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 private ownership of an Illinois stream includes both the stream bed and the water flowing through that area.  The map depicted shows just how much flowing water in Illinois is considered private. Blue streams are considered public under Illinois law, while red streams are legally private (although ...

Update from Chapter Chair Taking a break from the turkey woods to put together this newsletter. My season is off to a great start with a nice public land gobbler taken on opening morning hunting a local state forest.  Hope everyone else is seeing luck out there whether your pursuits roost in a tree or swim under water. We have some great upcoming events and a new podcast to announce in this month's newsletter.  We have also started work on a statewide gathering for all NY BHA members for ...

HARRISBURG, Pa. –In recognition of the efforts made by the Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to advance the legislation, Senator Jim Brewster invited North American Board Member Don Rank and PA Chapter Policy Advisor John Kline to the signing ceremony for SB 146 hosted by Governor Josh Shapiro April 29, 2024.  The new law removes the fishing license requirement for participants of therapeutic fishing programs. Removing this barrier for organized groups that use fishing as ...

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 has caught the attention of tribal leaders and Montana sportsmen groups, who say it puts tribes, hunters and anglers at risk.  Proposed Ballot Initiative 193 (I-193) says it would “allow increased hunting opportunities for landowners” by blocking regulations that prohibit a landowner from hunting ...

AFI Event Review North Carolina 2023 Clarification: this review is more on the performance of one of our volunteers in North Carolina over a series of events versus one event, but I thought it was important to highlight this individual's contribution to conservation. I wanted to compliment your North Carolina staff member, Hunter Owen. I first met Hunter in 2021 at a learn-to-hunt event on Fort Liberty. His charisma and leadership, along with the BHA and AFi mission, impressed me so much ...