Every year in Q1, Utah state officials engage in the Utah Legislative Session to pass new laws or amend laws. Utah BHA follows and engages in the Session quite closely, as there are typically bills that impact public lands, waters, and wildlife. Read about some of the bills we have been following below and take action. Every citizen has the right to engage directly with their state representatives on these issues. Visit the BHA elected officials directory to find out who your state ...

Alaska -- We made it through January, which was filled with Board of Game meetings, a few great Pint Nights, and a lot of news about public lands conservation in Alaska. Not all of this news bodes well for the iconic Alaskan wildlife we love to pursue, which require large, expansive, unfragmented landscapes to thrive. Salmon and other unique fish species, like sheefish, that we love to hook on our lines and enjoy over a fire or yearround from our freezers also require ...

Welcome to your first glimpse of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Much like wading through the marsh wearing heavy waders and a bag overloaded with decoys, BHA’s chapter leaders are trudging through a few bills this legislative session that will require careful footwork and dogged persistence. While there are many mission critical bills currently in front of BHA's chapters, one ...

Yesterday reminded me once again why I love being a member of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Every year, we hold our annual chapter board meeting for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, bringing everyone together in person. Given that our chapter encompasses Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Delaware, it’s not always easy for us to gather for in-person events. This meeting is always a special occasion because it allows us to connect face-to-face. This gathering allows us to sit down and ...

In January Rhode Island’s General Assembly convened to begin their 2025 legislative session. BHA’s Rhode Island team has moved the needle on our top policy priorities in recent years – we worked to enact legislation protecting shoreline access in 2023 and prohibiting captive hunting & wildlife importation in 2024 - and we have consistently advocated for Rhode Island’s public lands, waters and wildlife in RI’s legislative and regulatory arenas. Below you will find the Rhode Island team’s top ...