BHA-NE members partnered with other organizations on a riverbank restoration project on the East Branch of the Passumpsic River, a Learn to Turkey Hunt weekend, a Full Draw Film Tour event, the Total Archery Challenge in Killington, Vermont, and several pint nights. R3 efforts include assisting with hunter mentoring workshops on tracking, field dressing, butchering and cooking.
We have also gathered for Maine Rendezvous in the northern part of New England and in CT for the southern members, with tall tales, 3D archery and wild food shared by all in attendance.
Deer hunters in VT were treated to a Hunter’s Biathlon; participants made 4 laps of a half-mile course and had to hit a steel target at varying distances; penalty laps were accrued. The event ended with a classic New England deer drag.
Public Lands Day projects took place in the Green Mountain National Forest and the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge. On the GMNF, members helped close an illegal motorized trail into the Glastenbury Wilderness. On the Conte NWR, members helped re-deck a bridge that serves as the major access point into the 45-square-mile wildlife refuge for all types of hunting and angling opportunities.
Chapter members participated in public meetings and provided comments on the management framework for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Comments were submitted in support of hunting on VT town forests, as well as helping to develop language for pending wanton waste legislation in states that do not currently have it.
Membership is tracking and prepared to comment on An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote Land Conservation, Working Waterfronts, Water Access and Outdoor Recreation in the Maine Legislature.
About Zack Williams
Backcountry Journal editor