Juneau Mountain Rescue

On January 29, the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted a pint night at Forbidden Peak Brewery in Juneau, Alaska. BHA invited Juneau Mountain Rescue (JMR) to give a presentation on the crucially important work they do for Juneau and the surrounding areas. JMR drove this point home through their presentation and Q&A session. A BHA Gerber hatchet was raffled off to raise funds for Alaska BHA, which ended up being won by a member of JMR.

Alaska BHA UAS Intern Lily Thorington, and UAS volunteer Alex Gorbacheva at the BHA table.

Juneau Mountain Rescue is a non-profit that has been supporting the Juneau area for over forty years. JMR is one of two rescue teams in Alaska accredited with the Mountain Rescue Association, the other being Alaska Mountain Rescue based out of Anchorage. JMR relies on donors to fund their rescue missions and training, of which over forty occurred last year alone. It is important to remember to have a plan when recreating in any capacity in the backcountry. As members of a community that often finds themselves in the backcountry of a state that can be unforgiving, it's reassuring to know that JMR has our backs.

JMR volunteer presenting on JMR Outreach and Fundraising for their 100% volunteer mountain rescue service.

The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect over a shared passion for responsible outdoor recreation. With Alaska’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, discussions emphasized the importance of preparation, proper gear, and awareness of emergency protocols. BHA members and local outdoor enthusiasts shared personal stories of backcountry adventures and underscored the value of having skilled rescue teams like JMR available when things don’t go as planned.

Presenting about JMR and how you can stay safe in the backcountry.

BHA remains committed to advocating for wild public lands and responsible outdoor ethics, and collaborations with organizations like JMR reinforce the importance of preparedness and community support in the backcountry. The Alaska Chapter looks forward to continuing these conversations and hosting more events that bring together hunters, anglers, and outdoor adventurers to support conservation efforts and backcountry safety.

Consider supporting Juneau Mountain Rescue with a tax deductible donation: