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 Energy and Natural Resources Committee that would force the sale of up to 3 million acres of public lands under the guise of a solution to the housing crisis. This proposal—led by committee chair Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)—would apply to public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest ...

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 and Fish to the Department of Wildlife—reflecting a broader mission beyond traditional game species to include broader wildlife conservation. For the first time in over two decades, hunting and fishing license fees will increase, with new rates taking effect in 2026 and annual inflation-based ...

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 lands comes in many forms, and these county-level efforts to undermine conservation deserve scrutiny from hunters and anglers. The Luna County Commission is looking to pass a resolution opposing “the designation of lands as national monuments, wilderness, wilderness study areas, wildlife preserves, ...

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 aren’t enforced. That’s why we’re backing Senate Bill 291 (SB 291) sponsored by Senator Crystal Brantley (R)—a proposal that gives conservation officers explicit authority to crack down on poaching, illegal access, and other threats to our public lands. Click here to view full bill text.  What Does SB ...

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 raffle tickets for a chance to win a Weatherby model 307 Hush chambered in 7mm Backcountry as well as other great merchandise. So swing by the NMBHA booth for a chance to swap adventure stories with like minded members and support your New Mexico chapter. This event takes place at the Manuel Lujan ...