Soon we will all fill out our ballots (or head to the polls) to join in the 2021 election. One of the initiatives we are asked to decide is Amendment 78, officially known as the Custodial Funds Appropriations Initiative. Custodial funds are state revenues that are not generated through taxes. Custodial funds come from federal grants, pension funds and court-approved settlement funds. There is currently a lawsuit seeking to either remove the question from the ballot or have the votes go ...

For those wanting the state to take more action to preserve coldwater fisheries in southwestern Montana rivers, this summer demonstrated the need. But the governor has yet to heed their call for a task force to tackle the problem. This week, a panel of four advocates for Montana’s rivers, fish and the fishing industry discussed the effect of this summer’s heat and drought on streamflows and fish, and suggested some ideas the state needs to consider to maintain Montana’s reputation as a ...

Everybody knows that wildlife in the United States is owned by all of us. Elk, deer and other species are held in the public trust, period. But what happens when publicly owned big game is commercialized – and when hunting opportunity for public wildlife is sold to the highest bidder? What happens when so-called “private land” licenses can be used on public land? Some Western states are grappling with those questions now, but New Mexico public land elk hunters have been living under these ...

Guys, we need to talk.  I was there. At Muster. Camping right beside you.  Which is why we need to talk.  You guys know you don’t have to camp to be in BHA, right?  I’m serious. You can think places you can’t walk around in socks are not for you and still be a BHA member. You can think Gifford Pinchot and Bronson Pinchot are probably cousins because it cracks you up and still be a BHA member.   And you can never, ever camp and still be a BHA member.  Look at me. I’m a BHA member. A BHA ...

The weight has been lifted! Experience hunting in Montana like never before! Thanks to a generous donation by Access WILD, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is offering a backcountry llama package to make your hunt - and your packout - a bit more enjoyable. "Renting llamas from Access WILD was the best choice I could have made for my 2021 backcountry elk hunt. The workshop was quick, informative and I felt confident to take these animals with me on my hunt. Turns out they ...