David Petersen DVD Documentary (“On The Wild Edge”) Released David “Elkheart” Petersen, of Durango, founder of the Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (the first BHA state chapter), recently released a DVD documentary, “On The Wild Edge: Hunting For A Natural Life” (a film by Christopher Daley). For anyone who hunts, hikes, backpacks or camps—and, hence, most likely cares about wildlands and wildlife—“On The Wild Edge” is a must-see. David is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served on the ...

Member Todd Waldron has been keeping us up to date on the recent NYS DEC acquisition of the 20,758-acre Boreas Pond Tract purchase in the Adirondacks. Later this year NYS’s land classification process is expected to begin and is anticipated to consider a range of stakeholder considerations to BHA, including: designation of additional wilderness, motorized access and dam removal. NYS Chapter members have been communicating regularly to identify and prioritize state issues, devise outreach and ...

The big news from the Wyoming Chapter is the new regulation regarding aircraft and drone use. Buzz Hettick and Jeff Muratore both testified at the April Game and Fish commission meeting in favor of the regulation. The commission adopted the regulations banning the use of aircraft and drones from Aug. 1 to Jan. 31 with the intent of using them to hunt, scout or aid in the taking of big game. Wyoming BHA put a lot of effort into this and it is great to have this issue settled. We would also ...

Connecticut: A number of inquiries about membership came from Connecticut this spring. Board member Matthew McKenzie has met with one individual, Andy Billip, and together they are planning a southern New England BHA rendezvous outside Hartford later in the summer. Details to follow as they are firmed up. Possible rendezvous events under consideration include a primitive bow 3D shoot, a discussion of issues BHA should engage on, a York Round/long range primitive bow shoot, and a roundtable ...

Colorado BHA held its 8th annual rendezvous during early June in the San Isabel National Forest west of Salida. During the weekend we recognized BHA Life Member Steven Choromanski for spearheading the chapter’s efforts to get “smart rifles” and “live-action game cameras” banned for use in Colorado by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission (approved Nov. 2015). We also celebrated the 90th birthday of chapter patriarch and WWII Navy Veteran, Bill Sustrich. Life Member Rick Seymour was ...