Mountains to Sound Greenway Trailfest RECAP This weekend, BHA members teamed up with the Mountains to Sound Greenway crew to give some love back to the Cheese Rock Trail near Cle Elum. Together,...

For the last several years the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has advocated to reform Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). After first weighing in in...

IF4 Screening in Fairbanks 2025: An Annual Evening of Fishing Fun & Community by Nate Kibby   The International Fly-Fishing Film Fest (IF4) was a great gathering of angling enthusiasts. Around...

TAKE ACTION NOW! Amid controversy and under threat of damming, Arkansas’ iconic Buffalo National River was designated as the country’s first National River in 1972. Despite that monumental step...

Rhode Island BHA 2024 Policy Roundup Following a successful year in 2023, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ team in Rhode Island advocated more effectively than ever in 2024 to support the Ocean...

The Trails at Mena project is a proposed development on Rich Mountain north of Mena, within the boundaries of the Ouachita National Forest. Over a period of 5-10 years, Arkansas Department of...

Arkansas Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Announces Gate Project Completed at Cedar Creek WMA Fort Smith, Ark. (October 16, 2024) – The Arkansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) today...

It's the best time of the year! Between getting out for hunting season, here's what we've been up to: Policy Updates The North American Grasslands Conservation Act has been introduced...

The Idaho Chapter recently hosted the 6th annual Salmon River Cleanup Float near Challis, Idaho. This fun summer event brings volunteers together to float the famous Salmon River to pick up trash...

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is requesting a Special Use Permit for an area of National Forest Service lands for trail development and recreation-related infrastructure....

Catfish Camp 2024 Thirty people braved the heat June 21-23 at Lake Dardanelle State Park to spend time with friends and get out on the water chasing America’s favorite whiskered fish. Trot lines,...

Can you believe it's already June?!  While some seasons may be in the rearview, we hope they are replaced by new pursuits to get you outdoors and explore all that our beautiful state has to...

The Arkansas Chapter Board has an immediate opening for our Communications Chair.  This volunteer role is all about keeping our members in the loop. You'll be the mastermind behind our quarterly...

On Saturday, September 23rd, 16 volunteers gathered in the Pahsimeroi Valley to complete a phase of the Sawmill Canyon project for National Public Lands Day. The volunteers represented Idaho BHA,...

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), joined by his colleagues Sens. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and John Barrasso (R-WY), announced in early April the introduction of the HOUSES Act (S. 4062), legislation that would...

With the Rhode Island legislative session in full swing and DEM’s hunting & fishing annual regulatory process right around the corner we’ve been working hard to ensure the voices of hunters and...

A Colorado Court of Appeals in January 2022 ruled that a key public waters access case can move forward. BHA has been closely following the case and commended the court's ruling.  Mark Squillace,...

Earlier this year the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers New York and New England Chapters submitted comments on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Public Information Document for...

This fall, hunters will have public hunting opportunities on 500,000 acres of Colorado State Trust Lands that were inaccessible to public hunters just three years ago. This expansion of public...

Wild Steelhead Coalition Board Member and longtime BHA member Josh Mills celebrates at the new access point Salmon and steelhead populations from California to Alaska are on the decline, with a...

Like every other chapter in BHA, our Utah members have spent a good chunk of the fall hitting the mountains hard during hunting season. We managed to slip in a few events before the hunting season...

The Tennessee Chapter officially kicked off in style with a pint night tour across the state in July. Land Tawney joined Josh Kaywood for the tour, stopping in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis and...

In August, the Pennsylvania chapter continued to bolster their habitat improvement work throughout the state with their 3rd work day of the year at Raccoon Creek State Park’s Wetland Trail. The...

New York BHA has had a busy summer. Between fishing, hiking, getting ready for hunting seasons—oh yeah—and a whole bunch of public land conservation and advocacy, we’ve had a full plate. On...

  Daniel Boone is an American icon and he is the namesake for the largest piece of public land in Kentucky. Spread across 21 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky, more than 708,000 acres of...

               As fall winds hit the leaves, Iowa’s hunters hit the fields in search of quarry from small game to whitetails and everything in between. A disturbing trend, which is not only being...

The Colorado BHA chapter recently appointed several new Chapter Leadership Team members, including: Mesa County-Grand Valley Assistant Regional Director Becca Fowler; Southeast Colorado Events...

This past summer we spent time with the University of Arizona on their Santa Rita Experimental Range continuing the placement of our OHV “Ride Legally” signs across the state. The Santa Rita is...

The Pennsylvania chapter has coupled their rapid membership growth with many opportunities for members to get involved with on-the-ground habitat improvement projects in 2019. Members attended two...

The Colorado BHA chapter recently appointed two new Chapter Leadership Team members: John Barkowski, serving as our Assistant Regional Director for the Southeast Colorado Group, and Michael Kozer,...

North Dakota BHA saw its first birthday on April 12, and after a year of incredible growth and learning, we are grateful to be where we are.  Thank you to our members for your support and...

North Carolina BHA closed out its first full year this past May at Rendezvous 2019 in Boise, ID. What an incredible ride it has been! Our chapter grew by nearly 410% during those 12 months to...

After over a year of hard work by a dedicated core group of volunteers, we have darkened the map for Kentucky by becoming an official chapter!  Not a group to rest on our laurels, we are hitting...

The Kansas Chapter has been working diligently towards official charter for the past several months.  As part of this effort we attended the Monster Buck Classic in January and the Kansas...

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Reauthorization The Wisconsin chapter has been actively working with other organizations to support the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. ...

Utah had a rather rainy spring, but that has not stopped our members from getting outside! The Utah board is continuing to plan several exciting events to engage our members. At the end of...

The Southeast chapter recently held a public land cleanup initiative during spring turkey season. Our Gobblers and Garbage contest combined our love for turkey hunting with our passion for public...

Iowa BHA hit the ground running since becoming an official chapter in December 2018. The Iowa Deer Classic, in early March, marked BHA’s grand entrance upon Iowa’s conservation stage. The Classic...

            With the chapter growing to over 2000 members, chapter leaders are planning many exciting events and clinics to keep the momentum moving forward for the remainder of 2019. The...

We have been watching a handful of legislative bills that could impact public land access since the beginning of the year. HB2557 was amended to include the previously introduced HB2056 and HB2547...

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a transmissible disease that is deadly to all members of the deer family, including whitetail and mule deer, moose, elk, and caribou. Currently, the disease is...

News for Immediate ReleaseMarch 1, 2019Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org   Public lands sportsmen and women in the Hawkeye State unite in support of...

News for Immediate Release Feb. 1, 2019 Contact: Katie McKalip, BHA, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Rebecca Triche, LWF, 225-362-9007, rebecca@lawildlifefed.org John Devney, Delta,...

Most trout stockings involve hard-working hatchery personnel, a hatchery truck, and an exciting ride down a stocking pipe for those trout! However, sometimes native trout need to get into remote...

  News for Immediate ReleaseDec. 20, 2018Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org   Interior Department moves ahead with renewal of controversial mining leases upstream...

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers members will vote in several crucial elections  in 2018 that will affect hunting, fishing, and the management of wildlife and public lands. One of the most...

  News for Immediate ReleaseMay 9, 2018Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org   Public lands sportsmen and women in Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota and Ohio...

News for Immediate Release April 24, 2018 Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org   Backcountry Hunters & Anglers gather to celebrate public lands and 10th anniversary...

News for Immediate Release April 18, 2018 Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Legislation would have guaranteed public access to some tidal waters located above...

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) started off 2018 with a bang, including three public lands Pint Nights during January and early February: -In Fort Collins at New...

The Colorado State University (CSU) Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) chapter/club was recognized at BHA’s Collegiate Program of the Month for January 2018. Chapter members started the 2018...

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently appointed Russell Bassett, a U.S. Army veteran, to serve as the chapter’s Front Range Sponsor/Events Coordinator. Russ was...

  An estimated 150 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) members and others joined BHA President & CEO, Land Tawney, for beers, food and live music (by South to Cedars ) at Tivoli Brewing in Denver...

News for Immediate ReleaseJan. 9, 2018Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org  A road through key migratory waterfowl habitat would be developed under...

News for Immediate ReleaseJan. 9, 2018Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.orgPublic lands sportsmen unite to oppose development within wilderness area watershedELY,...

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is sponsoring (along with multiple other hunter-angler conservation organizations) an introductory class on wildlife management at Western State...

Recently two concerned Coloradans documented violations by off road vehicle users that helped law enforcement officers uphold laws intended to promote solitude, conserve public lands and waters,...

October 28, 2016 Uncompahgre Field Office   2465 Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO  81401 Comments on the Draft RMP/EIS for the Uncompahgre Field Office Adam Gall, Colorado BHA Assistant Central West...

Project Manager, Uncompahgre RMP                                                                                  October 27, 2016 Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office 2465 South...

BHA Member of the Month (for September 2016), Matt Anderson, took the bull by the horns during August when he hosted a Full Draw Film Tour event in Longmont, Colorado. With little time to plan,...

Minnesota BHA board member, Will Jenkins, is BHA’s new Upper Great Lakes Outreach Coordinator. Born and raised in Central Virginia, Will now resides in Hudson, Wisconsin with his wife and 3 kids....

Minnesota BHA Rendezvous Report (2016): Wild River State Park     Minnesota BHA held its fourth annual chapter Rendezvous during the weekend of August 19-21, 2016. We set up camp in Minnesota’s...

Scott Willoughby Scott Willoughby is an award-winning journalist and communications expert from Denver, Colorado. Scott was also the 2014 recipient of BHA’s Ted Trueblood Award. This award...

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...

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...

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...

Minnesota BHA board member and filmmaker Mark Norquist was the recipient of BHA’s Sigurd Olson Award at the North American Rendezvous in Missoula. Mark’s award-winning film “Fish Out of Water”...

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 California Chapter will have a table at the North American Longbow Safari, July 2 and 3, hosted by Traditional Archers of California, in Petaluma. We are looking for members to help man our...

Summer has come to Alaska, snow and ice are giving way to green tundra and flowing rivers. Salmon are steadily making their way upriver and AK BHA members are already into the frantic pace of...

Washington chapter and BHA Chapter Coordinator Ty Stubblefield, held a pint night hosted by Justin Klement, in Everett Washington. Chapter members attended a listening program from the Colville...

The Wisconsin Chapter of BHA was formed in March and has hit the ground running to tackle issues of conservation, public lands and waters access, and raising awareness of the chapter’s creation....

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) chapter Sponsor/Events Coordinator, Rick Seymour, has been appointed to the Forest Health Advisory Council by Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman of...

Thank you to everyone who submitted a comment on the Gooseberry Creek/ Narrows Reservoir Project. BHA Utah, along with several local partners Trout Unlimited, Utah Rivers Council, and Western...

Senate leaders have cleared a path forward for passage of the first comprehensive energy bill in almost a decade. But your help is vital in getting it across the finish line! The Energy Policy...

Washington chapter members participated in public lands rallies in the state capital, Olympia, and the federal building in Spokane. One member went to Burns, Oregon, to witness and talk with the...

Utah BHA welcomes Josh Lenart to the chapter. Josh is actively involved in numerous chapter initiatives and has begun the distribution of a monthly chapter newsletter. To subscribe contact Chris...

Deer hunting regulations can unite or divide hunters in New York State. For several years, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has been considering regulation changes. After a...

Board member Matt McKenzie of Connecticut submitted a letter on behalf of the chapter in support of the proposed Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge in New England. The plan would protect...

Minnesota BHA was recognized as BHA’s Chapter of the Month for November 2015 and has built on that momentum going into 2016. We started the year by submitting comments on the Department of Natural...

Colorado BHA wrapped up a series of four Hunter Happy Hours (aka “Beers for the Backcountry”) in December. Thanks to all those who helped organize these events, Bob Shettel and Kevin Alexander in...

The California Chapter has been growing over the past three years, and our 2016 leadership team will continue to impact issues affecting the state. Craig Van Arsdale is secretary. The chairman...

AZ BHA has joined Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation. We attended our first meeting in February. This organization unites the most important conservation organizations in Arizona and...

With great sadness the Alaska chapter bids farewell to our long-term chair Mark Richards. Mark has taken a position with an Alaska-based hunting organization, and while he will be sorely missed,...

Each year, America’s 40 million hunters and anglers contribute $200 billion to the national economy, and support millions of American jobs. Hunting and fishing aren’t mere pastimes, they are...

States manage their lands to make money, not to provide opportunities for recreation. States can’t afford to manage our public lands and would be forced to either raise taxes (a nonstarter) or...

   

By Kyle Blasch   Like many hunting enthusiasts I enjoy the challenges and simplicity of traditional bow hunting.   The close proximity required by using a primitive weapon magnifies the hunting...

DENVER, CO - Four sportsmen from across the West were presented with awards at the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Annual National Rendezvous in Denver, in recognition of their outstanding...

In Arizona, Phoenix area BHA members escaped the heat this past weekend (6/29) for a meeting at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa, AZ. In recognition of a growing need for a voice that better reflects...

Each year Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recognizes the members and partners that have dedicated substantial time and energy to furthering the mission and reach of BHA. Through hard-work and...