When four hunters used a specially constructed ladder to step from one corner of public land in southern Wyoming to another, the ripples from that decision were initially small but have since... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues 2024 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts 3/4/2024 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... Tags: Utah Chapter Download
Media State Issues New Jersey Chapter Comments on Sparta Mountain WMA Forestry Management 3/4/2024 The New Jersey Chapter sent a a letter in support of the proposed forestry management practices proposed for the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Unit. The plan laid out by the New Jersey... Tags: New Jersey Chapter Download
Media State Issues Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled the Montana 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp 2/26/2024 HELENA — On Monday, February 26, Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled the Montana 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp at the state capitol. Montana received over 70 submissions for this year’s contest. Florida... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Draw Hunt Donations and Wildlife Conservation: And, Sometimes You Get Lucky 2/26/2024 Alaska Chapter Coordinator Mary Glaves with the downed muskox. The race of muskoxen that currently populate Alaska is the Greenland muskox. These muskoxen a have dark brown coloration with... Tags: Alaska Chapter, Alaska events Download
Media State Issues West Virginia BHA 2024 Legislative Update 2/23/2024 WVBHA 2024 State Legislature Update The 2024 West Virginia state legislative session is about two-thirds done. Your local chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has been monitoring the session... Tags: West Virginia Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Kansas BHA encourages action on three bad House bills 2/22/2024 Kansans are facing a rash of bills in the state legislature that will greatly affect hunters and anglers. It should be noted that all these bills originated from the House Committee on Agriculture... Tags: policy blog, Kansas Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports the Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement 2/22/2024 LEARN MORE & SUBMIT YOUR OWN COMMENTS BY MARCH 21, 2024 February 22, 2024 Sonja Andersen, Wildlife BiologistMontana Fish, Wildlife & ParksPO Box 938Lewistown, MT 59457sandersen@mt.govRe: Stafford... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Zinke debuts bill to limit privatizing public lands 2/20/2024 Congressman Ryan Zinke announced on Monday that he is putting forward the “Public Lands in Public Hands” bill to limit the privatization of public lands. Zinke introduced the public lands bill... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Vermont BHA Opposes Legislative Bill to Eliminate the Fish and Wildlife Board 2/20/2024 2/17/2024 The Vermont Legislative session is in full swing and bills that will have a major impact on our ability to hunt, fish, and trap are up for discussion. The Senate Committee on Natural... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Q1 2024 Update 2/16/2024 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,... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Tennessee Baiting Bill - HB1618/SB1942 2/16/2024 There is a concerning bill regarding baiting of wildlife in the State of Tennessee we want to bring to your attention. HB1618/SB1942 would allow a person to hunt deer and hogs on private property... Tags: Tennessee Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues ID BHA Opposes SB 1340 2/15/2024 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... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues VT Chapter Wants Hunters, Anglers and Trappers to Weigh-in on Survey 2/15/2024 The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) are leading Move Forward Together Vermont a large-scale planning... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media State Issues How To Privatize a Mountain 2/13/2024 We had followed the trail for a half mile when it ran headlong into a fence. Signs nailed to the trees blared messages of unwelcome: “Private Property” and “No Forest Service Access.” They... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors 2/13/2024 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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana Conservation Group Holds Open Raffle for Coveted Statewide Mule Deer Tag 2/13/2024 The Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is hosting a raffle for one of the Treasure State’s most coveted big game tags, and it’s open residents and non-residents alike. The... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Spotted Dog WMA Grazing and Water Development Plan Draft EA 2/9/2024 *** Submitted via email on February 9th. Learn more and submit your own comments by February 12th at 5pm. *** February 9, 2024 Liz Bradley, Region 2 Wildlife Manager Montana Fish, Wildlife and... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Utah Legislative Session Update 2024 2/7/2024 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... Tags: Utah Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues ID BHA Opposes HB 469 2/6/2024 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 &... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues Support for HB 4148 2/6/2024 The following letter was submitted on behalf of the Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers on February 6th, 2024 ahead of the House Committee on Natural Resources hearing in support of... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues ID BHA Supports SB 1258 2/6/2024 Senator Doug OkuniewiczChair, Senate Transportation Committee P.O. Box 83720Boise, ID 83720-0081 Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 Chairman Okuniewicz: The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry Hunters &... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues RI House Committee to Hold Hearings on Two Wildlife Bills 2/4/2024 On Tuesday February 6th RI’s House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will meet at the Rise of the House to hold public hearings on several bills, including two wildlife bills that... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues A Win for Public Lands in Iowa: HF 2104 Killed In the House, But The Fight is Not Over 2/2/2024 The Iowa Chapter of Backcountry Hunter & Anglers is happy to report that HF 2104 died in subcommittee today. As a result of an outpouring of support by Iowa’s hunters, anglers, trappers, and... Tags: Iowa Chapter Download
Media State Issues Indiana Wetlands Targeted Once Again 2/2/2024 TAKE ACTION- Indiana wetlands continue to be in the crosshairs during the 2024 session with HB 1383. Backed by the Indiana Builders Association, state officials are once again reworking... Tags: Indiana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA Expresses Serious Concerns Over Future of Fishing Access in California 2/1/2024 As an organization dedicated to ensuring our North American heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting with over 350,000 supporters, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers expresses... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues MONTANA BHA IS RAFFLING A STATEWIDE MULE DEER TAG 2/1/2024 The opportunity to hunt shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. At least, that’s how Montana BHA feels about it, and that’s what the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation says,... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Support Expanded Sunday Hunting in Delaware 2/1/2024 The core mission of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a non-profit conservation organization, is to preserve our unique outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing through... Tags: policy blog, Mid-Atlantic Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Rhode Island BHA Opposes Kelp Proposal that Impacts Wildlife Habitat, Hunting Access 1/31/2024 Last April BHA’s Rhode Island team participated in a preliminary determination hearing before the Jamestown Harbor Commission related to two CRMC aquaculture applications, 2023-02-080 and... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues ID BHA Supports HB 404 1/29/2024 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... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues Take Action: Help the BLM Refine Proposed Action for Left Coulee Access 1/29/2024 The BLM is proposing to create and open a Left Coulee Access Road, a 0.6-mile primitive route that would provide legal motorized access to a network of 51 miles of motorized roads through the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Left Coulee Access EA 1/29/2024 January 29, 2024 Bureau of Land ManagementUpper Missouri River Breaks National Monument920 NE Main St, Lewistown, MT 59457Rachel Miller, rmiller@blm.gov Re: Left Coulee Access Environmental... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Cebull’s black bear amendments 1/29/2024 *** view and comment on Commission agenda items (amendments) here *** January 29, 2024 Chair Robinson, Commissioners - On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Illegal OHV Use Reward: How Two Brothers Helped Protect Colorado's Public Lands 1/24/2024 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was recently happy to celebrate the courage and commitment of two brothers, Brad and Brian Phillips, who played a crucial role in combating illegal off-highway... Tags: Colorado Chapter, OHV Download
Media State Issues Massachusetts BHA 2023 Policy Roundup 1/22/2024 2023 was another busy year for the Massachusetts BHA team! From Beacon Hill to Westborough, the New England Chapter worked diligently on behalf of our fishing and hunting heritage, not to mention... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media State Issues Objectors raise concerns regarding East Crazy Mountain land exchange 1/19/2024 Concerns that public lands proposed for trade to landowners along the east side of the Crazy Mountains will be developed — whether with condos, lodges and golf courses for the wealthy or mining —... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues FWP seeks members to serve on Mule Deer Citizens Advisory Council 1/17/2024 Ask any Montana hunter, and they’ll have a different response on the state of our mule deer herds and mule deer hunting. There’s certainly no shortage of complaints, nor ideas on what to do about... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Yellowstone Northern Range elk herd management to change after hunting district boundary modified 1/14/2024 This coming season, elk and deer hunters on the western side of the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park, will have a two-week longer season than their counterparts across... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports the Lost Creek Proposed Land Acquisition 1/12/2024 January 12, 2024 Amanda James, Field ManagerBureau of Land Management - Dillon Field Office1005 Selway DriveDillon, MT 59725 Re: Lost Creek Proposed Land Acquisition Ms. James: On behalf of the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Plan Revision 1/12/2024 January 12, 2024 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & AnglersPO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59807 Regional Forester Leanne Martin (Reviewing Officer)USDA Forest Service Northern (R1) Regional... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues FWP Hosting Meetings to Discuss Upland Game Bird Regs 1/12/2024 Are upland game bird regulations about to be flipped on their head? Not exactly. Current proposals include nothing drastic. But FWP’s decision to host two meetings - and reminding the public that... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Corner Crossing Lawsuit Update: The Brief Defending Access to Public Lands 1/11/2024 WYOMING — The corner crossing lawsuit is on appeal at the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Colorado after moving from state court in Wyoming, to federal court in Wyoming,... Tags: the campfire, Wyoming Chapter, container Download
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA 2023 Recap 1/11/2024 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... Tags: stewardship blog, California Chapter, habitat, r3 Download
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Protect our wild backcountry in the Great Burn 1/11/2024 Now in its final stages of planning, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest has made clear what they intend to do with the 252,000-acre landscape of wild, roadless lands that most know as the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Legislative Liaison Ivan James Appointed to Habitat Stamp Committee 1/10/2024 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently appointed Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Legislative Liaison Ivan James to the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee.[1] The Habitat Stamp Committee... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Decline of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd Continues: BOG is Considering Proposals to Close Hunting to Nonresidents on State Lands 1/10/2024 (Taken from 2023 WACH WG Binder) Decline of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd Continues: BOG is Considering Proposals to Close Hunting to Nonresidents on State LandsBoard of Game Proposal 3... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues For Brook’s Sake-Bring Enough Gun 1/8/2024 PHOTO: Willis Mattison “If that’s a moose’s antler, how can we get ’im up?” I whispered to Kenny. We were lying prone on the arctic tundra, our rifles bridged across our daypacks in... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Roundup man's hunting privileges revoked for 10 years after elk poaching 1/4/2024 What began as a sweeping prosecution for three bull elk poached in Musselshell County ended last month with a conviction for a single elk killed out of season and a man's hunting privileges... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Smith River 2024 - What you need to know 1/3/2024 The application season for the prized Smith River float permits is now open, and things look a little different this year. 1) Non-residents are now limited to 10% of the launch permits, which... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Ambler Road: My Father's Foreboding 12/27/2023 Ambler Road: My Father's Foreboding By Barry Whitehill Fly-fishing and athletics were my Dad’s salvation. At age 12, his father was sent to the penitentiary in Monroe, Washington for... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Let FWP biologists do their job 12/26/2023 During Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Helena last week, a subtle yet profound shift occurred, signaling a troubling trend in Montana wildlife management. This shift wasn’t a... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Dixie Creek Fence Repair Project Recap 12/22/2023 On October 21st, 2023, the Nevada chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Tuscarora Field Office conducted fencing repairs along Dixie Creek... Tags: stewardship blog, Nevada Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues IN BHA S.2990 Position Statement 12/22/2023 Federal legislation known as the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act (S. 2990) has been introduced by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) to create a wilderness... Tags: Indiana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Indiana Forests - Healthy Management for Biodiversity & Recreation 12/22/2023 By: Brian Stone PHD Indiana’s native bird populations are in trouble. Several species are declining, and US Forest Service proposals to address the issue in the Hoosier National Forest have been... Tags: Indiana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA: 2023 Year In Review 12/21/2023 Here's a quick(ish) recap of what Montana BHA was able to accomplish in 2023, and what's on our minds as we head into the new year: Policy Efforts Every other year, Montana’s legislature is... Tags: Montana recap, the campfire, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Field to Table Rabbit and Pheasant Curry 12/18/2023 Too often during a pheasant hunt we find our four-legged companions not being able to withstand the wild chase of a cottontail through the brush and briers. It is easy to holler, “Easy girl,... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Fish and Wildlife Commission nixes quota ranges for trophy-hunting districts 12/15/2023 The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted this week to scrap quota ranges in trophy-hunting districts, a decision that drew criticism from hunters concerned about politics steering the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Get Another Boost from U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron 12/13/2023 ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, Calif - For the third year in a row the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron HMLAT303 have stepped up to provide aerial support for bold... Tags: stewardship blog, the campfire, AFI Comms Channel, California Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Responds to New Elk Management Plan 12/12/2023 FWP’s new Elk Plan has been adopted. Last revisited in 2004, the long awaited plan has a lot to like, but falls short of expectations. Montana BHA participated diligently in the public scoping... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act 12/12/2023 Tags: Montana Chapter, access, Montana action alerts Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Outfitter and Guide Project 12/11/2023 View and comment on the Outfitter and Guide Project Revised Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) here.The deadline is Dec. 18th. December 11, 2023 Beaverhead -Deerlodge National ForestAttn:... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Beaverhead-Deerlodge Outfitter and Guide Project 12/11/2023 The US Forest Service is proposing to increase guiding and outfitting use days 153 percent on our public lands found within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The comment deadline is... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Groups weigh in on new Montana elk management plan 12/10/2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ recently released Elk Management Plan has drawn fire from sportsmen and landowner groups. Unveiled on Dec. 1 after three years of work, the new elk plan updates... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Legislative Council Splits Vote on Ballot Initiative to Extend Landowner Hunting Rights 12/8/2023 A proposed ballot initiative seeking to more broadly extend landowner hunting rights to private parcels in Montana — even for non-tribal members who own property on reservation lands — would... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Ballot initiative seeking to expand landowners’ hunting access met with committee opposition 12/6/2023 A ballot initiative seeking to allow landowners to hunt elk, deer and black bears on their property hit a setback Wednesday when the Environmental Quality Council voted not to support the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Tribes, conservation groups pile on against ballot initiative on hunting 12/6/2023 Tribal officials and conservation groups on Wednesday raised their objections with an incoming ballot initiative that will soon go out for signature gathering. Initiative 193 would allow... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana EQC Votes on I-193 12/6/2023 Today, Montana’s Environmental Quality Council held a hearing to discuss I-193, the proposed ballot initiative that would prevent landowners from being prohibited from hunting black bears, deer or... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Surprise Ballot Initiative Would Allow Montana Landowners to Hunt Big Game Without Permits 12/5/2023 A proposed ballot initiative that could have broad implications for Montana’s elk management and tribal relations will be the sole subject of a surprise state oversight committee Wednesday... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CO BHA Leads the Effort on Public Hunting and Fishing Access to Indemnity Lands 11/27/2023 Thanks to BHA member Steve Witte and his research and draft letter, the Colorado Chapter of BHA was able to lead the effort to encourage the State Land Board to provide CPW an exclusive initial... Tags: Colorado Chapter, container Download
Media State Issues Wyoming Chapter of BHA Opposes the Columbus Peak Ranch Land Exchange 11/27/2023 Wyoming, a state renowned for its vast landscapes, pristine wilderness, and rich biodiversity, faces another critical threat – the proposed Columbus Peak Ranch Land Exchange. This controversial... Tags: Wyoming Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Elk Hunting: A State of Mind (& Body) 11/21/2023 “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... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana Chapter 2023 Holiday Gift Guide 11/20/2023 The Montana Chapter is extremely grateful for our business sponsors across the state that want to protect access to our public lands and waters. This holiday season, we encourage you to shop local... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues New Bridge Linking Kentucky and Illinois Threatens Boatwright WMA 11/20/2023 UPDATE: Public Information Meeting information is now available on their website plus a Public Feedback Survey about this issue will be open until December 30th! Click on the following link to... Tags: Kentucky Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Texans Vote to Pass Proposition 14, The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund 11/14/2023 In support of wild places and more public access, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 14 at the polls earlier this month, dedicating significant money to acquire and develop new state... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media State Issues Floating Rivers without Bridges in Northwest Alaska 11/13/2023 PHOTO: Robbie Everett Floating Rivers without Bridges in Northwest Alaska Stepping out of the boat onto the rugged riverbanks of Alaska is an immersive experience that engages not just the... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Stand with Hunt-Fish Effort Opposing the Ambler Industrial Road 11/10/2023 PHOTO: Barry Whitehill, AK Chapter Vice ChairAn unparalleled experience for sportsmen and women can be had in Alaska’s famed Brooks Range – a region home to caribou herds, Dall sheep, moose and... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media State Issues Utah Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Engagement - November 2023 11/9/2023 In the November Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meeting agenda, we saw various proposals from the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) emerge for public comment, some of which directly relate to... Tags: Utah Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Objects to Draft Decision on East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange 11/9/2023 *** To learn more about this proposal and comment, click here. *** To read the Montana Chapter of BHA's objections submitted on November 9th, 2023, click here. Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on 2024-25 Season Setting Proposals 11/9/2023 *** Review the proposals and submit your own comments here, by November 21st *** November 9, 2023Dear Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks:On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters &... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Oppose the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act 11/8/2023 Tags: access, North Dakota Chapter, North Dakota Action Alerts Download
Media Chapter News State Issues WI Sharptail grouse comment period OPEN 11/7/2023 Sharptail grouse hunting was once as much a mark of autumn as the family hunting camp in the North Woods. Men, women, children and dogs would take to the pine... Tags: Wisconsin Chapter, upland, Sharptailgrouse, Hunting Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Policy & Government Relations VP John Gale Transitions To Bureau of Land Management 11/6/2023 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Vice President of Policy & Government Relations John Gale transitioned to a Senior Executive Service position with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Edwards Creek Project Update 11/6/2023 On October 21, BHA Nevada Chapter volunteers assisted NDOW staff in a vital project to restore fencing around the springs that feed Edwards Creek, which provides water and critical riparian... Tags: stewardship blog, Nevada Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues Trout Unlimited / Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, A Statement of Support Medicine Lake Highlands Should Be Designated a National Monument 11/1/2023 Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues The Proposed Missouri Headwaters Conservation Area - What You Need to Know 10/30/2023 Right now, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is taking comments on a proposal to create a conservation area in parts of five counties in SW Montana. If enacted, private landowners would be eligible... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA comments in support of Proposed Missouri Headwaters Conservation Area 10/30/2023 *** LEARN MORE AND COMMENT HERE BY NOVEMBER 27th *** October 30th, 2023 Ben Gilles, Montana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Project Leader U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 922 Bootlegger... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Alaska BHA Still Opposes Proposed Ambler Road 10/27/2023 Alaska BHA Still Opposes Proposed Ambler Road PHOTO: Kevin Fraley, AK Chapter, Interior Representative The proposed Ambler Industrial Road has posed unacceptable risks to Alaska’s Brooks Range... Tags: Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado BHA Q4 2023 Update 10/27/2023 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,... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Michigan BHA Opposes Commercial Targeting of Sport Fish 10/26/2023 Michigan BHA Opposes Commercial Targeting of Sport Fish Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through... Tags: policy blog, Michigan Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Applauds Sen. Tester's Efforts to Restore Funding for Hunter's Ed 10/26/2023 Last Friday, Montana BHA board member Jake Schwaller had the privilege of joining fellow Montana hunters in thanking Senator Tester for his leadership and efforts in returning funding for... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues TX BHA Policy News - October 2023 10/24/2023 SB 1236 Recently, SB 1236 was passed by the Texas government. This new law removes the opportunity for hunters to use public riverbeds and streams for hunting as it bans using rifles and archery... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues RI Fishing Access at Risk in RIDOT Bridge Proposal 10/23/2023 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... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media State Issues A Hunter-Angler (Hell-Raisin’ & Habitat Savin’) Guide to Winning: Colorado BHA Examples (Browns Canyon & Camp Hale) 10/23/2023 From 2007-2015 I was privileged to serve on the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) North American Board alongside some of the most dedicated hunter-angler-conservationists I’ve known, including... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Commission approves land purchase for new wildlife management area near Forsyth 10/20/2023 The first of what could be several land acquisitions by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks along the Lower Yellowstone River to improve public access was approved on Thursday. The Fish and Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana hunters thankful for reversal on hunting education in schools 10/20/2023 BILLINGS — With the general rifle season set to kick off Saturday, Friday was cause for celebration for hunters like Evan Trewhella, who say that hunter safety taught in school is basically a rite... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Fish and Wildlife Commission votes to support purchase of Lower Yellowstone River property 10/19/2023 The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously voted today to approve the acquisition of a new wildlife management area proposed for the Lower Yellowstone River. According to Angie Grove,... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues COMMENT NOW - The Fish Creek Watershed Draft Recreation Strategy 10/13/2023 Speak up for quality hunting and fishing opportunities and productive fish and wildlife habitat in the Fish Creek watershed. Deadline to comment is October 20th. Right now, Montana FWP is... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on Fish Creek Watershed Draft Recreation Strategy 10/12/2023 *** Read the Fish Creek Watershed Draft Recreation Strategy and comment yourself. *** October 12, 2023 Randy ArnoldFWP Region 2 Supervisor406-542-5504rarnold@mt.gov RE: Fish Creek Watershed... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues MA BHA Opposes ‘Act Modernizing Firearms Laws’ 10/11/2023 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,... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media State Issues Winecup Gamble Update: Post Meeting News 10/11/2023 BHA and our Nevada chapter continue to closely follow the moves of Kroenke Ranches and Western Land Group regarding the "yet-to-be-proposed" Winecup Gamble land exchange. Stan Kroenke, the 5th... Tags: Nevada Chapter Download
Media State Issues Virtual Open House - Blue Mountain Forest Plan Revisions 10/10/2023 Do you hunt, fish, forage, or camp with your family on the Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla, or Malheur National Forest? If so, it’s time for you to get involved! This summer, the US Forest Service... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues VIEWPOINT: Daines should stop playing games with Blackfoot Act 10/6/2023 Last month, Senator Tester’s Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act passed out of committee. The product of more than a decade, the BCSA enjoys the support of the majority (84%!) of Montanans. It’s... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues CO BHA Letter Supporting the Vail Bighorn Sheep Initiative 9/30/2023 Please read the attached Colorado Chapter Letter in Support of the Vail Bighorn Initiative. To learn more about this vital Rocky Mountain Bighorn Herd and to support the Initiative please visit... Tags: Colorado Chapter, container Download
Media State Issues AFI Priority Landscape Camp 9/30/2023 Bouncing down a barren stretch of the Dalton Highway, known to Alaskans as the Haul Road, a bang and a thud emanating from the engine compartment of our van signaled that our hunting adventure was... Tags: AFI Featured Stories, Alaska Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Idaho BHA Supports Next Phase of Sawmill Canyon Project 9/29/2023 On Saturday, September 23rd, 16 volunteers gathered in the Pahsimeroi Valley to complete a phase of the Sawmill Canyon project for National Public Lands Day. The volunteers represented Idaho BHA,... Tags: stewardship blog, Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2023 Fall Newsletter 9/28/2023 It's the most wonderful time of the year! Like most of us here at Montana BHA, we expect many of you are spending as much time afield or on the water as possible this fall. With that in mind,... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues MT BHA Comments on Dry Riverside Project in Flathead National Forest 9/28/2023 September 28, 2023 Gary BlazejewskiHungry Horse Ranger DistrictPO Box 190340Hungry Horse, MT 59919gary.blazejewski@usda.gov Re: Dry Riverside Project Dear Mr. Blazejewski, The Montana Chapter... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues East Crazy Mountain, Big Sky land exchanges advance with changes 9/28/2023 Acontentious land exchange on the eastern side of the Crazy Mountains and near Big Sky has been approved by the supervisor of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The draft decision contains... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues New England BHA Supports Moose Research 9/28/2023 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)... Tags: New England Chapter, New England Download
Media State Issues Forest Service Tentatively Approves Crazy Mountain Land Swap 9/28/2023 The U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday that it has tentatively approved a land swap involving more than 15 square miles of land located in two Montana mountain ranges. The Custer Gallatin... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Rock Springs RMP Released 9/27/2023 Last month, the Rock Springs Bureau of Land Management field office released the long-awaited draft RMP. This draft lays out 4 alternative plans on how the Rock Springs field office will manage... Tags: Wyoming Chapter, container Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Joins Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project (CWCP) Objection to Proposed Mad Rabbit Trails Project 9/26/2023 See the Colorado Chapter supported letter objecting to the Mad Rabbit Trails Project: Tags: Colorado Chapter, container Download
Media Chapter News State Issues "Trigger Warning" - Thoughts on NY Laws & Regs 9/26/2023 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... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media State Issues Southeast Chapter opposes construction impacts on Swan Creek WMA 9/19/2023 The Southeast Chapter of BHA, which represents members in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, is alarmed by the planned construction of a bridge through the Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area, a... Tags: policy blog, Southeast Chapter, habitat Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Wilderness in Virginia? Yes, that there is! 9/17/2023 Back in the spring I was fortunate enough to participate in a “fly-in” event in support of the LWCF Coalition at our Nation’s capital. You can read the blog post I published about that... Tags: policy blog, AFI Featured Stories, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Capital News, Capital issues Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Volunteers Help Expand Elk, Deer & Bear Habitat in Northwest California 9/12/2023 On a hazy, smokey Friday evening in Humboldt county, BHA members and volunteers gathered at Mad River Brewing Company to toast to the upcoming B1 deer and bear season opener and to put finishing... Tags: stewardship blog, California Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues Lion vs Sheep 9/8/2023 For some, keeping a constant eye on game cameras and venturing deep into the backcountry is a break from their everyday lives. For Jeff and Vicki Davis, it is their lives. The Sierra Nevada... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Applauds Agreement to Retire Final Remaining Lease in the Badger-Two Medicine 9/7/2023 Late last week, news broke that the final remaining oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine was to be permanently retired! This area, US Forest Service lands adjacent to the Bob Marshall... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues PA Senate Action Diverts Game Fund Money, Puts Federal Wildlife Funding at Risk 9/7/2023 The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is disappointed in the actions taken in the State Senate August 30, 2023 when a last-minute amendment was added to HB 1300 that if... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, news Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Release for Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area Public Land Planting 9/6/2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 6, 2023 The California Department of Fish & Wildlife and BHA plan to host a huge public land planting event and community gathering to restore winter range for mule... Tags: stewardship blog, California Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues Are hunters satisfied with Montana's elk management? A 5,800-person survey offers answers 8/31/2023 The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently released the results of two hunter surveys. One was sent to 5,000 residents and another to 800 nonresidents. The surveys asked questions... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Falls Creek LWCF Project 8/30/2023 August 30, 2023 Chad BensonKootenai National Forest Supervisor31374 US Hwy. 2Libby, Montana 59923-3022 RE: LWCF Falls Creek Project Dear Mr. Benson, My name is Aaron Agosto, I am writing on... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Crevice Mountain Acquisition 8/30/2023 August 30, 2023 Mary EricksonForest Supervisor USDA Forest Service – Custer Gallatin National Forest10 E. Babcock Bozeman, MT 59771 RE: Crevice Mountain Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Are Montanans really satisfied with elk management? 8/30/2023 Sharing the results of their Resident Elk Hunter Survey, FWP’s press release and summary tout that 73% of respondents "are satisfied with elk management." Given the contention around elk... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues 8/25/23 New Mexico State Game Commission Recap 8/28/2023 Friday August 25, 2023 Raton, NM All Commissioners were present: Attending in-person: Commissioners Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Fernando Clemente, Ed Garcia Attending... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media State Issues Sportsmen: Elk Hunter Survey Doesn't Support FWP Claims 8/28/2023 A sportsmen’s group is questioning Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ interpretation of its recent elk hunting poll, particularly claims that most resident hunters are satisfied with current elk... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Illinois BHA and US Army Corps Create New 3D Archery Park 8/25/2023 The Illinois Chapter of BHA partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers over the past year to development of a public 3-D archery trail at Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois. Lake Shelbyville... Tags: stewardship blog, Illinois Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases I-8 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Crossing Project 8/24/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseAug. 24, 2023Contact: Devin O'Dea, 415-246-5329, odea@backcountryhunters.org Wildlife Conservation Board Awards Multi-Million Dollar Grant to U.C. Davis for the... Tags: the campfire, press releases, California Chapter, habitat Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Texas BHA Represents Hunters & Anglers at TPWD Annual Hearing 8/24/2023 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... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Massachusetts Archery Deer Hunting Season Extension 8/22/2023 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... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media State Issues Are Montanans Really Satisfied with Elk Management? 8/22/2023 Montana FWP recently shared the results of their research gauging hunters' satisfaction with elk management in Montana. The survey was sent to 5,000 randomly selected resident hunters with half... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Maine's High Peaks Refuge Proposal 8/22/2023 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... Tags: New England Chapter, featured Download
Media State Issues Montana residents generally happy with elk, mule deer management, survey finds 8/18/2023 Elk hunting has been an emotional topic for some Montana hunters in recent years, with rallies on the Capitol steps, special conferences between differing interest groups and bills introduced in... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Under landowner proposal, 235K acres of BLM lands in northeastern Nevada could be privatized permanently 8/18/2023 Word has been spreading like wildfire about a sweetheart land deal being pushed by out-of-state billionaire landowner Stan Kroenke, a 3:1 land transfer that could result in public lands hunters... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Wildcat WMA Acquisition 8/18/2023 August 18, 2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & ParksAttn: Brett DorakPO Box 1630Miles City, MT 59301Brett.Dorak@mt.gov RE: Wildcat WMA Acquisition Dear Mr. Dorak, On behalf of the Montana Chapter of... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Mission, Issues & Actions (Triads) 8/17/2023 During May 2023 I crossed paths with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) founder Mike Beagle in Denver, nearly four years after we last got together at a watering hole not far from Mike’s home in... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues New England BHA Funds Striped Bass Research 8/17/2023 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... Tags: New England Chapter, featured Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits our nation, so let’s build on it 8/16/2023 The following article was first published by The Virginian-Pilot on 15 August 2023. It is an op-ed I wrote in support of an ongoing collaboration with the LWCF Coalition on behalf of Backcountry... Tags: policy blog, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Capital News, Capital issues, lwcf Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Racetrack Creek Acquisition 8/16/2023 August 16, 2023 Lisa Timchak, Forest Supervisor Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest 420 Barrett Street Dillon, MT 59725 Re: Racetrack Creek 2025 LWCF-Funded Acquisition Proposal Ms.... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Defend Science-Based Bear & Cougar Management in New Mexico 8/16/2023 Currently the New Mexico State Game Commission is undergoing rulemaking for bear and cougar with a goal to, “Maintain sustainable bear and cougar populations and hunting opportunities throughout... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues ID BHA Requests Update on Elkhorn Riparian Exclosure Fences Project (Challis BLM Office) 8/15/2023 In December of 2021, a scoping letter was sent from the BLM Challis Field Office (CFO) to BHA, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Idaho Department of Fish and... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues ID BHA Comments on Upper Snake East Travel Management Plan Draft Environmental Assessment 8/9/2023 Idaho BHA recently commented on a draft Environmental Assessment for the Upper Snake East Travel Management Plan. Read the full comments here. General Comments: Human population increases... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Hunters Requests Improvements to Elk Hunting Access Agreements 8/7/2023 August 7th, 2023 Director Temple, Chair Robinson, Commissioners, Chair Beal - First, thank you for your continued efforts to improve the Elk Hunting Access Agreements. As you know, since the... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on 2023 EMP Draft 7/31/2023 July 31, 2023 Montana FWP Wildlife Division 1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT 59620 RE: Montana BHA Comments on the 2023 Montana Statewide Elk Management Plan Draft Mr. Northrup, Mr.... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Guest View: Proposed elk plan goes in circles 7/27/2023 Nearly 20 years have passed since Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks last updated its Elk Management Plan (out for comment now). The new EMP has some good ideas, like reviewing the plan every five... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues NV BHA Comments on Washoe County Lands Proposal 7/26/2023 The Nevada Chapter of BHA recently commented on the Washoe County Lands Bill Proposal. This proposal is a significant improvement over previous proposals with far less land transfers and some... Tags: Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues 7/21/23 NM Game Commission Recap 7/21/2023 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... Tags: New Mexico Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues LETTER: North Dakota BHA Opposes State Trust Lands Completion Act (S. 1088) 7/21/2023 July 21, 2023 The Honorable Joe Manchin ChairmanSenate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 306 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable John Barrasso Ranking Member Senate... Tags: North Dakota Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (S. 2149) 7/21/2023 July 21, 2023 The Honorable Joe ManchinChairmanSenate Energy and Natural Resources Committee306 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510 The Honorable John BarrassoRanking MemberSenate... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues ID SH-21 Cervidae Peak Wildlife Overpass Project 7/20/2023 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... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues FWP's New Elk Management Plan - What's in it? 7/20/2023 Montana's new Elk Management Plan is out for comment now. It's nearly 500 pages. So what's in it? Well, there are some things to like, for example, the raising of objectives - now called goals -... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Wildlife Accommodations for the Cougar Creek Bridge Replacement Project 7/20/2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: WCPP Discretionary Grant Letter of Support: Wildlife Accommodations for... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program 7/19/2023 Wednesday, July 19, 2023 The Honorable Peter ButtigiegSecretary, U.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, SEWashington, DC 20590-001 RE: Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program Grant... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Pennsylvania BHA Legislative Update Summer 2023 7/19/2023 Legislative Update Our efforts in Harrisburg on behalf of our members continues. With the legislature moving into summer recess, here is an update on the bills we are following. Support SB 67... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, Events, news Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program: Missoula to Garrison 7/19/2023 Wednesday, July 19, 2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: for Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Wisconsin BHA Chapter Newsletter- July 2023 7/18/2023 Tags: Wisconsin Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments On Statewide Season-Setting Proposals 7/14/2023 July 14, 2023Dear Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks:On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MT BHA), please see the comments below regarding the statewide proposals... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues HB 3086 Passes 7/14/2023 In a monumental achievement, HB 3086, which restructures the ODFW Commission's selection map, has been passed with unanimous support in the House and near unanimity in the Senate. The hard work... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Support Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act & Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act 7/12/2023 The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers encourages the U.S. Senate (and then the U.S. House) to pass both S. 1634 (the CORE Act) and S. 636 (the Dolores River National Conservation... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The Battle of Texas Public Lands 7/11/2023 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... Tags: Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Chapter Newsletter Summer 2023 7/8/2023 “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,... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues BHA works with Idaho Trails Association and BLM on Spring Rehabilitation 7/7/2023 On May 20th, volunteers from Idaho Chapter BHA and Idaho Trails Association (ITA) worked together to rehabilitate a spring on BLM-managed public lands in the Owyhee Mountains. The spring near the... Tags: stewardship blog, Idaho Chapter, habitat Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Iowa BHA Helps Create More Public Land through Acquisition Projects 7/7/2023 In a state where less than 2% of the landmass is publicly accessible, and even less open to hunting and fishing, the Iowa Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has identified a need to... Tags: Iowa Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments On Lolo National Forest Plan Revision 7/7/2023 July 7, 2023 Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attn: Amanda Milburn - Lolo Plan Revision 24 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula, MT 59804 SM.FS.LFNRevision@usda.gov Dear Ms. Milburn: Thank you... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Conservation licenses required for fishing access, wildlife management areas 7/6/2023 Starting July 1, people using Montana fishing access sites and wildlife management areas who don’t already have a conservation license with their fishing or hunting license are supposed to buy one... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2023 Summer Newsletter 6/30/2023 Summer has arrived! When we haven't been attending bow shoots, boots-on-the-ground stewardship projects, or chasing the salmon fly hatch, here’s what we’ve been up to since our last quarterly blog... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Support the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act! 6/27/2023 Tags: Montana Chapter, access, Montana action alerts Download
Media State Issues RI Shoreline Access Bills Become Law 6/27/2023 On Monday June 26, 2023 RI Governor Dan McKee signed H5174A & S417A, completing the legislative process for the pair to become State law. The Governor’s signature comes less than two weeks after... Tags: New England Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Public Waters Access Download
Media Chapter News State Issues AZ BHA First Half Legislative Summary - June 2023 6/26/2023 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... Tags: Arizona Chapter Download
Media State Issues Spring Policy Update from Idaho BHA 6/26/2023 The Chapter was busy with public comment periods this spring, sending in comments on a range of issues impacting our public lands, waters and wildlife. The BLM has continued to demonstrate the... Tags: Idaho Chapter, policy blog Download
Media State Issues Rhode Island: H5174A & S417A are headed to the Governor's desk! 6/26/2023 H5174A & S417A are headed to the Governor's desk! On June 15th, the RI House of Representatives voted to approve each, concurring with the RI Senate's approved version. This step represents a... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Improving and restoring pronghorn habitat in the Texas Panhandle 6/22/2023 2nd Annual Rita Blanca Fence Project and Chapter Campout Dallam County, Texas – The Texas Chapter of BHA held the 2nd Annual Rita Blanca Fence Project and Chapter Campout June 2-4. Initially... Tags: stewardship blog, stewardship, Texas Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Alaska BHA Partners with Stream Watch Program to Mitigate Bank Erosion on the Famed Russian River 6/22/2023 Of the many things that I remember wanting as a young kid, but not among the few that I never obtained, living in Alaska was in the top two. Early in my military career and after garnering... Tags: stewardship blog, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Alaska Chapter, stewardship Download
Media State Issues BLM Fence Prep Recap 6/21/2023 On Saturday, June 27th, Oregon BHA Members alongside staff from the USFS and BLM ascended on public lands bordering the Deschutes National Forest to prep fence line for future retro fitting. Brush... Tags: stewardship blog, Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog, habitat Download
Media State Issues Thinking about corner crossing in Montana? Read this first. 6/20/2023 In Montana, is Corner Crossing “unlawful,” “illegal,” or something else entirely? Across the country, the concept of “corner crossing” became the hottest topic in the hunting community when a... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Missouri BHA Weighs in on Closure of the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge 6/14/2023 The Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most visited waterfowl hunting areas in the state of Missouri. This unique wetland complex has provided quality fish and wildlife habitat... Tags: Missouri Chapter Download
Media State Issues Built on a Conservation Foundation: Wyoming BHA's Success in Corner Crossing 6/13/2023 From a GoFundMe page that raised six figures and tireless lobbying at the Wyoming Legislature in 2023 to regular contact and determination in telling the story of public access in their state, the... Tags: the campfire, featured, Wyoming Chapter Download
Media State Issues The Final Push – RI Shoreline Access 6/13/2023 The finish line is in sight! During the last several RI Legislative Sessions protecting and restoring access to Rhode Island’s shoreline has been a top priority, and the Rhode Island team has... Tags: New England Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Proposed Jackson Mountain (CO) Mountain Bike Trail System Withdrawn 6/12/2023 (Hunters/Wildlife Advocates Applaud Decision) During the spring of 2022 Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Southwest Group Assistant Regional Director Alex Krebs got wind of a proposed... Tags: Colorado Chapter Download
Media State Issues Fiscal Shortfalls = Loss of Public Lands in Oklahoma 6/12/2023 Public Lands Lost Due to Fiscal Shortfalls A large expanse of public land in Southeast Oklahoma which has been revered as a “deer hunter’s paradise” and home to the last free-flowing stream in... Tags: Oklahoma Chapter Download
Media State Issues 50 landowners awarded free elk tags under hunting access program 6/10/2023 Fifty Montana landowners will be awarded 79 either-sex elk tags as an incentive to allow public hunters access to almost a half-million acres of land in the 2023 hunting season. The Fish and... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Billings sportsmen weigh in on BLM public lands rule 6/4/2023 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) — our nation's largest land management agency, tasked with overseeing 245 million acres across the country — manages public lands for a multitude of uses. But... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues FWP statement on corner crossing in Montana raises public land access advocates' hackles 6/1/2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ deputy director has raised the hackles of some Montana land access advocates. A recent federal court ruling in Wyoming regarding public access at the corners where... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues The PUBLIC Lands Act 5/30/2023 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,... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues LWCF Coalition Fly-in with Capital Region Chapter and AFI 5/25/2023 Capital Region Chapter Vice Chair and Mid-Atlantic AFI Liaison Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a fly-in hosted by the LWCF Coalition in Washington, D.C. This is the second time... Tags: policy blog, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Capital News, Capital issues, Capital BHA Download
Media State Issues 2023 Legislative Session Recap - Montana BHA 5/24/2023 Congrats! We made it through the 2023 Montana Legislative Session! Thanks to the tireless efforts from our chapter leaders, staff, and lobbyists in the Capitol - and more importantly thanks to... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on proposed Upper Thompson Conservation Easement. 5/24/2023 Montana BHA members are encouraged to weigh in on this proposal. Find more information and send in your own comments here. May 24, 2023 Leah Breidinger Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 490... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Nevada Legislative Update - May 2023 5/22/2023 Hunters and wildlife conservationists scored two major wins in May by killing two bills which would have had significant negative impacts on the state’s hunting traditions and wildlife habitat.... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Kansas Chapter Chair heads to D.C. to speak up for LWCF 5/22/2023 By Kurt Ratzlaff Kansas BHA Chapter Chair The words “What the heck am I doing here?” rattled around in my mind several times during the 48 hours I recently spent in Washington DC. But there I was,... Tags: policy blog, Kansas Chapter Download
Media State Issues Press Releases Montana BHA and Partners Celebrate Bill that Defends Legal Public Access 5/19/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMay 19, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Montana’s House Bill 486 increases the fine 10X for illegally blocking public... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases, public lands Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Big Spring Creek Conservation Easement Proposal 5/18/2023 Learn more and submit your own comments here. May 18, 2023 Sonja Andersen, Wildlife BiologistMontana Fish, Wildlife & ParksPO Box 938Lewistown, MT 59457sandersen@mt.govRe: Big Spring Creek... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments Re: Implementation of SB 280 - Bird Dog Training Licenses and Season Proposal 5/12/2023 Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Judge Reverses Permits that threaten Bloody Run Creek 5/11/2023 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... Tags: Iowa Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Petition to Conduct SB 442 Veto Override Poll with Partner Groups 5/8/2023 Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues Deschutes Mule Deer Inventory UPDATE: May 2023 5/5/2023 The Oregon Chapter of BHA wants to thank our supporters for your dedication, especially to those who were able to take the time to participate in last Thursday’s Planning Commission hearing -... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments in support of Marshall Mountain Community Forest and Mountain Park 5/4/2023 Kali Becher Open Lands Project ManagerMissoula County200 W. BroadwayMissoula, MT 59802 May 3rd, 2023 Re: Marshall Mountain Community Forest and Mountain Park Dear Ms. Becher: I am writing on... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat Download
Media State Issues 2023 Idaho Legislative Recap 5/3/2023 The 2023 session of the Idaho Legislature is in the books, with formal adjournment taking place towards the end of March. As always, Idaho BHA paid close attention to legislation with the... Tags: Idaho Chapter Download
Media State Issues Field to Table Backcountry Bistro: Montana BHA's 2023 Wild Game Cookoff Recipe 5/2/2023 Grilled Elk Steak and Morel Sandwich with Elk Tallow Twice-Fried Frites and a Montana Bush Pilot When I think of Montana and reflect on what it took for me to harvest an elk this year, I... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Fight Attacks on Federal Public Land & LWCF Funding! 5/1/2023 Tags: Montana Chapter, access Download
Media State Issues Take Action to lower license fees for non-resident students 5/1/2023 The Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is tracking a lot of bills in Harrisburg this session, but one that has our particular attention is Senate Bill 344, authored by Senator... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, news Download
Media State Issues Hunting Ethically Is Good, Hard Work 5/1/2023 While hunting Rocky Mountain elk or mountain Merriam’s turkeys or any other wild game in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains I generally endeavor to meet up with Colorado Backcountry Hunters &... Tags: Colorado Chapter, the campfire Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Striped Bass & ASMFC Spring Meeting 2023 4/28/2023 Back in 2022 every BHA Chapter from North Carolina to Maine – the entire footprint of the Atlantic Striped Bass range – advocated for conservation-minded priorities in Amendment 7 to the Striped... Tags: New Jersey Chapter, New England Chapter, New York Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on FWP Habitat Conservation Lease Program 4/27/2023 April 27, 2023 Montana FWP Wildlife Division Attn: Rick Northrup, Habitat Bureau Chief 1420 E Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 406-444-5633 rnorthrup@mt.gov RE: Habitat... Tags: Montana Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on WSR and Wilderness Inventories in draft Lolo National Forest Plan 4/26/2023 April 26, 2023 Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attn: Amanda Milburn - Lolo Plan Revision 24 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula, MT 59804 SM.FS.LFNRevision@usda.gov Dear Ms. Milburn; Thank... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Shuts Down a Petition Attempting to Close Nearshore Fishing in California 4/25/2023 Fish & Game Commission voted unanimously to reject a petition that would have closed over 250 miles of nearshore fishing access in California's Central Coast. A petition before the Fish & Game... Tags: California Chapter, access Download
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 154: The Legal Fight Over Corner Crossing Comes to a Head 4/25/2023 The future of public access to public lands is being decided in Wyoming with the ongoing saga of the corner-crossing hunters and their legal travails. We all have a dog in this fight – and never... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast Download
Media State Issues New York State Lead Ammunition Ban 2023 Legislation 4/24/2023 Assembly Bill A2084A (active currently for the 2023-2024 legislative session) prevents the use of lead ammunition in the taking of wildlife on state-owned lands and on lands contributing surface... Tags: New York Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues North Dakota BHA 2023 Legislative Roundup 4/24/2023 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.... Tags: North Dakota Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Acreage Added to Preserve portion of New River Gorge National Park 4/19/2023 When the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve redesignation went into effect hunters were left holding the short straw as we were now permanently excluded from 4,385 acres of what was once... Tags: West Virginia Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues California BHA's Guide to Navigating a Full Fish & Game Commission Agenda 4/19/2023 The Fish & Game Commission meets this Wednesday and Thursday (4/19 & 4/20), and we hope you can show up to provide comments on some very important issues for hunters and anglers in... Tags: policy blog, California Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Florida BHA encourages hunting, recreation access in proposed USFWS Conservation Area 4/17/2023 The following comment was submitted 4-17-2023 to the USFWS regarding its proposed Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area: To: United States Fish & Wildlife Service From: Florida... Tags: Florida Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Central Coast Heritage Protection Act Reintroduced 4/14/2023 BHA is once again rallying support behind the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act recently reintroduced by Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24). This legislation would add nearly 250,000 acres... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, California Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montanans Support SB 442 as Amended 4/13/2023 April 13, 2023 Montana State Capitol Building1301 E. 6th AvenueHelena, MT 59601 RE: Montanans Support SB 442 as Amended Dear Gov. Gianforte and Members of the Montana Legislature, Right now,... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat Download
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 153: The MT Legislature, The Weed Tax, and The Conservationists 4/11/2023 Montana's legislature meets for only 90 days every two years, but the amount of work that goes into a single abbreviated session is mind-blowing. In just a few short months during its 2023... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast Download
Media State Issues Q1 Newsletter from Montana BHA 4/11/2023 We’re entering the final stretch of Montana’s legislative session, which is where the majority of our time and focus has been this year. That said, there are things happening outside of Helena... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues HB 3086: UPDATE 4/10/2023 The progress of HB 3086, the river basin model for ODFW Commission structure, was unfortunately stalled early last week. The -4 amendment had enough votes to pass out of the House Agriculture,... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues ArrowRifles During Archery Season in OK 4/7/2023 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... Tags: Oklahoma Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Wisconsin BHA Chapter Newsletter- Spring 2023 4/6/2023 Tags: Wisconsin Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Citizen Elk Management Coalition members and sporting groups request veto of HB 635 4/5/2023 April 5th, 2023 Governor Greg Gianforte State Capitol 1301 E. Sixth Ave. Helena, MT 59601 RE: Montana Citizen Elk Management Coalition members and sporting groups request veto of HB... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: RE: Sportsman, Landowner, & Outfitter Support for SB 442, as currently amended 4/3/2023 April 3, 2023 MT Senate President Jason Ellsworth State Capitol 1301 E. Sixth Ave. Helena, MT 59601 RE: Sportsman, Landowner, & Outfitter Support for SB 442, as currently amended Dear... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Nevada BHA Weighs-in on Legislation Impacting Horse Management, Commission Make-up and Youth Opportunity 4/3/2023 The Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has been actively engaged in Carson City this year on several pieces of key legislation. In addition to advocating for needed investments in... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter Download
Media State Issues 2023 Oregon Legislative Tracker 3/30/2023 Bill: HJR 5-1 - Right to Fish, Hunt, and Forage https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Measures/Overview/HJR5 Oregon BHA Position: Support as written or with the -1 amendment Current... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues Oregon's Adopt-A-Lek Program 3/30/2023 What is it? Oregon has a volunteer opportunity between hunting seasons in the high desert, in the state’s southeastern region. Oregon has one of the nation’s largest... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Cornwall Creek Flooding - Recreation Opportunity May be Lost 3/28/2023 Cornwall Creek Flooding may be a place known to you and for others not so much. To me, the Cornwall Creek Flooding is near and dear to my heart, my family having camped on its shores every winter... Tags: Michigan Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana sportsmen groups oppose HB 635 3/26/2023 Montanans have long fought to make sure that hunting is available for all, equitably, and not just reserved for the wealthy and well-connected. This is so important that when many of us agreed... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues BHA Defends Navigable Waters Rule and Secures Access in California 3/23/2023 Here in California we have a constitutional right to fish, and we have a right to access, hunt and fish the navigable waters of our state - for those waters are to be held in the public trust for... Tags: the campfire, California Chapter, access, Public Waters Access, stream access Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Co-Chair Receives Sigurd F. Olson Award 3/21/2023 The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Sigurd F. Olson Award recognizes outstanding effort conserving rivers, lakes or wetland habitat. Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Co-Chair Don... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog Download
Media State Issues Press Releases Southwest Public Lands Permanently Conserved Via Antiquities Act 3/21/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 21, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org President Biden designates Avi Kwa Ame National Monument and Castner Range National... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, press releases, Nevada Chapter Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Iowa BHA Opposes SF516 3/19/2023 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... Tags: Iowa Chapter Download
Media State Issues A Closer Look at HB 635: What do Montana Hunters Get Out of This? 3/18/2023 Update: On April 21st, Governor Gianforte sent HB 635 back to lawmakers with amendments. One of those was to triple the number of licenses given to nonresident landowners owning 2,500 acres. So... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: What’s good for prisoners may not be good for hunters 3/17/2023 In 2022, FWP established a new pheasant release program: “... which aims to engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success, and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 151: Bill Avey, 40 Years in the Forest Service 3/14/2023 Retired Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor Bill Avey is here to give us a clear view into the workings of the U.S. Forest Service – and what is arguably, for a public lands hunter... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Utah Legislature Approves Funding for Wildlife Crossings 3/13/2023 A request for appropriation (RFA) called “Wildlife Highway Mitigation” was approved by the Utah Legislature in the 2023 Legislative Session budget. This funding request was for $20M of State funds... Tags: Utah Chapter, policy blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Minnesota BHA North Country Icebreaker (“Stoke The Fire,” But Don’t Burn Out!) 3/11/2023 While growing up in northern Minnesota we spent a lot of time at our grandparent’s house on Mille Lacs Lake, where (as you might expect) fishing was the primary pastime.[1] I was pleased to be... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, Minnesota events Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Legislation Introduced to Expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument 3/9/2023 I spent a portion of my childhood pursuing adventures on lands and waters within what is now known as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument; however, the history of the land and its... Tags: California Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: Fully Fund Wildlife Crossings and AB 112 3/9/2023 March 6, 2023 Dear Chairman Watts, Vice Chair Brown-May, Growth & Infrastructure Committee members, To ensure Nevada continues its leadership in protecting and maintaining wildlife migration... Tags: policy blog, Nevada Chapter Download
Media State Issues H.B. 208 Doesn’t Solve Stream Access Law Ambiguity 3/8/2023 This 2023 Legislative Session, H.B. 208 “Criminal Trespass Amendments” was passed. Sponsored by Rep. Scott Chew, H.B.208 assigns a defined penalty for wading and walking on stream beds and banks... Tags: Utah Chapter Download
Media State Issues Montana BHA '23 Mid-Session Recap 3/8/2023 We're ending transmittal break, the halfway mark of the 2023 legislative session. In the first 45 days, Montana BHA has provided testimony on and helped influence the outcomes of 39 individual... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Thornburgh Resort, Wrong Place, Wrong Time 3/6/2023 Given the serious shortcomings of Thornburg’s water mitigation model which can only be described as “best (and only) case” combined with Thornburg’s credibility damaged by their failure to make... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media Chapter News State Issues Another Dam in the Arkansas River? In Tulsa? Why? 3/3/2023 The Oklahoma chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has joined several other local conservation organizations to raise concern at a proposition brought forth by the City of Tulsa to add an... Tags: policy blog, Oklahoma Chapter Download
Media State Issues Wildlife Loses Unless We Solve Conflict Between Landowners & Hunters 3/2/2023 This letter to the editor was originally published in Cowboy State Daily on Feb. 27, 2023. Dear Editor: Last hunting season, a story ran in the Cowboy State Daily of a bull elk wasting away on... Tags: the campfire, Wyoming Chapter Download
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on BLM Solar PEIS 2/28/2023 February 28th, 2023 Mr. Jeremy Bluma, Acting Division Chief National Renewable Energy Coordination Office BLM Headquarters 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Submitted electronically at... Tags: Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Dem's Bill Would Ensure Shed Hunters Can Be Prosecuted for Trespassing 2/27/2023 A bill in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee would add penalties for criminal trespassing while collecting antlers, sheds, or horns. Rep. Jill Cohenour, D-East Helena, is... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Ask your senator to support SB 406 2/26/2023 Montanans can’t get to 3.1 million acres of our public lands. If a neighbor wants to let us walk across their land to access public lands, they should be able to do so, encouraged to do so, and... Tags: Montana Chapter, access Download
Media State Issues Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species 2/24/2023 Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregon’s Imperiled Species We, the undersigned, support long-term, dedicated funding to prevent the decline of Oregon’s... Tags: Oregon Chapter, Oregon Blog Download
Media State Issues Bill awards large nonresident landowners with big game combination hunting licenses 2/24/2023 Fifteen percent of the available big game combination licenses would be set aside for nonresidents owning a minimum of 2,500 acres under a bill designed to spread out hunting pressure and reward... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, access Download
Media State Issues Reducing acreage requirement for landowners proposed in elk hunting bill 2/24/2023 For two years without success, Rep. Marty Malone, R-Pray, has attempted to draw a landowner preference tag to shoot cow elk on his property in the Paradise Valley. In the Montana Legislature on... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, access Download
Media State Issues Public Lands Rally Draws Hundreds to Protect Popular Fund 2/24/2023 Few things can motivate Montanans to stand outside for close to an hour in below-zero temperatures like rallying to protect public lands. That’s what more than 200 people from around Montana did... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat Download
Media State Issues OPINION: Don't Sell Our Hunting Heritage 2/23/2023 There are some forms of technology in hunting that come down to just personal preference. While others — the ones that adversely affect the experience for all hunters and jeopardize the public... Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter Download
Media State Issues Hundreds "Rally for Public Lands" at Montana State Capitol 2/23/2023 On Thursday in Helena, hundreds of people braved below-zero temperatures and snow showers to “Rally for Public Lands” at the State Capitol. This was the fifth legislative session that conservation... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat Download
Media State Issues Public lands advocates rally, testify for outdoor access funding 2/23/2023 Nearly 500 public land advocates rallied in sub-zero temperatures on the steps of the Capitol Thursday to voice support for conservation funding and Montana’s constitutional guarantee of a clean... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat Download