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 up in Illinois hunting small game and fishing. “I am a fly-fisherman and got into big game hunting relatively recently,” he explained. “Mentored by my dad, I learned from a young age the importance and value of wildlife/natural resource conservation. I still enjoy hunting for small game but my main focus these days is on archery elk and mule deer hunting.”
“Public lands, waters, and the wildlife that live on/in them have played a huge role in my life. From growing up playing and fishing in the creeks of Illinois to exploring them looking for big game in the west, I have a profound appreciation for the access that we have to public land,” Ben added. “That’s why access and management of public lands is so important today.” Ben said his career in the water industry has given him insight to how subtle and sensitive these ecosystems can be, and it is his goal to continue leading and learning how to be a steward in conservation of these resources.
“I am hard working, a great communicator, and enjoy connecting with people on hunting and fishing,” Ben emphasized. “In addition to that I have extensive knowledge on how to read interpret environmental regulations. I feel that I would be great at public outreach and education on important issues to hunters and anglers.”
Are you interested in serving on the Colorado BHA Chapter Leadership Team? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here.
Founded by Mike Beagle, a former U.S. Army field artillery officer, and formed around an Oregon campfire, in 2004, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for our nation’s wild public lands, waters and wildlife.[1] With members spread out across all 50 states and 13 Canadian provinces and territories—including chapters in 49 states, two Canadian provinces and one territory, and Washington, D.C.—BHA brings an authentic, informed, boots-on-the-ground voice to the conservation of public lands. The Colorado BHA chapter was founded by David “Elkheart” Petersen (a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot) in 2005 (the first official BHA chapter)[2]
[1] David A. Lien. “Freedom & Fire: A Brief BHA History II.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 2/24/25.
[2] David A. Lien. “Where Hope Lives: A Brief BHA History.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 11/30/20
About David Lien