Leaning in to the moment. That’s what BHA members and volunteer leaders do. We have a culture of doers. From getting the Great American Outdoors Act over the finish line - with over 6,000 calls you made and 32,000 plus emails you sent in the last two months alone - to picking up over 1,000 bags of garbage for our Public Lands Pack Out in September, Public Lands Month, you all show up in a very real way.
In addition to the boots on the ground work of the Pack Out, this event is also a great example of scaling up. The North Carolina chapter first came up with the “Trashy Squirrel” contest, which included points for trash picked up and hunted squirrels. While we don’t have their amazing squirrel trophy, the spirit of competition and a shared goal helped us scale to a North American-wide effort. Chapters, college clubs and our new Armed Forces Initiative clubs stepped up in a big way. Preliminary counts show us doubling our 600 bags of trash picked up in last year’s competition. THANK YOU!
Last Thursday we held our third online showing of the Patagonia film, Public Trust, which features BHA Podcast & Blast host Hal Herring, Spencer Shaver of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, myself and other conservation warriors. You can now watch the film for free on YouTube. If you haven’t seen in already, I strongly encourage you do so. If you have already seen it, watch it again and fill your belly with fire and encourage friends to do the same. Finally, you could win a weeklong fishing trip for two in Argentina – and other great prizes – in our Public Trust sweepstakes. Tickets must be purchased by midnight tonight! Get yours now!
We are at a critical time in history when it comes to conservation. We must build on the success of the Great American Outdoors Act and demand that all parties support access and opportunity, quality fish and wildlife habitat and fair chase hunting principles. We are compelled to Vote Public Lands & Waters. It's our time to lean into the moment once again. Sign BHA's pledge today.
Onward and upward,
Land Tawney
President and CEO
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
