Minnesota BHA Chapter Advocates for Boundary Waters Protections at Pheasant Fest

Thousands of upland hunters and outdoor enthusiasts flocked to Minneapolis, Minnesota February 20-22 for the 2026 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic. Major brands and industry professionals showed off their latest-and-greatest gear and presented on topics relating to upland hunting, habitat, and of course, the dogs.

Over near the Public Lands Pavilion, a consistent crowd amassed at the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers booth.

With ongoing threats to eliminate protections and reinstate mining leases to a foreign-owned company in the Rainy River Watershed, which includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Minnesota BHA Chapter decided to take our fight to them. Over the course of the 3-day show, Minnesota Chapter leaders engaged anyone who would listen and educated them on the threats to America's Most Visited Wilderness.

Chapter leaders and members instructed supporters on how to make calls to their senators, including one South Dakota member who called his representative, Senate Majority Leader Thune (R- SD), from right there at the booth! The chapter also created a petition to protect the Boundary Waters that garnered 1018 signatures during the show! 

An outpouring of support came from several state representatives, the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen and staff,  U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D- MN), BHA’s own President and CEO Ryan Callaghan, and many conservationists, organizational partners, and brand representatives from across the state and country. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One supporter was emotional with thanks for the work that BHA was doing to protect this rugged, aquatic landscape. Signees were awarded a "Wilderness Defender" sticker that generated buzz and a conversation starter around the show.  

"Seeing people from across the political spectrum stop by our booth to encourage us to keep fighting for public lands and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, was incredibly energizing." said Minnesota Chapter Chair Chance Adams. "Even after a long weekend, Pheasant Fest and the people who showed up, reinvigorated us and reminded us why this work matters. We’re tired, but more motivated than ever to keep fighting to protect public lands."

Minnesota’s BHA chapter aims to bullhorn the grassroots voices of hunters and anglers to the country's highest office. The chapter has already sent that petition to Washington, DC, to be shared with elected officials before an upcoming Senate vote on House Joint Resolution 140, which uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to remove the 20-year moratorium on mining and strip away the protections that are currently in place.

Thank you to everyone who came by and said hello. We thank you for your support and are proud to stand in the arena with you.