Minnesota BHA board member and filmmaker Mark Norquist was the recipient of BHA’s Sigurd Olson Award at the North American Rendezvous in Missoula. Mark’s award-winning film “Fish Out of Water” (along with “Flush in the Wild”) highlight efforts to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northern Minnesota from proposed sulfide-ore copper mines.

The chapter also had op-eds in the Duluth News Tribune, St. Cloud Times and AmmoLand.com in support of Gov. Dayton’s decision to oppose sulfide mines on the periphery of the BWCAW. We also have a new section on our website highlighting efforts to protect the BWCAW from such mines. Chapter volunteers staffed a BHA table at the Rapids Archery traditional shoot (June 18-19) and the chapter appointed Hans Erdman as the habitat watch volunteer for the Superior National Forest (lands outside of the BWCAW) along with the Pat Bayle at the Finland State Forests.

Chapter board members Will Jenkins and Joe Lang coordinated MN BHA’s participation in a Train to Hunt Challenge (July 30-31) just across the state line in Wisconsin at the Chilakoot Bowhunters Club. The fourth-annual chapter rendezvous is scheduled for August 19–21 in Wild River State Park on the St. Croix River north of Minneapolis-St. Paul near Center City.

In an outdoor news story featuring the chapter’s rapidly growing influence “Passion for public lands bolsters ranks of BHA”, editor Rob Drieslein said, “After monitoring BHA for a decade, I’ve seen the group gain momentum … Why has BHA suddenly reached critical mass? Thank (or blame) the growing assault on our nation’s public lands … These BHAers are the guys who will drive 15 hours west, pitch a tent, then spend days stalking mule deer through sage or bagging multiple mountain peaks chasing a 6-by-6 elk …”

He continued, “They’ve been involved with the DNR Learn to Hunt Whitetail Deer program for new adults, emphasized public lands and clean water issues, hunting ethics, regulating drones, and … advocating for expanding Minnesota’s elk herd … the group opposes … sulfide mining proposals … They’re not anti-ATV, but if you’re driving a quad in a restricted area and cross paths with these guys, expect an ass-chewing… and a probably phone call to the local TIP line.”

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