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America is exceptional in many regards. One of the most notable of our ideals encompasses 640 million acres: our system of public lands and waters, equally owned by every citizen. “We the people own these mountains and forests, rivers, and plains. Nothing could be more American,” former Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) North America Board Chair Ryan Busse said.[1] As with our freedoms and government, the concept of public lands was born of a desire to remove the shackles of a stifling ...

As a veteran who served in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), I understand that success often hinges on the small victories. During the GWOT, capturing high-value targets did not just weaken enemy forces; it disrupted their ability to plan, organize, and execute attacks. Each win chipped away at a larger, decentralized network, leaving the enemy with fewer resources and less ability to cause harm. This same principle—winning small victories one at a time—is exactly how we approach the fight ...

As Virginia faces increasing challenges related to wildlife-vehicle conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to support proactive measures that are being taken to address these pressing issues. The proposed legislation, HB 2025/SB 1341, led by Delegate Gardner and Senator Marsden, aims to create a framework that benefits both wildlife and communities throughout the state. Here’s a closer look at the significance of this legislation and its ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 21, 2025 Contact:  Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org   President Trump’s Day One Actions Include Assault on Alaska Public Lands  Executive order threatens conservation of more than 50 million acres of iconic wild landscapes  Washington, D.C. — Following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, President Donald Trump signed numerous executive orders, among them an order strongly ...