GOOD NEWS:   BHA’s Two Top Priority Bills Are Moving Forward!    The Montana Chapter of BHA is promoting two key pieces of legislation this session and both are meeting with success:    HB 283: Revise laws for hunting licenses lotteries, sponsored by Rep. Tyson Running Wolf (D - Browning)  Under current law, conservation groups can raffle or auction off mule deer, elk or goat tags and retain up to 10% of the proceeds with the remaining 90% going to the state for the management of these ...

Montana is home to millions of acres of public land, yet much remains out of reach for hunters. Over 3 million acres—10% of our state and federal lands—are landlocked, surrounded by private property with no legal access. Despite seeing these lands daily and funding their management with tax dollars, Montanans cannot set foot on them. We must and can solve this problem—HB 763 can help. Our beloved Block Management Program holds a key answer. Most know it well for providing public access to ...

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 ...

Hello from the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers! We hope you're beginning the new year by taking stock of a successful 2024 in the backcountry, as well as looking forward to what adventures 2025 will bring. While you're at it, take a moment to see what we've been up to this winter and how you can get involved with BHA in the coming months.     Montana's 2025 legislative session has begun, and Montana BHA is working hard to track bills and comment on issues that affect public ...

To welcome the new year, the Montana BHA board elected a new leader, Jake Schwaller, after our previous Chair, John B. Sullivan III, completed his term. First and foremost, we are grateful for the years of exceptional dedication and leadership John gave to BHA and are happy to retain him on the board in the position of Immediate Past Chair. Jake certainly has big boots to fill, and we look forward to the great work he will do in his new role. To give members an idea of Jake’s background and ...