Martha Williams, DirectorMontana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks1420 East 6th AvePO Box 200701Helena, Montana  59620   Director Williams:   We would like to respond to the recent beaver trapping regulation proposal for the 2018-2019 trapping season. The season as proposed, with few exceptions, provides for unlimited beaver trapping for 5 ½ months out of the year on the west side of the state, and 9 months of the year on the east side of the state. Montana Chapter of Backcountry ...

While the California Chapter has been busy planning Pint Nights and staffing booths at various outdoor events. The chapter has also been working on providing comments and recommendations to our states representatives and federal agencies on how to provide and ensure recreational activities on our public lands. The largest issue BHA has been working on has been the proposed Mojave National Preserve Water Management Plan. There is currently an open public comment period for the Mojave National ...

Today the Laramie County Commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 against the two petitions to vacate (eliminate the public right-of-way) for two county roads (highlighted in green and pink in the map below). Buzz Hettick, Chairman of the Wyoming BHA Chapter spoke at the commission hearing earlier today, defending our access to our public lands and standing up for our interests as hunters and anglers. This is an important public lands access victory that we should celebrate.  Thank you to all of ...

Project Lead: SW Colorado BHA Regional Director Dan Parkinson DVM                                    docdanp@gmail.com  970-759-0545    Why?  Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, the highly valued and iconic state animal of Colorado, are at risk of developing respiratory disease by pathogens acquired from domestic sheep grazing on public land. Effective separation of domestic sheep and goats from wild sheep is the only currently available management solution for preventing or minimizing disease ...

The Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recently assisted the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) with a Public Lands Day (May 19) Stewardship Project (i.e., marijuana grow site cleanup). Colorado BHA Southeast Colorado Regional Director, Tyrell Woodward, organized the chapter’s involvement in this USFS-led cleanup in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado. “We had 12 members participate in the full-day activity,” Ty explained. “Members were joined by five staff from the USFS, ...