On the morning of June 15th, members of the VT BHA leadership team met at Green River Reservoir. After a brief parking lot link up, we paddled to a day use site. Important issues were tackled, and in typical BHA fashion, the first concerns were fishing and food. Bass were caught. Moose sausage and beaver backstrap were the wild meats on hand and were quickly consumed. Also on the menu, local strawberries and pickled fiddleheads. For those wondering, beaver is delicious! 

After settling down, the VT crew discussed our decision-making processes and how we can better tackle legislative issues as they arise in session. From there, the focus turned to upcoming and potential events, such as another round of storytelling (2024 Event) this fall/winter, a potential shore lunch event, the Bustin’ Clays with BHA event on Aug 16th, 2025 (link), and public lands month. There is also work to be done in reaching out to our partners, especially around seemingly arbitrary restrictions on hunting and fishing on public lands that go beyond VT F&W regulations (Monkton Town Forest link).

Team members shared stories of their individual involvement on a variety of land trusts, boards, and committees, including VT’s Act 59 Advisory Board. I know I left recommitted to involvement where and when I can, to wrap in more Vermonters so we can impact things at the local, state, and federal levels, and to make sure we all stay grounded in the hunting, fishing, and trapping, that brings each of us there.