Finding and empowering more chapter leaders should be among the top goals of all Backcountry Hunters & Anglers chapter leaders, which goes hand in hand with being “the voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.” With more dedicated chapter leaders engaging more boots-on-the-ground members (and others) in support of our great public lands estate, we’ll collectively be more effective hunter-angler-conservationists. Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)—the first BHA state ...

On May 4th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal for new or expanded hunting and sport fishing opportunities for game species across 2.1 million acres at 90 national wildlife refuges and on the lands of one national fish hatchery. See the BHA press release Here. The proposed rule is the largest in recent history and comes on the heels of the 1.4 million acres of public land opened for hunting and fishing by the Trump administration.  What do these proposals mean for NJ? ...

Access to places to hunt is often referenced as one of the biggest challenges for current and aspiring hunters in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Sportsmen and women cited a lack of access as one of the primary reasons they stop hunting. Over the past several years, an increased push for improving access to our public lands has become to the forefront as part of the effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters.   On May 4th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal for new ...

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to expand public hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System within the Southeast. We encourage hunters and anglers to join us in commenting on this proposed expansion. Nationally, the increases would enhance public access to 2.1 million acres, encompassing 90 national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery – the largest expansion of opportunities to date. This is great news for hunters and anglers and ...

May is Mental Health Awareness month.  I’ve gone back and forth on writing this article. What pushed me to this side of the fence is realizing that if it this helps one person get through their struggles, my personal reflection will have been worth it. Covid has brought a number of things to light over the past year. Unfortunately, the prevalence of mental health issues and suicide increased more in the past year than any other 12-month period. Maybe my story can help you or someone you ...