Backcountry Beat, February 2023
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Friend —
We went, we fought, we won!
We just scored a huge victory in New Mexico in the fight for access to public waters. The U.S. Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, refused to hear arguments about a New Mexico Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of anglers and recreators to walk and wade in public waters running through private lands.
That is an amazing win, people!
One of our New Mexico volunteer leaders, Joel Gay, said it best earlier this week:
“The justices have sent a simple message to these privileged landowners: that they have to share. The waters of New Mexico have been and should always be open to all. It’s written in our state constitution plain as day. With this most recent decision we hope streamside landowners will accept the facts and take down the barriers to public access strung willy-nilly across public streams throughout the state. And if they will not, we hope our governor and the Department of Game and Fish have the backbone to force the issue."
Fights like this keep evolving. But when we team up with groups like the Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, we know we can pull together and carry the day. This is why BHA is here, and why we are determined to continue fighting for equal access to all of our public lands, waters, and wildlife.
Community is what unites us - and keeps us together. And to that end, I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at BHA's 12th annual North American Rendezvous, March 16-18 in Missoula, Montana. I hope you're planning to join us around the campfire. Let's throw another log on and stoke the flames!
Go! Fight! Win!
Land Tawney, BHA President and CEO
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There might have been a lull earlier this month, but national policy is heating back up.
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There's a lot cooking at the state level right now! From North Dakota to Georgia, our chapters are pushing forward for public lands, waters, and wildlife!
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We're less than three weeks away from Rendezvous 2023, the year’s largest gathering of public lands and waters advocates, and it's bound to be a heck of a party! Will we see you there?
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Feelin' a little lucky? Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers on March 17th at 5 PM for our St. Patrick's Day Backcountry Brewfest!
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“What's my worth to BHA and the Armed Forces Initiative?“
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Once a year, BHA hosts an annual celebration of public lands and waters at our North American Rendezvous. As a part of this event, BHA leaders from across the country gather for chapter leader training...
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Join or renew as an individual, family, or supporting member here and receive a FREE MTNTOUGH+app subscription, a $249 value for as little as $35!
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From the BHA Podcast
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Almost 60 years ago, the U.S. government, blinded by hubris, began work on the Cross Florida Barge Canal. Never heard of it? That’s because President Richard Nixon, seeing it for the financial and ecological monstrosity...
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Chapter of the Month
The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point club successfully pulled off their 2nd annual Gear & Beer Bash: A Night Out for Conservation!
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Member of the Month
One of the traits of a great leader is leading by example. Don does this many times throughout the year, but it’s most on display in February. Just like Punxsutawney Phil. Thank you Don, for...
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Corporate Partner
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to partner with the Fly Fishing Film Fest, better known as IF4, as a national promotional partner. The IF4 is in Year 14 as it crisscrosses North America with...
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Upcoming Events
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06
Dec
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Elkhorn Tavern, Lexington, KY
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06
Dec
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Jim Santy Auditorium, Park City, UT
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07
Dec
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Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Newbury, MA
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07
Dec
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Raccoon Motel, Davenport, IA
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08
Dec
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Wildwood Lake State Wildlife Management Area, Valpairaso, NE, NE
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08
Dec
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Louis Basque Corner, Reno, NV
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10
Dec
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Harveys on the Mall, Kalamazoo, MI
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11
Dec
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University of Alaska Fairbanks Pub, Fairbanks, AK
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12
Dec
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King Street Brewing, Anchorage, AK
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14
Dec
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Longnecks Sports Grill, Walton, KY
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