Media Chapter News State Issues

Roadless Rule Rollback

Roadless Rule Rollback On June 24 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) posted a statement (“USDA Rescinds Near Quarter Century Old Protections for 58.5 Million Acres of National Forest Lands”)...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Sunday Hunting coming soon to Pennsylvania

By Don Rank HARRISBURG, PA, July 9, 2025 – This morning, at a small ceremony near the state capital, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law House Bill 1431. At last the ban on Sunday...
Media Chapter News

Colorado BHA Chapter Rallies Conservationists From Across the State (& Nation) for Flood the Lines Day

Colorado BHA Chapter Rallies Conservationists From Across the State (& Nation) for Flood the Lines Day “This is why BHA was built. For this opportunity. For this fight!”[1] Months before the June...
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Mountains to Sound Greenway Trailfest RECAP

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,...
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Public lands are not to be gifted to foreign mining billionaires.

“Public lands are not to be gifted to foreign mining billionaires.” Duluth News Tribune: 6/29/25. On May 29 in Colorado, I met Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) advocate and Ely...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NC: Helene Storm Debris Removal Threatens Native Trout Habitat in Western North Carolina

Nine months after Hurricane Helene ripped through the Southern Appalachians, contractors hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to rip through critical aquatic habitats in the name of...
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Media Chapter News

Idaho Chapter Mobilized Wave of Grassroots Opposition to Public Land Sales for Flood the Lines Day

Last week in response to Sen. Mike Lee’s relentless attempts to sell off our public lands, the Idaho chapter rapidly organized three pint nights across the state in concert with “Flood the Lines...
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NJ Across the State Public Lands Packout_25

The New Jersey Chapter joined forces as they spread out to clean up 3 Wildlife Management Area across the state. In the North: Honey Run Wildlife Management Area, Centrally: Assunpink Wildlife...
Media Chapter News State Issues

State Policy Spotter

This is your July edition of BHA's State Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife across North America. Note - this...
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Jackson Fence Pull Event Recap

On a ridgeline at 8,000 feet in the west Pioneer mountains outside of Jackson, Montana, 13 volunteers from Montana BHA spent their summer solstice rolling up barbed wire and hauling it out of the...
Media Chapter News

VT Team, Meet to Strategize Policy and Events

On the morning of June 15th, members of the VT BHA leadership team met at Green River Reservoir. After a brief parking lot link up, we paddled to a day use site. Important issues were tackled, and...
Media Chapter News

6/12/2025 NM State Game Commission Recap

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Commission met in the Red River Convention Center in Red River, New Mexico. All seven Commission members were present, including Chair Richard Stump, Vice-Chair Sharon...
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Nebraska Chapter June 2025 Update

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers June newsletter! Latest: Your Nebraska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers hosted a volunteer event at East Willow Island Wildlife...
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Utah BHA Volunteers Show Their Grit in Paunsaugunt Fence Pull

If you haven’t had the opportunity to drive north to south following the geological shift from the alpine zones of the Panguitch area down along Highway 89 to the red rock desert of Kanab, Utah,...
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Media Chapter News State Issues

NC Chapter Urges Members to Take Action During Small Legislative Window to End Inshore Bottom Trawling In State

TAKE ACTION NOW!  A rare opportunity has presented itself during this legislative session for recreational anglers in North Carolina to support a ban on inshore, bottom-disturbing trawlers from...
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New England Chapter Opposes Watered-Down CRMC Reform Bills in Rhode Island

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...
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Media Chapter News

Alaska BHA Kenai Refuge Canoe Route Clearing Recap

Alaska BHA Kenai Refuge Canoe Route Clearing Recap     By Neal Koeneman, Jeff Knisley, & Mary Glaves    Clearing the Canoe Portages on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge with Paddling-ton Bear &...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CA BHA 2025 Desert Bighorn Survey Recap

At sunset on Saturday, a small and enthusiastic group of BHA volunteers joined up with CDFW's Region 6 sheep biologists at the foot of the Marble Mountains in the Mojave for the annual desert...
Media Chapter News State Issues

End of Session Texas Legislative Update 2025

Texas conservationists welcomed the end of the 89th Legislature on Monday, celebrating a handful of wins and dodging a long list of bad bills that would have undermined the state’s ability to...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NC Chapter Advocates for the Removal of Part III, Section 3.1(a) from HB1012 "The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025

North Carolina House Bill 1012 provides 500 million dollars of funding to state agencies and grants to local governments for Hurricane Helene disaster recovery. While we applaud the additional...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Minnesota Heritage Forest Protects Over 8,000 Acres of Public Land and Access

MINNESOTA HERITAGE FOREST PROJECT ENSURES PUBLIC ACCESS AND HEALTHY ECOSYSYTEMS, BOTH LOCALLY AND DOWNSTREAM  The Conservation Fund and Northern Waters Land Trust announced on May 1, 2025 that...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

Public Lands Victory: BHA Applauds Removal of Land Sale Amendment from House Budget Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025   Contact:  media@backcountryhunters.org   Public Lands Victory: BHA Applauds Removal of Public Land Sale Amendment from House Budget Reconciliation...
Media Chapter News

Trek For Trout in the Adirondacks

Trek for Trout: A cooperative effort to help brook trout in New York On Saturday, May 17, 2025, members of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers from NY, Vermont, and New Hampshire joined a one-day...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Iowa BHA Chapter Hosts Auction for 2025 Statewide Nonresident Deer Tag!

The Iowa chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to offer a highly-coveted Statewide Special Non-Resident Deer Tag! This will be the second year in a row that the Iowa BHA chapter has...
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Michigan BHA Goes to Washington DC

Michigan BHA goes to Washington DC In early April, Mike Donovan, Chapter Board member, participated in a “DC Fly-In” to talk to our Legislators about the importance of the Land and Water...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

Reintroduced Senate Bill and New House Companion Would Conserve More Than 700,000 Acres of Public Lands in Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 19, 2025    Contact:  media@backcountryhunters.org   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), North America’s leading public lands advocacy group, is...
Media Chapter News

NY May Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hey all, I hope all you turkey hunters have had some success chasing spring gobblers. If not, I hope you at least have enjoyed some time in nature!  This month, I want to...
Media Chapter News

Stinking Springs Fence Pull and Wildlife Friendly Re-build

On May 9-10, BHA volunteers teamed up with the BLM biology department of the Upper Snake Field office to improve fencing around riparian areas in Stinking Springs Canyon Idaho. The removal of...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Turkey Quills & Teenagers

I received a well written email from the head of student council at a local high school asking for BHA to come table an event during their Earth Week. He was put up to this task by his...
Media Chapter News State Issues

The Mendenhall Wetlands: A Place of Abundance and Connection

The Mendenhall Wetlands: A Place of Abundance and Connection by Alec Boyd-DevineThe Mendenhall Wetlands is a 4,000-acre wetland in the heart of Juneau, Alaska. It is home to a variety of flora...
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Nebraska Chapter May 2025 Update

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers May update!   Latest:   The Nebraska Chapter of BHA held their annual Trashy Cat event May 2-4th at Two Rivers State Rec Area near Yutan, NE....
Media Chapter News State Issues

Pop Up Waterfowl Birding at Chena Flood Project - A Recap

  Pop Up Waterfowl Birding at Chena Flood Project - A Recap by Nate Kibbey, Interior Representative AK ChapterMid-May is a great time to see all of the beautiful migrators pushing north. Birding...
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Minnesotans Rally to Protect Public Lands and the Boundary Waters

Minnesotans from across the political spectrum gathered on May 8th at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda to voice their support for our public lands, waters and the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe...
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Public Land Stewards on the Taos Plateau

    The Taos plateau is a high elevation basalt filled valley in north New Mexico.  It is bordered by the Tusas mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo in the east.  It sits at 7,000'...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Stand Up for the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge

Hunting and Fishing Opportunities Threatened on the Mendenhall Wetlands The Mendenhall State Game Refuge (Taashuyee-Chookan.áani/Mendenhall Wetlands) in Juneau, Alaska, is a rare...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Steev Wilson To Roaring Fork Valley Group Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Steev Wilson to serve as Regional Director for the Roaring Fork Valley Group. Steev was raised on the east coast fishing with...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Attorney General Weighs in on 10th Circuit Corner Crossing Decision

The following communication is from Colorado Statewide Hunter Education Coordinator, Jordan Likes, and details the current Colorado Attorney General's position regarding corner crossing. While...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Alaska BHA Spring 2025 Internship Recap: Lillian Thorington

  Alaska BHA Spring 2025 Internship Recap by Lillian Thorington  As my internship with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers comes to an end, I feel I have so much to reflect on. At the end of an...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CA BHA Turkey Camp 2025 Recap

Recap: California BHA’s 2025 Spring Turkey Hunt In the heart of California’s spring turkey season, the California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted its third annual Spring...
Media Chapter News

4/25/25 NM State Game Commission Recap

This meeting was called to order by Richard Stump, Commission Chair at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 25th at the NMDFG office in Roswell, New Mexico. All 6 members, Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Kassi Smith To San Luis Valley Public Lands & Community Liaison Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Kassi Smith to serve on their Chapter Leadership Team (CLT) as San Luis Valley Public Lands & Community Liaison. She...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Public Lands Mountain Merriam’s Hunt

Access And Opportunity Are On The Chopping Block Public lands, and hence hunting, are under threat like never before. From states like Utah (and 14 others) laying claim to Bureau of Land...
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Women's Tenkara Fly Fishing 101 with CT DEEP

This is a hands-on Tenkara Fly Fishing workshop with a day of instruction to learn basic understanding and practice techniques. Our organizers are from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA),...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CA BHA 2025 Q1 Newsletter

Support a 2nd Bear Tag in CA! CDFW has released their final black bear conservation plan, and in response, CA BHA has submitted a resolution calling on the Fish & Game Commission to implement a...
Media Chapter News

A Brief History of the Wild Turkey in Indiana

“A Brief History of the Wild Turkey in Indiana” “The first turkey that ever came to me on the ground did it a long time ago. I sat there with my hands shaking and my breath short and my heart...
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Recap: eBird for Waterfowlers, Birders, and Outdoor Enthusiasts – April 18–19, Juneau, AK

Recap: eBird for Waterfowlers, Birders, and Outdoor Enthusiasts – April 18–19, Juneau, AK by Alec and Angelica Boyd-Devine  Mary Glaves, Alaska BHA Chapter Coordinator, introducing the event...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic New Mexico Watersheds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 22, 2025  Contact:  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org    BHA Pushes for Permanent Protections of Two Iconic...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Chapter of BHA Appoint Aidan McCormick To Routt County Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Aidan McCormick to serve as Assistant Regional Director for the Routt County Group. Aidan started hunting and fishing as an...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers - 16th Annual Rendezvous

August 8-10, 2025 The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) 16th annual Rendezvous is scheduled for August 8-10, 2025. We’ll set up camp in the Gunnison National Forest south of...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NV BHA March 2025 Newsletter

Spring is here, which means the big game tag application season is upon us. NDOW has set May 7th as the application deadline and results will be released on or before May 23rd. NDOW will be...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California BHA Drafts Resolution in Support of a Second Bear Tag & Submits a Petition to the Fish & Game Commission

After many years advocating for science-based management of fish and wildlife, California BHA celebrates the release of the Final Black Bear Conservation Plan and has submitted a petition to the...
Media Chapter News

NY April Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hey all, I hope you are all out enjoying the trout opener and getting prepped for the turkey opener coming up on May 1.  Want to keep my intro brief this month and get...
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Media Chapter News

IF4 Screening in Fairbanks 2025: An Annual Evening of Fishing Fun & Community

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...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Recap of Alaska BHA’s Pint Night with Cameron Carroll – A Great Time for Conservation and Community!

Recap of Alaska BHA’s Pint Night with Cameron Carroll, ADF&G Small Game Program Coordinator – A Great Time for Conservation and Community! by Alec Boyd-DevineOn the evening of April 7th, Alaska...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

Hunters and Anglers Applaud the Reintroduction of the Ruby Mountains Protection Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2025   Contacts: Dan Johnson, California/Nevada Public Lands Manager, Trout Unlimited, dan.johnson@tu.org Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CA BHA San Gabriel Bighorn Survey Recap!

Counting Sheep in the San Gabriels – Even When We Don’t See Them Earlier this spring, BHA members joined volunteers from the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep (SCBS), personnel from...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

Hunters and Anglers Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Permanently Protect Boundary Waters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025    Contacts:  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org  Lukas Leaf, Executive...
Media Chapter News

RI BHA Sponsors 2025 Youth Mentored Turkey Hunt

RI BHA Sponsors 2025 Youth Mentored Turkey Hunt For the second year in a row BHA’s New England Chapter is sponsoring the RI Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt coordinated by The Light Foundation and...
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Media Chapter News

Colorado BHA Spring 2025 Newsletter

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.” - Pericles Standing Strong for Colorado’s Public Lands Across the nation, policies...
Media Chapter News

EVENT RECAP: Phil's World Fence Pull and Clean Up

I recently walked into the local BLM field office and asked what BHA could do to help them with habitat improvement projects and they were ecstatic. We immediately got this project on the...
Media Chapter News

Selling Off Public Lands Is Not An Affordable Housing Fix

Spring is here and soon turkey hunting will be too.[1] Like many Colorado turkey (and other) hunters, I depend on public lands for hunting, hiking, camping, canoeing, and outdoor recreation in...
Media Chapter News

National Monuments At Risk (Veterans Defend Camp Hale)

During early April members of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) and other conservation groups converged in Washington, D.C. to advocate for keeping public lands in public hands. I had the...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Two PA Sunday hunting bills introduced for 2025 legislative sessions

Pennsylvania Senate bill SB67, and House bill HB851 were introduced recently and referred to each chamber’s Game & Fisheries Committee. Both SB67 and HB851 would permit the Pennsylvania Game...
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Media Chapter News State Issues

Arkansas, Stop SB290: Defend Our Watersheds, Recreation, and Rights

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...
Media Chapter News State Issues

A BHA Pint Night with Roman Dial

A BHA Pint Night with Roman Dial                 On March 26th a large group gathered at Midnight Sun Brewing Co. in Anchorage, Alaska. The group consisted of conservationists, students, outdoor...
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Media Chapter News

EVENT RECAP: Chicago Backcountry In Your Backyard- Turkey Hunting 101

  The Illinois Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers partnered with Minority Outdoor Alliance and Sitka Gear for a Turkey Hunting Workshop in the Vernon Hills suburb of Chicago. The workshop...
Media Chapter News

Nebraska BHA April update

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers April update!   Latest: Nebraska BHA met with Nebraska Game and Parks biologist Adam Kester in North Platte to discuss public hunting programs...
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Ben Johnson To Central Rockies Group Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Ben Johnson to serve as Assistant Regional Director for the Central Rockies Group. Ben is a lifelong hunter-angler who grew...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Texas BHA - Mid-Session Legislative Update

Over a week has passed since the bill-filing deadline in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, and Texas BHA has been deep in the weeds monitoring key pieces of legislation on priority issues — most...
Media Chapter News

New Mexico BHA March/April Newsletter

Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for the 14th Annual North American Rendezvous. Between June 13-15, we’re headed back to our roots in Missoula, Montana! Secure your spot and experience iconic...
Media Chapter News State Issues

2025 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts

After an extremely busy session, the Utah Legislature wrapped up on Friday, March 7. The chapter leaders of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers tracked several bills this year and participated in...
Media Chapter News

Senate Joint Memorial 104 Echoes “Transfer to the States” Movement

Camas Creek NWF, USFWS photo by Brent Lawrence   In the past week, we saw the Idaho State Legislature adopt Senate Joint Memorial 104 which requests that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...
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Alaska BHA's UAS Intern on SB 105

Alaska BHA's UAS Intern on SB 105 -Lillian Thorington's oral testimony at the committee hearing on March 17th.  Hello, I am your Miss Juneau Volunteer America, Lillian Thorington. I am also an...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CT BHA Comments on Sunday Hunting and Bear Hunting

BHA submitted online testimony in reference to two bills up for public hearing in the Connecticut General Assembly Environment Committee today (3/24/25).   Connecticut is one of the few states...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Understanding SB5 and Future NM Fish & Wildlife Governance

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...
Media Chapter News

West Virginia BHA Organizes and Collaborates on the state's First Sportsman's Day at the Capital

    Politics has a negative connotation that makes most folks recoil at the thought of spending their free time engaged in it.  Yet as hunters and anglers who care about conservation it is our...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA March Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Spring is finally here!  The skunk cabbage is popping up and letting us know that soon the woods will be green again. We have been eating through the last of last year's...
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10th Circuit Court Affirms District Court Decision in Corner-Crossing Case, Upholding Public Access Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   March 18, 2025      CONTACT:   Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager, odea@backcountryhunters.org     Denver, CO – In a huge victory for public land owners,...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

California’s National Monuments a Bullseye, 850,000 Acres of Public Lands Under Threat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 18, 2025  Contact:  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org  California’s National Monuments a Bullseye, 850,000...
Media Chapter News

BLM & BHA Tackle Water Site Inspections to Prioritize Repair

The Carlsbad Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over two million acres in southeast New Mexico, providing unmatched public recreation opportunities. Everyone can find...
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Damon DeGraw To Routt National Forest Habitat Watch Volunteer Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Damon DeGraw to serve as a Routt National Forest Habitat Watch Volunteer. Damon grew up in a town of 500 people in northeast...
Media Chapter News

Utah BHA March Newsletter

Between Utah's legislative session, the opening of Hunting for Sustainability applications, and an amazing public lands party with Ryan Callaghan of Meateater, February was a busy month! Read on...
Tags: Utah News
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Sid White To Northern Front Range Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Sid White to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Northern Front Range Group/region. Sid started fishing at 4...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Jason Judge To Southeast Group Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Jason Judge to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Southeast Group/region.Jason started hunting and fishing in...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Ben Monarch To Arkansas River Valley Group Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Ben Monarch to serve as Regional Director for the Arkansas River Valley Group. Ben was born and raised in Kentucky. He started...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Cade Kloberdanz To Northwest Group Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently appointed Cade Kloberdanz to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Northwest Group/region. Cade has been fly-fishing...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Jacob Kinnard To Northern Front Range Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Jacob Kinnard to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Northern Front Range Group/region.  Jacob has been fishing...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Steve Bridges To Northern Front Range Assistant Regional Director Position

“The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed Steve Bridges to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Northern Front Range Group/region. Steve started fishing at...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint John Young To Central West Slope Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) appointed John Young to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Central West Slope region. John grew up fishing across New...
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New Mexico BHA Policy Update 3.17.25

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...
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Colorado BHA Applauds Passage of Senate Joint Resolution 25-009 in Defense of Public Lands

DENVER – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Colorado chapter celebrates the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 25-009, "Protection of Colorado’s Public Lands," which reaffirms the state’s...
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Nebraska BHA March Newsletter

Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers March update! This month, two BHA Nebraska board members Kyle Broadfoot and Bill Grossnicklaus set up a BHA booth at the Nebraska Bowhunters...
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NC BHA in Opposition to Denial of Public Access in Senate Bill 220

The provisions outlined in North Carolina senate bill SB220, Section 4, specifically the new Section 14-280.4, pose significant restrictions on public access to our waterways by making it a...
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SC Supports Bill H3872, Hunting Heritage Protection Act

South Carolina Bill H3872 "Hunting Heritage Protection Act" is measure aimed at preserving and promoting hunting opportunities on South Carolina's Department of Natural Resources managed lands. A...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Statement on HB25-1258, Scientific Management of Wildlife

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a member organization that seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through conservation education and work on...
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RECAP: Southeast Chapter Small Game Hunt

On February 22, 2025, the Southeast Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers organized a small game hunt at Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lottie, Louisiana. This event combined...
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Media Chapter News State Issues

NM BHA Supports SB 291 to Enhance LEO Authority

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...
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NM BHA Supports SB 5 - Bill Summary & Status Report

The New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (NM BHA) supports Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) and has worked with legislators and hook and bullet partners to ensure the hunting and angling...
Media Chapter News

Ohio BHA Chapter 2025 Spring Newsletter

The Ohio BHA Chapter has been busy this winter creating impactful plans across Ohio. Check out the 2025 Newsletter below! 
Tags: Ohio News
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Blacktail Deer Foundation Pint Night Juneau: Recap and Citizen Science Opportunities

  Blacktail Deer Foundation Pint Night Juneau: Recap and Citizen Science Opportunities by Lillian Thorington, AK BHA Intern Spring Overview of BDF in Southeast Alaska.   One of the most...
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Draw Tag Results Day and Night: February 21st, 2025.

AWP Draw Tag Results Party Moose Call Winners.  On the evening of February 21, over 100 Alaskans: hunters, anglers and trappers from all over Southcentral Alaska, gathered at Double Shovel Cider...
Media Chapter News State Issues

The Sportsmen’s Caucus Advisory Council: A Collective Voice in the Legislature

For the last handful of years, Utah BHA’s Board has been involved with the Utah Sportsmen’s Caucus at the Capitol during the Legislative Session. In the past, the Caucus served as an opportunity...
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IN BHA HB 1447 - State Management of State Forests

“I have read many definitions of what is a conservationist, and written not a few myself, but I suspect that the best one is written not with a pen, but with an axe. It is a matter of what a man...
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Minnesota BHA Emphasizes Importance of BWCAW Protections

Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' Position Statement on Protecting the Boundary Waters Watershed    As the voice for wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, the Minnesota...
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Oklahoma BHA '25 Winter Newsletter

The Oklahoma Chapter is working to make an impact on behalf of OK BHA members and the conservation needs in the state. Check out the latest from the chapter in the newsletter below!   
Media Chapter News

Nebraska BHA February 2025 Newsletter

Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has begun sending out a regular report with a summary of our recent efforts and with alerts on potential upcoming events. This past month we added four new...
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Interagency Collaboration Leads to Reward for Private Citizen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February, 24th, 2025 BHA Contact: Dre Arman arman@backcountryhunters.org BLM Contact: Bruce Hallman bhallman@blm.gov Interagency Collaboration Leads to Reward for Private...
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Montana BHA Hosts Successful Conservation Celebration

A shoutout to our presenting sponsors Trailhead River Sports, Life Chiropractic, and Rangitsch Brothers RV for making this event possible! The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers...
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Wisconsin BHA Opens Board Applications for 2025

Are you looking to give back to those wild places in Wisconsin that you hunt and fish and ensure access to those places for generations to come?    Click here to apply for the WI BHA Board of...
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Agency Layoffs Jeopardize Our Public Lands

  Agency Layoffs Jeopardize Our Public Lands  Late last week, on orders from President Trump’s Office of Personnel Management, our federal land and wildlife management agencies laid off thousands...
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Maine State Team Winter Update

We are taking a moment before the snow melts revealing sheds, ice melts on our fishing spots and the turkeys start strutting to catch everyone up with some policy activity here in...
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NV February 2025 Newsletter

It’s that time of year when the final seasons have come to an end, and we start planning for the fall. That is of course, unless you’re one of the lucky few who were awarded a spring turkey tag....
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NV January 2025 Newsletter

As the dust settles on 2024, we can look back and assess the work that BHA has done. BHA advocated and supported actions taken by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service that...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA February Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair With the hunting seasons mostly wrapped up, I am getting stir crazy dreaming about chasing gobblers in the spring turkey woods, and the NY Chapter is busy working on...
Media Chapter News

BLM proposes sale of parcels in Nebraska

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is revising its land use plan in Nebraska, potentially opening nearly all of its 5,100 acres for sale. These parcels, primarily 40 to 80 acres each, are...
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Mountain Goat ID Public Lands Pint Night with Alaska BHA & RMGA

Mountain Goat collars, skulls, horns, and ID information made available by ADF&G and RMGA at the Mountain Goat ID Pint Night  On the evening of January 31st BHA Alaska Chapter co-hosted a fun...
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MI BHA Chapter Applauds DNR’s Decision Halt Development in Gaylord Forest Mgt Unit

The Michigan chapter of BHA is pleased to report that, following our call to not skip the public input process, the Michigan DNR has halted further plans on a proposed 400 acre solar farm within...
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Why New Hampshire House Bill 202 is Bad for Wildlife Conservation

UPDATE - 2/13/25 Good news! House Bill 202: House Committee Vote 14-1, Inexpedient to Legislate. Fortunately, the bill’s forward progress is all but over. Today, the House Fish and Game and Marine...
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NM BHA January 2025 Newsletter!

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...
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Virginia Should Commit to Wildlife Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Funding

Unfortunately, both Virginia HB 2025: Wildlife Corridors or Crossings; Action Plan and Programs and Virginia HB 2059: Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act were tabled at the start of the legislative...
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UTAH 2025 Mid-Legislative Session Update

Every year in Q1, Utah state officials engage in the Utah Legislative Session to pass new laws or amend laws. Utah BHA follows and engages in the Session quite closely, as there are typically...
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RECAP: SC BHA Squirrel Hunt and Trash Pickup

On February 8, 2025, the South Carolina Chapter of BHA hosted a great day in the woods at Sumter National Forest near Clinton. The event brought together BHA members and families for a morning of...
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February 2025 with Alaska BHA - Newsletter

Alaska -- We made it through January, which was filled with Board of Game meetings, a few great Pint Nights, and a lot of news about public lands conservation in Alaska. Not...
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Celebrating Backcountry Hunters & Anglers with Vibrissa Beer

Yesterday reminded me once again why I love being a member of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Every year, we hold our annual chapter board meeting for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, bringing everyone...
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BHA Defends Coyote Hunting and Commission Processes in CA

Next week, the California Fish & Game Commission will consider acting on a recommendation by the Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC) that C.C.R. § 472 be amended to remove coyotes. CA BHA...
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EVENT RECAP: 2025 North Country Icebreaker

The North Country Icebreaker: A Gathering for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Public Lands Supporters A rendezvous is traditionally a meeting between two or more people at a pre-arranged location. The BHA...
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Policy Alert: Senate Bill 5 Gains Momentum in the New Mexico Legislature

After many years of unsuccessful attempts at reforming the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, a new bill is speeding through the 2025 legislative session. The New Mexico Chapter of...
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Reflections on the 2025 Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival: A Weekend of Connection and Conservation

Recently, I attended the 2025 Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival at the Meadows Event Park in Doswell, VA. I was representing the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, manning...
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Mountain Lion Processing with Washington BHA

 Mountain Lion Processing with Washington BHA   Thanks to collaboration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the generosity of a local archery range, the WA Chapter of...
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Rhode Island BHA 2024 Policy Roundup

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...
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Kentucky - Mullins WMA May be up for Sale

Map reading and general land navigation skills are essential tools in the outdoorsman’s tool kit. Those tools are doubly important when you are a public lands and waters user because it is...
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Backcountry Stewardship in the Bootheel of New Mexico

  The Bootheel region of New Mexico is normally viewed from inside a car speeding down I-10.  From the interstate it appears desolate and dry.  Large wide expanses of creosote bush and mesquite...
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Nolichucky River - Stop CSX Destructive Construction Activities

Protect the Nolichucky River: Stop CSX’s Destructive Construction Activities In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods and landslides across Southern Appalachia, a Herculean effort...
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NC Chapter Applauds Wildlife Commission for Fighting Against Privatization

Last summer, a private property owners association in Western North Carolina filed a contested case against the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to block public recreation on sections of two...
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Public Lands On The Chopping Block: It’s Now Or Never

America is exceptional in many regards. One of the most notable of our ideals encompasses 640 million acres: our system of public lands and waters, equally owned by every citizen. “We the people...
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Mid-Atlantic Chapter Celebrates Maryland’s Newest National Wildlife Refuge

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is thrilled to share exciting news for Maryland and the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed. On December 13, 2024, U.S. Secretary of...
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Advocating for Wildlife Protection and Resilient Infrastructure in Virginia

As Virginia faces increasing challenges related to wildlife-vehicle conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to support proactive measures that...
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President Trump’s Day One Actions Include Assault on Alaska Public Lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 21, 2025 Contact:  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org   President Trump’s Day One Actions Include Assault on...
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Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB2059) Moves Forward: Action Needed!

Exciting news! Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB2059) has been referred directly to the House Appropriations Committee (HAC), bypassing the Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources...
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MI BHA Chapter Advocates for Responsible Public Land Use

MI BHA Chapter Advocates for Responsible Public Land Use The Michigan BHA chapter continues to actively advocate for the responsible management of our state’s public lands. Recently, we submitted...
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1.10.25 NM State Game Commission Recap

This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by Chair Richard Stump. Director Michael Sloane delivered the Commission roll call; six members were present (one position has...
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11.8.24 NM State Game Commission Recap

The meeting gathered at Las Cruses. Five Commissioners were present in the room at the beginning of the meeting (Chair Stump, Vice Chair Sharon Salazar Hickey, Dr. Sabrina Pack, Tirzio Lopez,...
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Colorado BHA Appoints David Gallegos as Habitat Watch Volunteer

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint David Gallegos To San Luis Valley Habitat Watch Volunteer Position The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently appointed...
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Elk Hoof Disease 101

Elk Hoof Disease 101 – What You Need to Know About the Disease Afflicting Elk in the Pacific Northwest and Beyond Finding an elk herd in the thick, fog-laced forests of Southwest Washington can...
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Arizona BHA Helps Maintain Access on Perrin Ranch

The Arizona Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) have come together for a handful of rewarding days of volunteer work on Perrin Ranch in Unit 10, Arizona. This effort was part of the...
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Supreme Court Rejects Utah’s Land Grab Lawsuit: A Victory for Public Land Owners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 13, 2025   Contacts:  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org  Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager,...
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WA Governor Inslee’s Final Fish and Wildlife Commission Appointments Sabotage the Incoming Administration

Governor Inslee’s decisions tarnish his environmental legacy by marginalizing Tribal input, representative government, and the independent oversight of wildlife management.   FOR IMMEDIATE...
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Florida Black Bear Management - The Full Story About the Potential 2025 Hunt

Will bear hunting in Florida be a reality in the future?    At the December 2024 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) commission meeting the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute...
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2024 Indiana BHA Recap

Indiana BHA 2024 Year in Review!!!  The Indiana BHA Chapter had an excellent 2024! Below, we are going to provide you with a quick recap of some of our accomplishments over the course of the...
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BHA Applauds Chuckwalla Designation Conserving 624,000 Acres of Public Lands

For Immediate Release:  January 7, 2025    Contacts:  Nadia Marji, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, nadia@backcountryhunters.org  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy & Government...
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Anglers, Hunters Cheer President Biden’s Action to Designate Sáttítla Highlands National Monument

For Immediate Release: January 07, 2025   Contacts:Sam Davidson, Policy Director, California Public Lands, Trout Unlimited(831) 235-2542 / sam.davidson@tu.org Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy...
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Colorado BHA Winter 2024 Newsletter

As 2024 came to a close, Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers looked back on a year of many successes. We had one of our most active and impactful stewardship seasons ever, removing miles of...
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Hunters & Anglers Celebrate Temporary Oil and Gas Withdrawal in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 30, 2024 Contact:  Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org   The Sportsmen for the Rubies Coalition encourages strong collaboration...
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Happy Conservation Holidays from Alaska BHA

      Great news for Alaska's Public Lands to wrap up 2024!  On December 8, 2024, a significant win for conservation was achieved when an amendment mandating the Department...
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Smoked Goose Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Smoked Goose Blueberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich      Growing up in the Midwest, I always had an ample amount of Canada geese breasts in the freezer. Since I stopped buying meat altogether, I found...
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Valley County is for Public Land Owners

  As the Utah lawsuit to seize our public lands rages on, some of our elected officials in Idaho are jumping on Utah’s bandwagon to destroy our public land heritage. In October we saw Idaho...
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4,000 Acres of Added Public Land in Indiana

New Public Land Acquisition a Win for Us All! As you’ve probably already heard, Indiana DNR recently acquired 4,000 acres in Sullivan County. In a world where so much conservation news is about...
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Sourdough Cougar Claws

By Melissa Hendrickson   What better way to celebrate the rejection of Proposition 127 in Colorado, the citizen initiative that tried to ban mountain lion hunting, than baking up a delicious...
Chapter News Field to Table
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Alaska BHA Beer Dinner Recap

BHA Beer Dinner Recap  A Night of Conservation, Community, and Culinary Delights   Darren Bruning, Deputy Director of Wildlife Conservation presenting on Wood Bison Restoration in AlaskaThe...
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VT BHA Pint Night with Ethan Tapper

The Vermont team of the New England Chapter hosted a Pint Night at the Bear Naked Growler December 19th in Montpelier, VT. The focus of the evening was to hear from Ethan Tapper, local Vermont...
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Sporting Businesses Rally Around Protections for the Dolores Canyons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 18, 2024 Contact:  Bryan Jones, Regional Policy Coordinator, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers – jones@backcountryhunters.org Jay Chancellor, Colorado Advocacy Campaigns...
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California BHA 2024 Recap

With 2024 coming to an end, we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on California BHA's engagement and accomplishments that were made possible by the support of our dedicated members and...
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Two-Year Protection Initiated for Pecos River Watershed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 13, 2024 Contact:  Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org Two-Year Protection Initiated For Pecos River Watershed Washington, D.C....
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Beers, Bands, and Bitterbrush Stands - Public Land Stewardship with the California & Nevada BHA Chapters

  Our second Annual Beer, Bands, & Bitterbrush Stands event gathered BHA community members from Santa Barbara to Elko and everywhere in between to restore habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, upland...
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2024 Kentucky BHA Year in Review

Exceptional Growth and Impact throughout 2024   2024 has been another year of successful growth for Kentucky Backcountry Hunters & Anglers!   Since its inception and charter in 2019, the...
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Michigan chapter urges action to protect Lake Superior: The Threat of Copperwood Mine

At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), we are passionate about preserving the wild places and public lands that provide us with the hunting, fishing, and recreation opportunities that we all...
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Trails at Mena Decision Announced, Arkansas BHA Seeks Member Input

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...
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Summer Recap - Fence Pull with RMEF at Pumphouse

    Here comes Jerry and yes, he has sandwiches. The midday heat does little to dampen the appetite we have worked up after a morning of unburdening the local hillside of outdated fencing. There...
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Public Comment Period - IN DNR Division of Forestry Strategic Direction

You have until 12/17 to comment on the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry 2025-2029 Strategic Direction, the document that sets out the plan for our state forests for the next 5 years.  CLICK HERE...
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WA Chapter Supports Commissioner Linville Reappointment

To: The Office of Governor Jay Inslee Cc: Ruth Musgrave, Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Resources Subject: Fish and Wildlife Commission Reappointment- Molly Linville Dear Governor Inslee, On...
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Trapping Heritage and Education with Alaska Board Member, Ryan Bandy

  Trapping Heritage and Education with Alaska BHA Board Member, Ryan Bandy  Greetings from the Interior, BHA members! As we arrive in December, trapping along the Yukon and Koyukuk Rivers is in...
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Thankful for YOU, Alaska BHA

There is a new threat to Alaska's Brooks Range.  Veterans Against the Ambler Road: A Call for Responsible Stewardship of Public Lands "As a veteran who has dedicated my life to...
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Trails (Motorized & Mechanized) Impacts On Public Lands Habitat

As populations and outdoor recreation grows in the west it’s imperative that trail planning and management consider the effects of roads, trails, and recreation activities on big game high...
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Senate Committee Advances Final Public Lands and Waters Legislation for the 118th Congress

On November 19, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held its final Business Meeting of the 118th Congress. The record-breaking number of bills on the docket highlights the backlog of...
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Help Guide Planning at Keweenaw Point and Fort Wilkins State Park

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on two new general management plans in the Keweenaw Peninsula. One is for Keweenaw Point state-managed lands and the other is...
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The History of the Whitetail Deer in Indiana

A Brief History of White-tailed Deer in Indiana “It’s hard to treat natural resources casually when you know that generations have fought for them” (Jim Posewitz) Introduction In November 2021,...
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US Marines Provide Helicopter Support for Bighorn Sheep Habitat Improvement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 15, 2024 Contact: Devin O'Dea 415-246-5329, odea@backcountryhunters.org | Scott Gibson 909-210-0548, scottygibson@gmail.com Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the...
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NY BHA November '24 Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hi fellow public land advocates! I hope you are all enjoying the fall season and having luck filling your freezers! I am writing this before heading out to deer camp for...
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First Annual Alaska Chapter Board Retreat & Crawdad Catch-and-Cook Stewardship Event October 2024: Event Recap

First Annual Alaska Chapter Board Retreat and Crawdad Catch-and-Cook Stewardship Event October 2024: Event Recap     Board Retreat Earlier this year, our Chapter Chair, Dave Johnson, shared an...
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6x6 Karma: The Bear Facts

During the late summer/early fall I spend several days in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado scouting rifle season elk hunting locales. I’m not looking for elk, specifically, but for...
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CWD Detected in New York

Recently the New York Department of Environmental Conservation sent an email to locals in Region 6 and then to the rest of the state concerning detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) at a...
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Utah is Not For Sale, and Neither is Idaho

Utah’s lawsuit to seize 18.5 million acres of public land has brought with it significant outcry from public land enthusiasts across the beehive state. It can be tempting to think the...
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Press Release - Gate Project Complete at Cedar Creek WMA

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...
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CALL TO ACTION: Support a Sandhill Crane Season in Wisconsin

Join the Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in urging committee members to recommend the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources seek federal approval for a hunting season of...
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Hunters And Anglers Support Dolores River Canyons National Monument Designation

A growing chorus of hunters, anglers, and other public lands advocates are encouraging President Biden to protect and Dolores River Canyons region in southwest Colorado as a national monument. A...
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New Hampshire Fish & Game Wildlife Action Plan Survey

Your input is crucial to a successful 2025 New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan. Let your voice be heard and help to protect New Hampshire’s wildlife and wild places by taking the Wildlife Action...
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Battle at Bellyache Ridge

Battle At Bellyache Ridge Fence Removal  By Briant Wiles   It was the end of May 2024, and the BHA stewardship team was riding high after victories at Meeker, Rabbit Mountain, Perins Peak, and...
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Support Rhode Island Waterfowl Conservation & Hunting Opportunities

As part of BHA’s Yardsale Auction, New England BHA is auctioning a fully outfitted Rhode Island waterfowl hunt for the winner and three hunting buddies (4 people total) that was generously donated...
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Mid-Atlantic Chapter Supports Virginia’s Great Outdoor Act

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is expressing its support for Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB 1297). Introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek of Virginia’s 16th District,...
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A Tribute to Arizona BHA Founding Member Kurt Bahti

  The Arizona Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is saddened to hear of the passing of founding member Kurt Bahti.  Kurt's dedication to protecting the earth’s most valuable resources and...
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MINNESOTANS: Vote "YES" To Renew Lottery Funding to Natural Resources

Minnesotans will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot as they head to the polls for the general election. It is called “Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund...
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North Dakota BHA Fall Newsletter

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...
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Hunting for Sustainability: A Participant’s Perspective

Once I realized that western big game hunting was an opportunity to have an epic backpacking trip in the wilderness that potentially could yield a yearlong supply of the most organic, local,...
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NY OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Update from Chapter Chair Well, we have officially made it to the best time of the year. Fall colors, cooling temps, and lots of time in the woods and marshes chasing white-tailed deer, small...
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Rhode Island BHA Submits Comments to NOAA Coastal Program Evaluation

On October 15, 2024, BHA’s Rhode Island Team submitted written testimony to NOAA, related to their periodic coastal management program review focused on Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management...
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Stearns Ruffed Grouse Habitat Management Project Proposal

The Stearns Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest is requesting public comment on the Stearn Ruffed Grouse Management Plan proposal.  The project will be on US Forest Service...
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Utah Public Lands Lawsuit: How Can I Get Involved?

A lot of hunters and anglers have reached out to our chapter asking how they can get even more involved in opposing Utah’s Public Lands Lawsuit in addition to signing the petition on BHA’s...
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Event Recap: Wick's Wildlife Area Fence Removal

Nineteen Iowa BHA members, college students, and family members gathered on September 15th, 2024 at Wick's Wildlife Area outside of Story City, IA for a fence removal project. The goal of the...
Media Chapter News Backcountry Journal

The Access Frontlines

This article originally appeared as the President's Message column of the Summer 2024 Backcountry Journal.   By Patrick Berry Imagine the excitement and anticipation after a long week of work as...
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Recap: Public Lands Pint Night at Common Roots Brewing Sponsored by onX

We had a great time celebrating Public Lands month at the Common Roots Flagship in South Glens Falls, NY  Former chair, Todd Waldron was on hand to talk about the early days of the NY Chapter...
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Alaska BHA Fall 2024 Newsletter

Mary -- Tis the season for hunting, canning, and for some animals and humans, hibernating. But not for AK BHA!  Summer seems all but a blurr and we're still in freezer filling...
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EVENT RECAP: USACE Waterfowl Work Day Brings Immediate Results For Minnesota BHA Members

Public Lands Month is not only a chance for BHA members to celebrate our wild places and be thankful for the opportunities they have given us, but it is also our chance to give back to...
Chapter News Field to Table
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Reward Issued in Central Idaho for Successful Report of Illegal Motorized Use

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is pleased to issue a $500 reward to Ken Mason as a token of appreciation for the time and effort invested in reporting a tip that resulted in two separate...
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Colorado BHA Fall 2024 Newsletter

“Deerness manifests a death.My word is grateful.”- Ursula K. Le Guin, Always Coming Home Fall is here, and hunting season is in full swing. Even as many of us turn our thoughts to filling...
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Villa Grove STL Fence Removal

Villa Grove State Trust Lands  Fence Removal By Briant Wiles   Looking up from the fence our eyes are drawn to a solid wall of mountains that sweep south lining the bathtub of sediment that is...
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Massachusetts Team attends Striperfest

On September 28th, New England BHA attended StiperFest and was represented by Aaron Townsley and Jen True from the Massachusetts Team and talked with hundreds of folks about BHA's conservation...
Media Chapter News Backcountry Journal

Hunting on the Ballot

This article also appears in the Fall 2024 issue of Backcountry Journal.    By Bryan Jones This fall the public’s right to hunt will take center stage on the ballot in Colorado with a proposed...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Bill Signed into Law in California

As urbanization increasingly carves up California's landscapes, the need to conserve and enhance wildlife connectivity becomes critical. Assembly Bill 1889 is a significant step toward addressing...
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New Senate Bill Would Conserve Over 700,000 Acres of Colorado Public Lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sep. 26, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org New Senate Bill Would Conserve Over 700,000 Acres of Colorado Public Lands WASHINGTON, D.C. –...
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The Left Flip Flop Hypothesis

The Left Flip Flop Hypothesis (Recap of the Clark Fork Public Land Pack-Out) The author’s husband and son cruising the drift holding areas for trash.   Words and Photos by Melissa...
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Aaron Lingwall To Northern Colorado Group Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers appointed Aaron Lingwall to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Northern Colorado Group.[1] Aaron was born and raised in Wahpeton,...
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RECAP: Salisbury Salt Marsh Pack Out Sponsored by onX

September is Public Lands Month and it was a perfect time to come out to Salisbury Beach State Reservation and help clean up the beach. Salisbury Beach is a unique area where the Merrimack River...
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San Isabel National Forest Fence Removal

  San Isabel National Forest Fence Removal By Briant Wiles   “The fence just disappeared” was the overheard remark of one of the participants at the recent Salida fence pull event. 16 motivated...
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2024 Indiana BHA Chapter Rendezvous Recap

  The Indiana Chapter of BHA hosted their 4th annual Rendezvous at Rockville Lake Park Campground this last weekend. The event was a massive success and rollicking good time!Three dozen people...
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Q3 CO BHA News Update

“If you want to hunt, first you have to have animals to hunt. And if you want animals, first they’ve got to have habitat to live in. So, if you’re not trying to protect habitat and improve it and...
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BHA Illegal Motorized Use Reward: Hunters Speak Up to Protect Habitat in the White River National Forest

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was recently happy to celebrate the courage and commitment of two hunters who played a crucial role in combating illegal motorized use on Colorado’s public...
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NY September Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair We are only a few weeks out from big game season opener (in some places already open).   I have been out a few times already chasing early geese and squirrels. I have...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Hunters Cannot Dismiss the Magnitude of Utah’s Public Lands Lawsuit

On August 20th, 2024, Utah’s Governor Cox announced a sweeping lawsuit that the State filed with the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge the federal government’s legal right to hold and manage 18.5...
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Water Access Wars Seep Into Southeast

As the population in North Carolina’s western mountains grows, so too does interest from private entities in laying claim to public water access. For decades, anglers have dealt increasing...
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East Otto State Forest Trash Pack Out

On August 18th, Western NY BHA members got together on East Otto State Forest for a public land trash pack-out. Members collected two pickup trucks worth of trash from camp sites and ditches along...
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The Public Lands Rule could be great for conservation – we should give it a chance

The Public Lands Rule could be great for conservation – we should give it a chance   The Bureau of Land Management Conservation and Landscape Health rule, commonly known as the Public Lands Rule,...
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RECAP: NY Annual Saratoga Sand Plains Public Archery Range Shoot

We had a great time again this year at the Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area Public Archery Range  We had a few return from last year and some new guests this year join us to shoot...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Make Your Voice Heard! Travel Management Planning on the Little Missouri National Grassland

The Forest Service is in the early engagement stage of their Travel Management Plan for the Little Missouri National Grasslands. They are hosting a series of Open House meetings to engage the...
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Mid-Atlantic 2024 Public Lands Month Public Lands Packout

    Every year Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) celebrates National Public Lands Day as a month-long celebration.  So, what exactly is all this about and what is National Public Land Day.  In...
Media Chapter News State Issues

The Fight for Stream Access: Hunters, Anglers, and Boaters Unite for Colorado’s Waters

“Colorado’s magnificent rivers and streams are a public trust to be enjoyed by all. Our message to state officials: let our people float and fish.” - Colorado Chapter Co-Chair, Don...
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RECAP: Vermont Northwoods Story Slam at Johnson Woolen Mills

Nothing defines hunting the big woods like wool pants and coats in the classic buffalo check pattern.  Johnson Woolen Mills has been at it in Vermont for nearly two centuries.  They hosted us for...
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Howe Ranch Fence Removal

Howe Ranch Fence Removal By Briant Wiles   With the elk bugling and the temps starting to come down in the mountains of central Colorado my mind drifts back to the heat of the summer and one of...
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Keep Public Lands Out of Utah's Greedy Hands

In the history of ill-advised plans and underhanded schemes to squander the public lands legacy shared by all Americans, Utah officials may have just eclipsed the rest of the bunch. In August, the...
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BHA Volunteers Expand Elk Habitat on BLM lands in Northwest CA

On a still morning in Humboldt County, BHA volunteers gathered at the Lacks Creek Management Area for the second year in a row to expand elk and deer habitat by reducing encroaching conifers on...
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MI DNR State Forest Managment Plan - Public Comment Opportunities

Michigan DNR will release for public comment a draft of the new State Forest Management Plan Development of the Draft Management Plan was a monumental undertaking by the DNR and will set the...
Media Chapter News State Issues

The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project

    The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is committed to our mission to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

Anglers and Hunters Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Create Sáttítla National Monument

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Aug. 30, 2024  Contact: Joel Weltzien, (406) 925-3771, weltzien@backcountryhunters.org Anglers and Hunters Applaud Introduction of Legislation to Create Sáttítla National...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

BLM to Maintain Conservation Status for 28 Million Acres in Alaska

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Aug. 29, 2024  Contact: Mary Glaves, 415-246-5329, glaves@backcountryhunters.org BLM to Maintain Conservation Status for 28 Million Acres in Alaska  Washington, D.C....
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Two Miles of Sheep Fencing Removed in New Mexico

                                               Domesticated sheep arrived with the early Spanish conquistadors and explorers in the 1500's.  Sheep herding was a lucrative venture for many people...
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8/15/24 NM Habitat Stamp Citizen Advisory Committee - Meeting Recap

The NM Citizen Advisory Committee* met with NMDGF staff on August 15th in Santa Fe to determine priorities for Habitat Stamp funding among 11 collaborative submissions. Eight of the nine Advisory...
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Alaska BHA August 26th Newsletter: Essence of Fall

The essence of fall is in the air and termination dust has even made an appearance in some areas. Fall is here in Alaska...Our favorite time of year! This fall, aside from all the...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Hunters And Anglers Call For President Biden To Designate Dolores River Canyons National Monument

Area faces threats from industrial scale mining, habitat fragmentation, unmanaged recreation) (Colorado Newsline: 8/21/24)   In the words of former Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Conservation...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Welcomes Murphy Robinson to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is glad to welcome Murphy Robinson as the newly appointed sportsmen’s representative to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission. Appointed by...
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Maine Team Learn to Hunt: Whitetail Deer

New England BHA led two Whitetail Deer Hunting workshops on August 17 at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Outdoor Education Center in Augusta.  The workshops were presented in partnership with...
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Bighorn Sheep Survey 2024 Re-Cap

CA BHA Volunteers help CDFW Staff Survey Bighorn Sheep Across the Mojave!    The heat was coming and we all knew it. With a projected high of 115 for both days, we knew that getting to elevation...
Media Chapter News State Issues Press Releases

Utah Attempts to Wrest Public Lands Out of Public Hands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Aug. 20, 2024  Contact: Devin O’Dea, 415-246-5329 odea@backcountryhunters.org  Utah Attempts to Wrest Public Lands Out of Public Hands SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Backcountry...
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NY BHA August Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Happy August everyone. I hope you all are as excited as I am about the upcoming hunting season opening up next month. DEC has some big changes this year to how they will...
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Snowmass Falls Ranch - A new beginning.

Snowmass Falls Ranch  A New Beginning By Briant Wiles   When it comes to opportunities to help improve habitat on a newly acquired piece of public ground in the mountains of Colorado, it...
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8/9/24 New Mexico State Game Commission Recap

This meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. in Taos, New Mexico by Chair Stump. The Commission roll call was conducted by Director Michael Sloane; all members were present. Commissioners attending...
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Success at Miramonte

Miramonte Fence Pull  Dan Noble State Wildlife Area  By Craig Grother   During the weekend of August 9 through 11, West Slope BHA members teamed up with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to...
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New Mexico BHA Volunteers Remove 6 miles of Fencing on the Marquez/ L Bar WMA

Summer thunderstorms built up on the horizon of the Marquez/L Bar Wildlife Management Area.  This years monsoon season has been a memorable one.  It's rare that the landscape of New Mexico stays...
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Maine Team Leader of the New England Chapter, Robert Bryan on Non-lead Ammunition

Non-Lead Ammunition Speaks for Itself at Maine Workshop By Rob Bryan 8/11/2024   On August 10, Rob Bryan represented the New England Chapter at a workshop presented by the Non-Lead Partnership and...
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Learn to Hunt North Idaho Class

By Rome Fiore My hunting journey started all the way in California when I was a kid. My father and grandfather taught me the necessary skills to harvest upland game birds and fish. These lessons...
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Public Input Needed - Access Inclusion to Riverfront Master Plan in Terre Haute

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District has teamed up with the Wabash Riverfront Planning Partnership to develop an updated riverfront master plan for Terre Haute, IN. This master...
Media Chapter News

Field Report from the 34th Biennial Sage and Columbian Sharptail Grouse Workshop

When the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invited our Washington Chapter to sponsor this year’s WAFWA Sage and Columbian Sharptail Grouse Workshop in Wenatchee, we were thrilled....
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Enter the Vortex Edge Hunter Marksmanship Sweepstakes!

Get ready to “dial in” your rifle hunting skills with Vortex Optics and Wisconsin BHA! Find your “Edge” with the professionals at the Vortex Edge training program through an unforgettable 2-day...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Statement on Colorado Ballot Proposition 127

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is disappointed that Proposition 127, which proposes a hunting ban for Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx, has garnered enough signatures to appear on the Colorado...
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A Stark New Reality for Washington’s Wildlife

By Dan Wilson & Josh Wilund On August 1st, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the first confirmed case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Washington state. The news...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Trails at Mena - Project on Ouachita National Forest

In mid-July I traveled to Mena for my first look at Rich Mountain, Arkansas’ second highest peak. I wanted to see for myself where the Trails at Mena project would go and imagine what the...
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Utah BHA partners with BLM to restore vital Sage Grouse Habitat

     After two years of project planning by BHA Board Member and BLM Wildlife Biologist, Jason Kaitchuck, a group of 21 volunteers gathered sharing donuts and coffee on the side of the road while...
Media Chapter News

Stewardship Recap - 6th Annual Salmon River Clean-up Float

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...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Save the Cutoff Road Case - July 17 Hearing Update

The battle to Save the Cutoff continues with new developments in the court case that BHA formally weighed in on earlier in the year – view the amicus curiae we submitted alongside the Texas Rivers...
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Fence Modification on the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument

                                On July 20, 2024, NM and CO BHA members, BLM staff, a Pheasants Forever intern and multiple non BHA members joined Habitat Stewardship Coordinator Bard Edrington V...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal: A Win for All

Backcountry Journal: Summer 2024 Backcountry hunters and anglers value wild country, clean water and intact habitat. It’s a founding principal of this organization, and one that remains a priority...
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Foraging, (Forest) Health, and Fishing

A different kind of FHF adventure Words and Photos by Melissa Hendrickson One of the lessons I’ve learned over the many years of doing field work and hunting is having several backup plans can...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Large-scale mountain bike project on Ouachita National Forest

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....
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NY BHA July Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Hey all, I hope everyone is managing to stay cool! This month, I want to encourage you all to take the time this summer to meet your fellow BHA members.  We have two big...
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RECAP: NY BHA with Alone star Melanie Sawyer at Filson NYC

It was a great evening at Filson NYC with History Channel's Alone Season 10 star, Melanie Sawyer! She spent the evening talking about her experience on Alone Season 10 and showing the tools she...
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Waterfowl Banding with Rhode Island BHA – Summer 2024

Each year fish & wildlife agencies around the country assemble teams of biologists, technicians, and volunteers to take on the important conservation work of banding waterfowl. Unlike winter...
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Indiana BHA Chapter Assists Willow Slough WMA

On Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th, the Indiana chapter put in some serious work at the Willow Slough FWA, a 10,000 acre property near Morocco, Indiana. This property borders Illinois,...
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U.S. Forest Service Clarifies Dog Leash Rule for BWCA

If you are a Boundary Waters visitor, and enjoy having your four-legged friends along on your hunting, camping, or fishing trip, you might have noticed a change to one of the rules listed on the...
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CO BHA Appoint Jarret Childers to Southwest Colorado Assistant Regional Director Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently appointed Jarret Childers to serve as an Assistant Regional Director for the Southwest Colorado region. Jarret was born in...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Florida's Right to Fish & Hunt Bill

This November, Floridians heading to the ballot box will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment 2, Florida’s Right to Fish and Hunt bill. This bill would protect Florida’s rich outdoor heritage...
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Event Recap: Restoring Hunter Walking Trails in Superior National Forest

Minnesota BHA volunteers gathered  on June 29th in the Superior National Forest in Northeast Minnesota to improve access of hunter walking trails that had become nearly inaccessible for...
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Sultan Basin 2024 Recap

Over the weekend of June 24th, 27 public land enthusiasts from Washington Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Trash No Land worked with WA DNR to clean a shooting area in Snohomish County,...
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Public Service Announcement- WDFW Special Draw Corrections

On July 10th, the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that a complication occurred in assigning special draws results, as well as corrective steps they are taking to address it. We encourage...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Permanent Public Access Secured on Missouri's Finley River

The Missouri Court of Appeals has rendered its verdict on the appeal of the decision in favor of public access to the Finley River at Lindenlure. In a unanimous ruling by all three judges, the...
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North Dakota BHA 2024 Summer Newsletter

Midsummer greetings from ND BHA! This newsletter features updates from your chapter's latest projects, events, podcasts, and more. And as always, contact us if you interested in getting...
Media Chapter News State Issues

BHA Illegal Motorized Use Reward: Gunnison Area Hunter Speaks Up to Protect Habitat

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was recently happy to celebrate the courage and commitment of a local Gunnison hunter (name withheld at his request) who played a crucial role in combating...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Rendezvous Roundup: San Isabel National Forest (June 21-23, 2024)

The Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) chapter held their 15th Annual Rendezvous in the San Isabel National Forest west of Salida/Poncha Springs during June. A dozen hunters and anglers...
Media Chapter News State Issues

BLM Denies Ambler Road Permit

Unloading for a backcountry hunt in the Brooks Range. PC: Barry Whitehill, AK Chapter of BHA.    BHA and Hunters & Anglers for the Brooks Range Celebrate the BLM's Denial of the Ambler Road...
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Vermont Successfully Defends Wildlife Management and Conservation Legacy

Vermont S.258 emerged as one of the most contentious wildlife and hunting-related bills in the state's recent history. Shortly after its introduction, the Vermont Backcountry Hunters and Anglers...
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RECAP: Archery Day for New Hunters

On June 22, NY Hunters of Color (HOC), NY BHA, and The Nature Conservancy of New York hosted an intro to archery and deer hunting event at a TNC property in Westchester, NY.  We had roughly 40 new...
Media Chapter News

RECAP: Drink & Duck : Paint Your Own Duck Decoy Night at Filson

This past June 27th, NY BHA hosted a ticketed event at Filson NYC to paint black duck decoys.   The chapter purchased the decoys and paint kits from Dixie Decoys and refreshments were generously...
Media Chapter News State Issues

RI BHA Submits Comments to CRMC on Quidnessett Country Club’s Illegal Seawall

Some time between late 2022 and early 2023 the Quidnessett Country Club (QCC), located near the northern end of North Kingstown RI, built a sea wall near one of the holes of their golf course. Had...
Media Chapter News

RECAP: NY onX Pint Night with NYSDEC in Albany

On Wednesday June 26th we met at the Common Roots Brewing Company, Albany Outpost for a great onX sponsored Pint Night with the NYSDEC Bureau Chief of Fisheries, Steve Hurst. Steve enlightened us...
Media Chapter News

Arkansas BHA 2024 Catfish Camp

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,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Chapter Newsletter, Summer 2024

“The solution to any problem–work, love, money, whatever–is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be.” John Gierach, Standing in a River Waving a Stick   Welcome to...
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EVENT RECAP: 1st Annual Iowa BHA Bluegill Bash

The Iowa Chapter of BHA held the inaugural BHA Bluegill Bash on Saturday, June 15th to kick off Father's Day weekend. This event took place at Hickory Grove Lake, which was chosen not only for...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Q2 2024 Update

“The natural world sustains us with clean air, unpolluted water, recreation, and natural resources. If we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves.” –Jim Posewitz, Beyond Fair Chase[1]   Backcountry...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Wisconsin BHA Signs on to Protect Prairie Chicken Habitat From Solar Farm Project

The Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has signed on to a letter that addresses concerns around the Vista Sand Solar Project, which if allowed, would be the largest solar farm in...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NY sends comment into NYSDEC on OGC-9 Public Rights to Navigation and Fishing

On June 14, 2024 The New York Chapter submitted a comment to NY Department of Environmental Conservation in regards to OGC-9 Public Rights to Navigation and Fishing.  Access to some streams and...
Media Chapter News

Indiana BHA Hosts Forest Managment Pint Night with Sentinel Landscape

On Saturday, June 15th, we hosted Michael Spalding of Sentinel Landscape at our Pint Night at Heartwork Brewing Co. in Bloomington, Indiana. The event was an essential educational opportunity for...
Media Chapter News

2024 Arkansas BHA Summer Newletter

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...
Media Chapter News

Grouse Creek Pack Out Recap

Grouse Creek Pack Out Recap Words and Photos by Melissa Hendrickson   How much trash can 12 adults, 3 pre-teens, and 3 toddlers pick up in 3 hours? Apparently the answer is 2 overfull dump...
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2024 Small Game Bootcamp Recap

  BHA Chapters are unique due to their abilities to cast a broad focus within the conservation world. Chapters identify and engage in important topics, issues, and trends that are localized to...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Kansas Legislative Recap 2024 - Efforts to Fight Commission Attacks

The policy team at Kansas BHA rode a veritable roller coaster of legislation in the 2023-2024 session aimed at abolishing or drastically modifying the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission, the...
Media Chapter News

Senate Committee Considers Legislation to Conserve Public Lands and Waters

On June 12, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining held a legislative hearing which included the consideration of six bills supported by...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA June Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair I hope everyone had an amazing May out chasing turkeys, trout or just spending time outdoors! As we roll into the summer months, we hope to see you at one of our many...
Media Chapter News

Arkansas BHA Chapter Seeks Communications Chair

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...
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Recap: Western NY Allen Lake Trail Project

On June 1st volunteers from the New York Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers assisted NYS DEC West Almond Foresters with the construction of a new foot trail around Allen Lake. The trail...
Media Chapter News State Issues

RI Assembly sends Three BHA-Backed Wildlife Bills to Governor

Just days before the end of the 2024 legislative session the RI General Assembly approved three wildlife bills in concurrence, each of which was supported by the New England Chapter of Backcountry...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NY Wildlife Crossings Bill S4198B

NY Senate bill S4198B has been passed by the NY Senate and NY Assembly and is now on its way to Governor Hochul's desk for signing.  The bill directs the New York Department of Transportation and...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

BHA, TU Launch Sportsmen for the Dolores

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Contacts: Jay Chancellor, Trout Unlimited, jay.chancellor@tu.org, 720-484-9247  Kaden McArthur, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

OPINION: Non-residents harvest more mule deer bucks than residents in NE Montana

When it comes to hunter crowding and the state of mule deer, non-resident hunting pressure and harvests aren��t the only culprits, but mounting evidence shows they’re a big one. According to an...
Media Chapter News

North Dakota BHA Inventories 50 Miles of Fence on BLM

Last weekend, North Dakota BHA board members spent the weekend inventorying nearly 50 miles of fence using ATVs on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Big Gumbo represents the last...
Media Chapter News

New Mexico BHA: Fence Removal on the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument

The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument was established in 2013 and comprises 242,500 acres with an additional 3,700 acres recently added.  It lies in northern New Mexico and is bisected by the...
Media Chapter News

NM BHA Repairs Trick Tank Fencing Alongside USFS

On May 18, 2024 New Mexico BHA Vice Chair Mark Zschoche led a group of BHA volunteers on yet another spring work project. The exclosure fencing around the Sargent KV Trick Tank had been damaged...
Media Chapter News

Public Comment Period for Yellowwood and Morgan-Monroe State Forest Management

The Indiana Division of Forestry has an open public comment period allowing you to provide feedback on their forest management plans for Yellowood and Morgan-Monroe State Forests. The IN DNR has...
Media Chapter News

Recap: Annual Central NY Spring Pint Night

NY held its second Annual Central NY Spring Pint Night May 30th '24 in Homer, NY and was sponsored by Sporting Lead-Free and onX! Folks brought a dish to pass and played conservation themed trivia...
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RECAP: NY BHA Turkey Hunting 101 at Filson 2024

NY Hunters of Color, the NY Chapter of BHA, and NY Department of Environmental Conservation got together May 15th at the Filson NYC store to support roughly new turkey hunters.   DEC gave a brief...
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Utah BHA Leads Miles for Muleys Project for Paunsaugunt Mule Deer Herd

Well, here we go!' I thought, standing in the sunny Southern Utah desert, watching the convoy of trucks, Jeeps, and OHVs slowly depart from the campsite to their assigned destinations in the...
Media Chapter News

The Long Road to Rendezvous

  The Long Road to Rendezvous Words and Photos by Melissa Hendrickson   As far as driving directions go, it’s a pretty easy route from our hometown to Rendezvous in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Hunting Colorado’s Mountain Merriam’s (with The Colonel & The Fox) and Struttin’ & Cluckin’ at Rendezvous

Among hunter-conservationists the story of the decimation of wildlands and wildlife during the 1700s-1800s followed by a remarkable recovery during the 1900s-2000s is well known. However, a week...
Media Chapter News

New England Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Chapter Board Member Patrick Saunders Receives Sigurd F. Olson Award

The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Sigurd F. Olson Award recognizes outstanding effort conserving rivers, lakes or wetland habitat. Patrick Saunders, a New England BHA Chapter Board Member, is the...
Media Chapter News

EVENT RECAP: North Dakota BHA Hosts Work Day

Last weekend, ten BHA members, including three kids, spent their Saturday removing old tree guards and picking up trash at Pipestem Reservoir. After a day's hard work, the group managed to fill...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Local Outdoorsmen Rally to Save the Cutoff

In early 2022, a private landowner illegally blocked access to a popular public hunting and fishing destination in East Texas known locally as “The Cutoff”. A group of local sportsmen who hunt and...
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Recap: RI DEM F&W/Light Foundation Youth Turkey Hunt '24

Earlier this year New England BHA’s Rhode Island Team announced that we would be sponsoring the 2024 RI Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt coordinated by The Light Foundation and the Rhode Island...
Media Chapter News Field to Table

Elk Enchiladas

Elk Enchiladas This Elk enchiladas recipe is a must-try. It offers a rich and savory experience that brings game meat to the forefront of your culinary repertoire. Whether you use ground elk or...
Media Chapter News

5/16/24 NM State Game Commission Recap

Thursday, May 16, 2024 Hobbs, NM The meeting began at 9 a.m. with the Commission roll call by Director Michael Sloane. Six Commissioners attended physically: Tirzio Lopez (Vice-Chair), Fernando...
Media Chapter News

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 15th Annual Rendezvous (June 21-23, 2024)

The Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) 15th annual Rendezvous is scheduled for June 21-23, 2024. We will set up camp in the San Isabel National Forest-Salida Ranger District west of...
Media Chapter News

Buckman Road Cleanup Recap

On March 23 BHA volunteers partnered up with the BLM, NM Public Lands Interpretive Association, NWF, NM Wild, NM Crag, and NM Mountain Club to clean up 7 miles of Old Buckman Road down to the Rio...
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Habitat Stewardship in Idaho's Swan Valley

Look Near Before You Look Far One of the lessons I have learned over and over while elk hunting is ‘look near before you look far.’ In other words, make sure there are no animals right in front of...
Media Chapter News State Issues

TAKE ACTION: Support HB 1873 For Stream Access

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...
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Missouri BHA Applauds MDC Changes to Waterfowl Blind Regulations on Public Land

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will be voting to change waterfowl hunting regulations for the restricted portion of the Upper Mississippi Conservation Area (UMCA) starting in the...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA May Newsletter

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...
Media Chapter News

RECAP: Turkey Learn-to-Hunt with MN BHA and The Trust For Public Lands

Forging New Traditions Through Unified Hunting Legacies   Who will safeguard our public lands, waters, and wildlife if they remain unknown? The Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers...
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RECAP: NY BHA Amawalk/Muscoot River Arbor Day Tree Planting

NY BHA in collaboration with NYC TU, and NY HOC held an Arbor Day Tree Planting Saturday, April 27, 2024 along the Amawalk/Muscoot River near the town of Amawalk, NY. We returned again this year...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CO BHA Chapter Newsletter Spring 2024

“One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving the murk of March thaw, is the spring.”  -Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac   There’s no other organization like Backcountry...
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Volunteers Restore Habitat for Rio Grand Cutthroat Trout

The Kirtland AFI club and New Mexico Chapter had an incredible time at the Annual Lincoln National Forest stream restoration project on April 20th! Our crew worked diligently to repair two small...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California’s New Era in Black Bear Conservation: A Science-Driven Approach with a Role for Hunters

Bear hunting has been an integral part of California’s history since the Golden State was founded in 1850 and for thousands of years prior to colonization. In 2021 and 2022, anti-hunting groups...
Media Chapter News State Issues

OH BHA Joins Partners to Take Legal Action Opposing Permitting Process

History In 2011, a law was passed permitting natural gas drilling at state parks in Ohio. (Ohio Senate approves bill to allow oil and gas drilling at state parks). Largely due to public concern...
Media Chapter News

Fish and Wildlife Commission Fail Wildlife, Collaboration in Cougar Rulemaking

On the weekend of April 19th, while the Washington chapter accepted the George Bird Grinnell award at Rendezvous and volunteers labored to restore habitat along the Yakima River, the Fish and...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

Legislation to Restore Hunting to California’s Castle Mountains, Improve Public Land Management

For Immediate Release May 2, 2024  Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org  Legislation to Restore Hunting to California’s Castle Mountains, Improve Public Land...
Media Chapter News

RECAP: Maine BHA Skowhegan Fence Removal

It was a very successful day at the Maine Skowhegan Fence Removal Project last Sunday April 28th.  A small but feisty crew removed +1500’ of fence that was wrapped in invasive plants!  The Maine...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Board Member Dan Parkinson Receives Aldo Leopold Award

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Board/Executive Leadership Team (ELT) member Dan Parkinson received the BHA Aldo Leopold Award for outstanding effort conserving terrestrial wildlife...
Media Chapter News

House of Representatives to Vote on Attacks to Public Lands and Waters

Update 5/1/2024: On April 30, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the WEST Act with a vote of 211-202. The Superior National Forest Restoration Act was passed with a vote of 212-203. On May...
Media Chapter News

EVENT RECAP: ND BHA Supports U.S. Forest Service Sheyenne National Grasslands Stewardship Project

On April 14th, six BHA members (plus three kids!) helped clean up Hankinson Hills, a U.S. Forest Service property about an hour southwest of Fargo. The 2800-acre property is a beautiful rolling...
Media Chapter News

4/19/24 NM State Game Commission Recap

The State Game Commission is finally up to full membership, though with half the commissioners either brand new or relatively new to the job, their April meeting in Silver City was more about...
Media Chapter News

Jacob Young Emerging Leader Spotlight

After joining the Idaho State Chapter Board, I’ve been lucky enough to get acquainted with the University of Idaho (U of I) Collegiate Chapter and their powerhouse of a President Jacob Young.  We...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

Chuckwalla National Monument Would Conserve, Connect Public Lands

For Immediate Release April 16, 2024  Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org  Chuckwalla National Monument Would Conserve, Connect Public Lands  WASHINGTON, D.C.— As...
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New Mexico BHA Tackles Kiowa Fence Improvements

As Backcountry Hunters and Anglers members and Forest Service personnel gathered on Friday evening, newcomers were treated to the wide open vistas of the high plains, vast unbroken skylines and...
Media Chapter News

NM Waterfowl Hunters Comment on 2019 State Land Closure

The New Mexico State Land office is undergoing a public planning process for the 212 acre parcel of state land adjacent to Valle de Oro that was unilaterally closed to waterfowl hunting by the...
Media Chapter News

New Mexico BHA Board Member Appointed to Habitat Stamp Committee

On March 8, 2024, Mark Mattaini (Paguate, NM), a member of the NM BHA board, was appointed by the New Mexico Game Commission to a five-year term on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC), which...
Media Chapter News

A Changing of the Guard

A Changing of the Guard This year's Washington chapter board retreat brought mixed emotions as my esteemed co-chair, Cameron Lankhaar, shared his decision to step down from his position. Cameron...
Media Chapter News

CT RECAP: Forest Clean-up and Invasives Foraging Class Naugatuck State Forest April 2024

The Connecticut team of the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers joined Joe Ross, arborist and founder of eattheplanet.org, and Amy Demers, founder of CT Foraging Club, for a...
Media Chapter News

VT Recap: Maintenance Day at Dead Creek WMA April 2024

The Vermont team of the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers held a Maintenance Day at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area  on April 13th, removing brush and trees on the West...
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Media Chapter News

Arkansas Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Contributes $5,000 to Arkansas Game and Fish for Black Bear Research

Arkansas Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has made a donation of $5,000 to support black bear research efforts undertaken by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). This contribution, sourced...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA April Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Well, May is almost here, and despite the excitement of earthquakes and a solar eclipse, I can’t wait for it to finally arrive! There is no better time to be in the woods...
Media Chapter News State Issues

VT: GMNF TELEPHONE GAP INTEGRATED RESOURCE PROJECT, 2024

On April 8th, 2024, the Vermont team submitted a comment to the US Forest Service on the Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project (Telephone Gap IRP). The Green Mountain National Forest is part...
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North American News Featured Story 2

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Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Support Dolores River Canyons National Monument Proposal

In the words of former Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Conservation Director John Gale, “Conserving large tracts of undeveloped public lands as national monuments is essential to America’s...
Media Chapter News State Issues

VT: GMNF Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project Comment Period

4/5/24 The US Forest Service is seeking public comment on a project called the Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project (Telephone Gap IRP). The scope of the project is broad and it includes a...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Update: Vermont BHA Opposes Legislative Bill to Restructure Fish & Wildlife Board

  Thanks to pressure from the hunting and angling community, which was generated from New England BHA and other key Vermont Sporting groups, lawmakers made significant amendments to S.258 before...
Media Chapter News

Recap: Three Rivers WMA - Public Land Packout

NY BHA had a great day Saturday March 30th, 2024 with the Public Land Packout at the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area outside Syracuse, New York. This public land offers hiking, abundant...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Minnesota BHA Position on State Land Transfers

BHA MN Position on Ownership Transfer of Public Lands   As the voice for public lands, waters, and wildlife, the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA MN) believes our shared...
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North Dakota BHA 2024 Spring Newsletter

ND BHA Quarterly Newsletter Greetings from ND BHA! We are making our way out of winter here in North Dakota. Plans for the chapter are taking shape, this letter will give you an update on what...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Kentucky Senate Bill 3 Defeated

FRANKFORT, KY -- The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers helped defeat a dangerous bill in the statehouse that would have made conservation more difficult in the state. Senate Bill...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Hunting For Experience: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Oral History Project

During December 2023 I was contacted by a University of Montana student about taking part in a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Oral History Project. “I am a student enrolled at the University...
Media Chapter News State Issues

LETTER: North Dakota BHA Supports Keeping Grand Forks Water Board Lands Open for Hunting

March 18, 2024 Tom PerdueChairmanGrand Forks County Water Board151 South 4th StreetGrand Forks, ND 58201 Chairman Perdue and Members of the Grand Forks County Water Board, On behalf of the North...
Media Chapter News

NEBRASKA BHA FENCE REMOVAL PROJECT: Recap

On March 16th Nebraska Backcountry Hunters and Anglers hosted a fence removal project at Nebraska Game and Park’s Wapiti Wildlife Management Area in the Loess Canyons south of North Platte. As...
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Murray State BHA Collegiate Club Squirrel Hunt and Packout

  On December 2nd, six Murray State BHA club members along with Kevin Murphy from Small Game Nation and Paul Skees from the Kentucky BHA chapter, rendezvoused for a quick breakfast and headed out...
Media Chapter News

The Patron Saints of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) started around a campfire during March 2004, thanks to seven hunters and anglers, men and women, the “Gang of Seven.”[1] They were inspired by the political...
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NY BHA March Newsletter

Update from Chapter Chair Happy spring everyone (did we even have a winter?)! If you are like me, you are digging out your turkey calls and dreaming of warm mornings chasing gobblers. Or maybe you...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NY BHA 2024 Legislative Tracker

Part of the responsibility of the NY BHA Chapter Board is to keep an eye on legislative proposals in the NY Legislature that potentially impact hunters and anglers.   We will do our best to keep...
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Indiana BHA 2024 First Quarter Action

  The Indiana chapter has had a tremendous start to 2024. Our Events Team organized a slate of events in February that set us on track for another banner year. We kicked things off with a wood...
Media Chapter News State Issues

AZ Public Lands Bill Watch

HB 2021 This bill would require the holder of a conservation easement to make an annual payment in place of taxes on the reduction of value of the original parcel caused by the placement of the...
Media Chapter News State Issues

03/08/24 New Mexico Game Commission Recap

Friday March 8, 2024 Albuquerque, NM   The meeting began shortly after 9 a.m. with the Commission roll call. Commissioners present included Tirzio Lopez (Vice-Chair), Fernando Clemente, Sharon...
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Local View: Mining-threatened Boundary Waters remains a top priority

From the column: "In the water world that is northern Minnesota, one thing you can count on is that any sulfide-mine proposal is also a watershed-ruining disaster in waiting." David A. Lien   In...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Iowa BHA Opposes Attempts to Block Public Land Acquisitions

Attacks to our public lands and public access can take many forms at the legislature. They can come as proposals that focus on maintaining current public lands rather than acquiring new lands,...
Media Chapter News State Issues

BHA Opposes Sweeping Fishing Closures in California

Right now in California, anglers, spear fishers, Tribes and other saltwater stakeholders are grappling with a series of regulatory petitions that could result in reduced fishing access along...
Media Chapter News State Issues

NY Chapter Visits Albany to Lobby for Wildlife Crossing Bill

Tuesday March 5th NY BHA along with Wildlands Network, The Nature Conservancy, Rewinding Institute, Protect the Adirondacks, Scenic Hudson, and Hudson Highlands Land Trust visited with NY Assembly...
Media Chapter News State Issues

2024 Utah Legislative Session Recap & Impacts

After a busy session, the Utah Legislature wrapped up this past Friday, March 1. The chapter leaders of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers tracked multiple bills this year and participated in...
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RI BHA Sponsors Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt

For the first time, BHA’s New England Chapter is sponsoring the RI Youth Mentored Wild Turkey Hunt coordinated by The Light Foundation and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s...
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Volunteers Improve New Public Land in Kansas

Seven volunteers from Kansas BHA and two Pheasants Forever Habitat Specialists joined staff from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at Lovewell Wildlife Area to assist with an on-the-ground...
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Kansas Volunteers Create Habitat for Lake Olathe

The Kansas Chapter of BHA teamed up with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Bishop Miege Fishing Club, a local Boy Scout Troop, and other individuals February 22, 2024 to build new...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Kansas BHA encourages action on three bad House bills

Kansans are facing a rash of bills in the state legislature that will greatly affect hunters and anglers. It should be noted that all these bills originated from the House Committee on Agriculture...
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Colorado Habitat Stewardship Coordinator (Briant Wiles) Joins Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Team

Briant Wiles recently joined the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) team as Colorado Habitat Stewardship Coordinator. Briant was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming, and grew up hunting and...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Vermont BHA Opposes Legislative Bill to Eliminate the Fish and Wildlife Board

2/17/2024 The Vermont Legislative session is in full swing and bills that will have a major impact on our ability to hunt, fish, and trap are up for discussion.  The Senate Committee on Natural...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Q1 2024 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
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Rhode Island BHA Duck Banding with RI Fish & Wildlife

There’s no way around it – as hunting seasons wind down in the Northeast we tend to hang on to the fleeting opportunities that remain to pursue wildlife on our public lands & waters, before we...
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EVENT RECAP: Massachusetts BHA Awards the Second Crystal Squirrel

On Saturday February 10th, and on the heels of the Small Game Hunting Course the New England Chapter partnered with MassWildlife to present, as part of their Learn to Hunt Program, over a dozen...
Media Chapter News State Issues

ID BHA Opposes SB 1340

February 15, 2024   Senator Van T. Burtenshaw Chair, Senate Resources & Environment Committee P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0081   Chairman Burtenshaw:   The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry Hunters...
Media Chapter News State Issues

VT Chapter Wants Hunters, Anglers and Trappers to Weigh-in on Survey

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) are leading  Move Forward Together Vermont a large-scale planning...
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Late Season Grouse on NY Public Land

My wife and I were enjoying a cross-country ski in a New York State Forest.  There was a foot of fresh powder snow and the skiing conditions were perfect.  We had stopped at a trail junction to...
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Maine is Looking for Members to be on the State Leadership Team

The New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is looking for a few Maine members with energy and a commitment to the future of hunting and fishing.  Are you willing to donate some...
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Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors

Stalking Wildness: BHA’s Wilderness Warriors The title caught my attention: “Wilderness Warriors: Tales of Backcountry Hunting and Veteran Camaraderie.” It was for a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers...
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A Goose Hunt with a Conservation Twist

The alarm went off way too many hours before sunrise. The air was crisp with indecision on layers to wear. How many decoys to bring, what snacks to pack. Did the dog’s vest make it in? Should we...
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NY BHA February Newsletter 2024

Update from Former Chapter Chair Hey everyone!  Not sure where you are in the state but where I am it seems to be perpetual early March out there.  This will be my last greeting as NY Chapter...
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Utah Legislative Session Update 2024

The Utah Legislative Session commenced on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, and will extend through Friday, March 1, 2024. During this time, members of the Utah State Legislature convene to revise old or...
Media Chapter News State Issues

ID BHA Opposes HB 469

February 6, 2024   Representative Ron Mendive Chair, House Resources & Conservation Committee P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0038   Chairman Mendive:   The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry Hunters &...
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Call of the Wild - Alaska BHA Volunteers Answer

  Call of the Wild - Alaska BHA Volunteers Answer by Barry Whitehill “The Call” for volunteers to help at the start of the 2024 Yukon Quest by former Alaska BHA Board member Travis Booms saw...
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RI House Committee to Hold Hearings on Two Wildlife Bills

On Tuesday February 6th RI’s House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will meet at the Rise of the House to hold public hearings on several bills, including two wildlife bills that...
Media Chapter News State Issues

A Win for Public Lands in Iowa: HF 2104 Killed In the House, But The Fight is Not Over

The Iowa Chapter of Backcountry Hunter & Anglers is happy to report that HF 2104 died in subcommittee today. As a result of an outpouring of support by Iowa’s hunters, anglers, trappers, and...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California BHA Expresses Serious Concerns Over Future of Fishing Access in California

As an organization dedicated to ensuring our North American heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting with over 350,000 supporters, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers expresses...
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Rhode Island BHA Opposes Kelp Proposal that Impacts Wildlife Habitat, Hunting Access

Last April BHA’s Rhode Island team participated in a preliminary determination hearing before the Jamestown Harbor Commission related to two CRMC aquaculture applications, 2023-02-080 and...
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2023 Indiana BHA Recap

2023 was a benchmark year for the Indiana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. With the support of our members and chapter leaders we were able to accomplish hosting a myriad of successful...
Media Chapter News State Issues

ID BHA Supports HB 404

Representative Ron Mendive Chair, House Resources & Conservation Committee P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0038   Wednesday, January 24th, 2024   Chairman Mendive: The Idaho Chapter of Backcountry...
Media Chapter News

Indiana BHA Grassroot Impact at J.E. Roush Lake FWA

The Indiana BHA Chapter had a great day of stewardship at J.E Roush Lake Fish and Wildlife Area in Huntington on Saturday, 1/27.  We had 22 awesome volunteers show up to assemble 24 wood duck...
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New England BHA – 2024 Annual Planning Meeting

  As 2023-24 hunting seasons wind down, New England BHA’s Board is making plans for the upcoming year. During the weekend of January 27th the NEBHA Board held its annual meeting, where we...
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WA BHA statement on Tribal Consultation

WA BHA statement on Tribal ConsultationThe following testimony was given at the January 26th, 2024 Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission:"Good Morning Chair, Director and Commissioners. My name...
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Striped Bass Addendum II to Amendment 7: ASMFC Winter Meeting Recap

Late last year, ASMFC’s Striped Bass Board approved the development of Addendum II , which was intended to “build upon the 2023 emergency action by considering management measures intended to...
Media Chapter News State Issues

BHA Illegal OHV Use Reward: How Two Brothers Helped Protect Colorado's Public Lands

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) was recently happy to celebrate the courage and commitment of two brothers, Brad and Brian Phillips, who played a crucial role in combating illegal off-highway...
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TN BHA joins TWRA for Wood Duck Boxes

The Tennessee BHA Chapter had an awesome turnout this past Saturday January 14th, at the Wood Duck Box build event with the TWRA on the Percy Priest WMA. As soon as we arrived, Mark Vance with...
Media Chapter News State Issues

California BHA 2023 Recap

With 2023 in the books and some meat in the freezer (hopefully), we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on California BHA's engagement and accomplishments that were made possible by the...
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AFI Oklahoma Waterfowl Dual Skills Camp

Oklahoma Waterfowl Dual Skills Camp Review: What is it: A Dual Skills Camp is a learn-to ______ event. Attendees will be mentored through a hunting or fishing experience from the planning phase...
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Legislative Liaison Ivan James Appointed to Habitat Stamp Committee

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently appointed Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Legislative Liaison Ivan James to the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee.[1] The Habitat Stamp Committee...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA January Newsletter

Welcome! Hey Everyone,  Happy New Year! Winter has been slow to start in my area but with snow predicted it may show up after all. This time of year is great to get outside but be sure to be safe....
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Kentucky Public Land- 54,000 Acres Permanent Conservation Easement

The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky (TNC), the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (Kentucky Fish and Wildlife) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) announced yesterday the...
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WDFW Conservation Policy: TAKE ACTION

At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, conservation is the cornerstone of our volunteer efforts, advocacy, and even our long-term enjoyment of the outdoors. While many of us are hunters and anglers...
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Public Lands (& Freedom) Unite Our Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Tribe

From the Stone Age to the Digital Age two things that set humans apart from most other species were our combination of superb hunting skills and large brain. Our brain evolved into its present...
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Media Chapter News

2023 Michigan BHA Recap

  2023 has been an eventful year for the Michigan Chapter of BHA! This year, we've been deeply engaged in vital policy work that is shaping the future of our precious public lands and waters in...
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Tennessee BHA 2023 Review

Throughout 2023, the Volunteer State BHA chapter had a ton of fun while making an exceptional impact on conservation! We hunted hard together, but more importantly spent time cleaning up our...
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Sandia Bowhunt Outreach - November Hunt Recap

NMBHA and NMDGF were out at the Sandias on Nov 18th helping the general public understand the importance of hunting in conservation.  Did you catch our last public outreach event? About a dozen...
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2023 Kentucky BHA Year of Progress

2023 has been another year of success and growth for the Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. We hosted 15 official events in 2021, 31 events in 2022, this year we are up to 40...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Get Another Boost from U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron

ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, Calif - For the third year in a row the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron HMLAT303 have stepped up to provide aerial support for bold...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA December Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  December is upon us! As the end of the year approaches I ask you to take time to reflect on how you have used public lands and water in your outdoor pursuits. Our mission...
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Take Action - Atlantic Striped Bass Addendum II

  In late January the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will convene for their winter meeting, where they’re expected to finalize Draft Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the...
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Steve Witte To Indemnity Land Liaison Position

Steve Witte was recently appointed to serve as the Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers chapter Indemnity Lands Liaison. Steve was born in Wray, Colorado, and raised on a farm near Vernon until...
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KY BHA US Hwy 60 Connectivity Corridors Position Statement

  The Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (KYBHA) favors the replacement of the US 51 Bridge and opposes the construction of new bridges which would harm the natural wetland...
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Tucson Hunting for Sustainability Recap

The fourth Annual Arizona Hunting for Sustainability (H4S) camp brought together new hunters, past participants, and mentors to chase quail, dove, and rabbits North of Tucson. Many of the new...
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Northern Minnesota Deer Hunting: Hard Winters and Sage Advice

“If there was any sage advice to offer Minnesota deer hunters these days it would be simple: Go south,” Duluth News Tribune outdoors reporter John Myers said in the Oct. 27 issue.[1] After fifteen...
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This Season is Not About Red or Blue. It is About Orange. - Minnesota BHA Hosts Governor's Deer Opener

We sit in a time where we can share our opinion so freely through social media, that it is impossible to wade through all the divisive and oppositional rhetoric. When it comes to the complexity...
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Calls, Quacks, and Barbed Wire Hacks

Shining headlamps over the lake, the beams are refracted in a million different directions in the dense fog. The marsh bottom isn't as boot sucking mud as it has been in the past years, so decoy...
Media Chapter News State Issues

CO BHA Leads the Effort on Public Hunting and Fishing Access to Indemnity Lands

Thanks to BHA member Steve Witte and his research and draft letter, the Colorado Chapter of BHA was able to lead the effort to encourage the State Land Board to provide CPW an exclusive initial...
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Wisconsin BHA Donates Christmas Trees to Families in Need- Helps Improve Public Land Habitat

Wisconsin Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, in partnership with Okayest Hunter, is thrilled to announce a donation to Waukesha County Land Conservancy (WCLC), supporting their mission to “protect and...
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Friends of Crossbar Special Recreation Management Area Partnership Announcement

The Texas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is happy to announce a recent partnership with Friends of Crossbar Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). Friends of Crossbar SRMA is...
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TX Policy News - Friends of Crossbar Partnership & Prop 14 Passage

Friends of Crossbar Special Recreation Management Area Partnership Announcement The Texas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) is happy to announce a recent partnership with Friends...
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Elk Hunting: A State of Mind (& Body)

“Elk hunting is a physically and mentally grueling endeavor, but is also worth every second for nothing other than the clarity it can provide in your life.” –Tony J. Peterson[1]   During...
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New Bridge Linking Kentucky and Illinois Threatens Boatwright WMA

UPDATE: Public Information Meeting information is now available on their website plus a Public Feedback Survey about this issue will be open until December 30th! Click on the following link to...
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Beers, Bands, and Bitterbrush Stands - Public Land Stewardship with the California & Nevada BHA Chapters

   When the event welcome speech closes with “one more question, does anyone want to help blood trail a bear?” you know you’re in for a great weekend. Beer, Bands, & Bitterbrush Stands  brought...
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Texans Vote to Pass Proposition 14, The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund

In support of wild places and more public access, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 14 at the polls earlier this month, dedicating significant money to acquire and develop new state...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Stand with Hunt-Fish Effort Opposing the Ambler Industrial Road

PHOTO: Barry Whitehill, AK Chapter Vice ChairAn unparalleled experience for sportsmen and women can be had in Alaska’s famed Brooks Range – a region home to caribou herds, Dall sheep, moose and...
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NY BHA November Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  It is the season to get out there!  Most game is in season and the water is still open! If you opened this newsletter and have read this far down then you are likely the...
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10/27/23 New Mexico Game Commission Recap

Friday October 27, 2023 Farmington, NM   Attending in person: Commissions Tirzio Lopez (Vice Chair), Fernando Clemente Attending Virtually: Sharon Salazar-Hickey, Greg Fulfer, Ed Garcia All...
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WI Sharptail grouse comment period OPEN

    Sharptail grouse hunting was once as much a mark of autumn as the family hunting camp in the North Woods. Men, women, children and dogs would take to the pine...
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Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Policy & Government Relations VP John Gale Transitions To Bureau of Land Management

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Vice President of Policy & Government Relations John Gale transitioned to a Senior Executive Service position with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on...
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UT BHA's Miles for Muleys: Paunsaugunt Fencing Project

Situated between Southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, the Paunsaugunt Plateau is home to one of the West’s...
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Ohio BHA Fall 2023 Updates

It is October in Ohio, the leaves are brightly colored but falling fast, and hunting seasons are in full swing. Whitetail deer and squirrels are moving and feeding, and fish are fattening...
Tags: Ohio News
Media Chapter News State Issues

Colorado BHA Q4 2023 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...
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New Mexico & Texas BHA Receive USFS Prairie Partner Award

The New Mexico & Texas Chapters of Backcountry Hunter & Anglers are honored to receive the USFS’s 2023 Prairie Partner Award! This award is for external partners that have demonstrated resource...
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RI Fishing Access at Risk in RIDOT Bridge Proposal

This Tuesday, October 24th, RI’s Coastal Resources Management Council will meet to consider Application 2023-04-094, in which RI’s Department of Transportation outlines plans to rebuild the bike...
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Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Appoint Jim McGannon To Colorado Wildlife & Transportation Alliance Liaison Position

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently appointed Jim McGannon to serve as their Colorado Wildlife & Transportation Alliance Liaison.     Jim was born in North Dakota and...
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Minnesota BHA to host Governor's Deer Hunting Opener

October 19, 2023 [ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that the 2023 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener will take place in southeast Minnesota at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning...
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7th Annual Family Squirrel Camp Recap

The 7th Annual 2023 Family Squirrel Camp hosted by the Arizona Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Arizona Wildlife Federation is in the books! This event just keeps getting better and...
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Whiskey Dick Part 2: Stewardship Recap

--- Last Saturday, October 7th, Washington BHA volunteers joined staff and volunteers from WDFW for some boots on the ground conservation efforts in the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Unit. Situated...
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5th Annual Trout Stocking with KY BHA

  On October 10th, 500 rainbow trout found their way to public waters in the heart of Kentucky thanks to conservation efforts of over forty volunteers! For the 5th year in a row, the Kentucky BHA...
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MA BHA Opposes ‘Act Modernizing Firearms Laws’

Earlier this year Massachusetts Representative Michael Day (D-Middlesex) introduced HD4420 – An Act to Modernize Firearm Laws. This piece of legislation, which was both complicated and extensive,...
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CO Chapter Newsletter Fall 2023

“A world in which a sacramental portion of food can be taken in an old way—hunting, fishing, farming and gathering—has as much to do with societal sanity as a day's work for a day's pay.” – Tom...
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NY BHA October Newsletter

Welcome! Hey Everyone,  The Vs of geese are pointed south and it is time to breathe in that fall air! Rendezvous was a great time! I cannot wait for next year’s event already!  We posted some...
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New York Chapter Rendezvous Recap

The NY Chapter Rendezvous was a great time! In the shadow of Whiteface Mountain along the Ausable River, the Hungry Trout Resort was a picturesque (check out the pictures below!) spot to build...
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Operation Javelina

I received word in 2019 that the military was sending me to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. To save time among ourselves, my wife and I named the move “Operation Javelina.” Javelina - more properly...
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CO BHA Letter Supporting the Vail Bighorn Sheep Initiative

Please read the attached Colorado Chapter Letter in Support of the Vail Bighorn Initiative. To learn more about this vital Rocky Mountain Bighorn Herd and to support the Initiative please visit...
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Idaho BHA Supports Next Phase of Sawmill Canyon Project

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,...
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New England BHA Supports Moose Research

In collaboration with the University of New Hampshire's Wildlife Management and Modeling Lab (WMML) and New Hampshire Fish and Game, the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)...
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Kentucky BHA Collaborates with Army Corp. of Engineers on Public Lands Day!

On September 23rd, 20 members from Kentucky Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Chapter and the US Army Corps of Engineers- Louisville District, joined together to celebrate Public Lands Day for the...
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Shape the Future of Spotted Seatrout Management in Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting the public to participate in shaping the future of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) harvest regulations along the Texas coast. In...
Tags: Texas News
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Media Chapter News State Issues

"Trigger Warning" - Thoughts on NY Laws & Regs

One of my favorite late-summer, early-fall rituals is sitting down with a cup of coffee and the latest New York state guide to hunting and trapping laws and regulations. I see this as the signal...
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From casting to glassing: Utah's 2023 Hunting for Sustainability Course

I spend a lot of time standing in rivers. Cast, catch, release, repeat. Meanwhile, my friends and fellow BHA members disappear every season into the backcountry, reemerging with epic stories,...
Tags: Utah News, r3
Media Chapter News Press Releases

BHA Enters into New Partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 20, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org  USFWS will invest in restoration and fence removal, inventory and modification work in...
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NMU Student Represents BHA on Collaborative Project to Improve Grouse Habitat

This summer, Northern Michigan University student Michael, participated in the Collegiate Program's first stipend-based stewardship project opportunity. Stipends were offered to students to...
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Wilderness in Virginia? Yes, that there is!

    Back in the spring I was fortunate enough to participate in a “fly-in” event in support of the LWCF Coalition at our Nation’s capital.  You can read the blog post I published about that...
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BHA Volunteers Help Expand Elk, Deer & Bear Habitat in Northwest California

On a hazy, smokey Friday evening in Humboldt county, BHA members and volunteers gathered at Mad River Brewing Company to toast to the upcoming B1 deer and bear season opener and to put finishing...
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It’s More Than A Hunt: Texas Dove Season

How BHA Members Are Using Dove Season to Support the Texas Voluntary Public Access Program Sitting in my chair overlooking an open area with my dad’s Browning A5 in my lap, I thought, “There is...
Tags: Texas News
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The Essential Dove Hunting Gear List

Who doesn’t love a gear list? Now that we are in full-time prep season, Texas BHA thought it would be helpful to put out some of our gear lists for the types of hunting and fishing we enjoy the...
Tags: Texas News
Media Chapter News

Public Lands Month Kicks Off with Projects in Iowa!

Iowa BHA kicked off Public Lands Month with a bang!   IA Chapter volunteers gathered at Heritage Hills Wildlife Management Area for a Public Lands Packout- presented by OnX Hunt. Volunteers...
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NY BHA September Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  And just like that, it is September!  Rendezvous is this weekend and it’s not too late to join in! Information about registration is below. Do not miss this great event! ...
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BHA, Other NGOs Save Waterfowl Season at Popular Missouri National Wildlife Refuge

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently helped score a big win for hunter access and opportunity in Missouri that will keep hunting open during the upcoming waterfowl season at Swan Lake National...
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Press Release for Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area Public Land Planting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 6, 2023 The California Department of Fish & Wildlife and BHA plan to host a huge public land planting event and community gathering to restore winter range for mule...
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MI BHA Supports MNRTF Application for Southern Michigan Land Acquisition

Recently, MI BHA sent a letter to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board and the DNR’s Wildlife Division supporting Wildlife Division’s application for 4.8 million dollars to...
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West Virginia BHA Chapter Leads Habitat Stewardship Work

  Like-minded people working toward a goal is an amazing thing to witness!  To see individuals take ownership of their public lands and genuinely care about solid conservation work is awesome! ...
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WDFW and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers encourage CWD testing on harvested deer and elk

WDFW, Staci Lehman, 509-710-4511Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Washington Chapter, Josh Wilund, 360-410-0054 SPOKANE- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is teaming up...
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KY BHA & US Army Corp of Engineers partner for Fish Habitat in Buckhorn Lake

On June 3, 2023, several Kentucky BHA members joined up with some professional Buckhorn Lake Park Rangers from the US Army Corps of Engineers at Buckhorn Lake to create some much-needed fish...
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Colorado Over-The-Counter (OTC) Unit Elk Hunting: Hope Is Not A Strategy

During my sixteen years or so of over-the-counter (OTC) unit elk hunting in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains a few telltale observations come to mind: 1.) Be prepared to see more hunters...
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Missouri BHA and Mark Kenyon Partner for the Working for Wildlife Tour

Missouri — August 2023 The Missouri Chapter of BHA knocked out a host of public land improvement projects in just one day this month in partnership with Mark Kenyon of MeatEater and Wired to Hunt...
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Illinois BHA and US Army Corps Create New 3D Archery Park

The Illinois Chapter of BHA partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers over the past year to development of a public 3-D archery trail at Lake Shelbyville in Central Illinois. Lake Shelbyville...
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I-8 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Crossing Project

News for Immediate ReleaseAug. 24, 2023Contact: Devin O'Dea, 415-246-5329, odea@backcountryhunters.org Wildlife Conservation Board Awards Multi-Million Dollar Grant to U.C. Davis for the...
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Texas BHA Represents Hunters & Anglers at TPWD Annual Hearing

Austin, Texas – The Texas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers was represented at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) annual public hearing on August 23rd. John Sertel, Texas BHA...
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Massachusetts Archery Deer Hunting Season Extension

The Archery Deer Hunting Season Extension: Massachusetts BHA's Call for Change In the heart of Massachusetts, an important discussion has emerged surrounding the proposed extension of the archery...
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Maine's High Peaks Refuge Proposal

For nearly twenty years, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has sought to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting. A vision for backcountry conservation and...
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New England BHA Funds Striped Bass Research

For the last several years BHA’s New England Chapter has played a leading role in the organization’s advocacy efforts to recover and protect Atlantic Striped Bass, which have been supported by...
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The Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits our nation, so let’s build on it

The following article was first published by The Virginian-Pilot on 15 August 2023.   It is an op-ed I wrote in support of an ongoing collaboration with the LWCF Coalition on behalf of Backcountry...
Media Chapter News State Issues

Defend Science-Based Bear & Cougar Management in New Mexico

Currently the New Mexico State Game Commission is undergoing rulemaking for bear and cougar with a goal to, “Maintain sustainable bear and cougar populations and hunting opportunities throughout...
Media Chapter News State Issues

ID BHA Requests Update on Elkhorn Riparian Exclosure Fences Project (Challis BLM Office)

In December of 2021, a scoping letter was sent from the BLM Challis Field Office (CFO) to BHA, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Idaho Department of Fish and...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

Administration Designates Grand Canyon Monument

News for Immediate ReleaseAug. 8, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Close to 1 million acres of public lands in Arizona permanently conserved via Antiquities...
Media Chapter News

Kansas BHA helps prep new walk-in area for public hunting access

Leaders and members of the Kansas Chapter readied a newly enrolled 7,700 acre property for participation in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ Walk in Hunting Access program in late...
Media Chapter News

NY BHA August Newsletter

Welcome! Hey everyone,  Summer is flying by!  Hope all are well after this last round of storms which flooded the eastern part of the state and our New England neighbors. The NY Chapter Rendezvous...
Media Chapter News Press Releases

Sego Trailhead Expansion Joins Public, Private Forces to Expand Access for Backcountry Users

News for Immediate ReleaseJuly 19, 2023Contact: Katie DeLorenzo, 505-410-6284, delorenzo@backcountryhunters.org SALT LAKE CITY, UT. — In a multi-agency and organization collaboration, Utah...
Media Chapter News

2023 Michigan BHA Rendezvous Recap

      Michigan BHA Rendezvous Provides Connection and Community There is a unique sense of connection experienced at every BHA gathering. It is the result of knowing that a love for public land,...
Media Chapter News

Colorado BHA Q3 2023 Update

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) mission is to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands,...