Backcountry Beat, July 2023
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Friend —
Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling is one of my heroes. A cartoonist at the Iowa Register who used the power of art to bring attention to the need for conservation, Ding designed the first Duck Stamp. He was the first director of the U.S. Biological Service, the precursor to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He also formed the National Wildlife Federation, where I learned much as an employee.
The picture is his last cartoon before he died. I should have taken a picture of my office before I started cleaning it out, because we had similar styles of organization and a plethora of memories.
I ain’t dying, but in some ways leaving BHA feels like that. Today is my final day as president and CEO of BHA after a decade of enjoyable work.
I’ll look back at my tenure at BHA with great pleasure. Together we did much to reignite a conservation movement, engaging The People in policy, stewardship, education, and good clean fun…welcoming all who shared our passion…all.
I extend a huge thank you to those who gave their time, talent and treasure to this honorable endeavor. Thanks to my work here, I’ve made deep connections in so many nooks and crannies of this great continent.
The People, The People, The People. Without you there is no conservation movement. THANK YOU!
Ding is smiling…his legacy is safe!
Farewell, friends. I look forward to seeing you on the trail, on the water and definitely in the arena.
Onward and upward!
Land Tawney
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Some major new legislation dropped late this month and we're battling against big cuts to important conservation work in the federal government.
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Our chapters are constantly working on conservation issues, from stewardship projects to legislative pushes and more!
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Join or renew as an individual, family, or supporting member between June 1 - August 31, and be entered to win a Deluxe NRS Slipstream 120 Fishing Raft. Renew ASAP! Early bird drawings include prizes...
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BHA is bringing back our Hike to Hunt Challenge with a new spin. Join us from July 17 to August 27 for your chance to win over $20,000 in prizes!
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We have some awesome new Yeti gear in our store (and hats and t-shirts and more, too!)
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Read the newest National Monument report, a joint effort by us, Trout Unlimited, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
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From the BHA Podcast
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Arizona game warden and author Sam Lawry is retiring from his second career as the executive director of the Teller Wildlife Refuge on the Bitterroot River of Montana. This BHA podcast is being released to...
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Mitch Reid is a native son of the Alabama Wiregrass, where he grew up fishing and hunting his home country in the headwaters of the Choctawhatchee River. After a military career with the U.S. Army’s...
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Corporate Partner
Bedford Cameras is our corporate sponsor of the month!
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Chapter of the Month
Congratulations to the Ohio Chapter for their amazing work at Muster in the Marsh and on important policy issues in their state!
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Member of the Month
Congratulations John! Your hard work has been exemplary.
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Upcoming Events
03
May
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Yucatan WMA, Rushford, MN
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03
May
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Cowboy Camp, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument , Rumsey , CA
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03
May
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Meeker Town Park, Meeker, CO
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03
May
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Kernville Park Recreation Area, Chico Flat Campground, Kernville , CA
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06
May
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Tahoe Blue Event Center, Stateline, NV
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09
May
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Captain Kenny's Fishing & Hunting, Jupiter, FL
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09
May
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Irish Eyes Pub, Chicago, IL
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09
May
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Hagemeister Park, Green Bay, WI
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09
May
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The Flicks: Rick's Cafe Americain, Boise, ID
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10
May
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KOOTENAI COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, Coeur d'Alene, ID
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