BHA members came together on public lands to celebrate public lands with the first state chapter rendezvous for Indiana. Throughout the weekend long event, 25 members (which includes 6 youth) camped together at the Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area campground and strengthened a bond on public lands about conservation. Gathering around the BHA symbiotic campfire, they shared ideas, thoughts, philosophies, stories, and especially laughs centered around the outdoor lifestyle we all enjoy. Indiana DNR representatives educated fellow BHA members about operating and funding mechanisms for IN Fish and Wildlife Areas along with aspects of managing Indiana Fisheries. The chapter had numerous donated items for great door prizes and the event was sponsored by the local Daviess Martin Joint County Parks & Recreation Department and West Boggs Park. The rendezvous provided members an opportunity to dove hunt, squirrel hunt, paddle, a yoga class, and a 9/11 20-year anniversary ceremony. The chapter conducted a great public lands pack out event around the twelve public water access points on the property and ended up with nearly 20 bags of trash. There was great food provided by the chapter, numerous shaded campsites, and a wonderful experience for everyone.
A special thanks goes out to the Daviess Martin Joint County Parks Department for sponsoring the event, to the Glendale FWA property for allowing use of the property, to Rob Sullendar the Glendale FWA property manager, Dave Kittaka the district fishery biologist, the donations from great conservationcompanies/organizations, and especially all of the BHA members that came out and supported the efforts of the Indiana Chapter. It was one for the books and the chapter can't wait to provide the 2022 Indiana Rendezvous!
About Jameson Hibbs
I am a Chapter Coordinator for the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers covering several of our awesome state chapters. I reside in Kentucky with my wife and daughter and we are all avid users of public lands for all outdoor recreational opportunities!