by Greg Munther, Nov 11, 2012To: Kevin RiordanForest Supervisor, Helena National Forest2880 Skyway DriveHelena Montana 59601AndAmber Kamps, District RangerLincoln Ranger DistrictLincoln, MT 59804The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is composed of Montana hunters and anglers who value and seek quality big game habitat and traditional non-motorized hunting and fishing opportunities. Many of our members both hunt and fish on the Helena National Forest, particularly hunting for ...

The following is part of a series on avoiding crowds on public lands.  Next up: Deer Hunting.If you’ve spent any considerable time hunting ducks or geese on public lands, chances are good you’ve either been sprayed by the guy across the pond or had Johnny-Come-Lately set-up way too close for comfort. Let’s hope you haven’t experienced anything like this boat race in the “Duck Capital of World.”  Doesn't that make you want to go duck hunting?While crowding on public wetlands and waters can be ...

Whether you’re stalking a trophy bull, calling-in northern green-heads, or searching for a wily buck, one thing holds true for all – pressure matters. Sportsmen who hunt and fish public lands inherently understand this and for those crazy few of us interested in success, avoiding crowds is often strategy #1 for ensuring successIf you are looking for the next ‘secret spot’ on public lands, the following series of posts on how to avoid the crowds on public lands may be of interest to you. Each ...

By Ben LongBackcountry Hunters & Anglers exists so Americans can pass on our world-class outdoor heritage, including the freedom and challenge that comes with the backcountry, to our kids and grandkids.If we want to succeed, hunting and fishing needs to remain affordable. We cannot build an outdoor culture that requires a big 4X4, a trailer full of ATVs and a motorhome as an entry fee.Happily, the backcountry is a bargain, open to anyone willing to work for access. The fact is, most ...

By Karl FindlingThe idea of hunting the backcountry is increasingly appealing to many folks. Today, it seems everyone has a GPS unit and can travel for days over diverse country. But, what occurs when the GPS is inoperable or the batteries die? Do you know how to navigate without your GPS in country you’ve never been in or seen in daylight? How about when fog or snow sets in? How competent are you with a map and compass? * The 12 Essentials Navigation (map and compass) Sun protection ...