Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) started around a campfire during March 2004, thanks to seven hunters and anglers, men and women, the “Gang of Seven.”[1] They were inspired by the political activism of Theodore Roosevelt, the Land Ethic of Aldo Leopold and the contemporary writings of hunting ethicist and renowned trad bow elk hunter David “Elkheart” Petersen.[2] In my mind these three, along with BHA founder Mike Beagle and the Gang of Seven, are the Patron Saints of BHA. As Mike said in ...

 On January 26th, 2024, the Oregon Chapter of BHA submitted comments reflecting the necessary considerations needed for the recruitment of the next Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This comes after the recent retirement of the current Director of ODFW, Kurt Melcher. Read the full comments here: LINK TO FULL COMMENTS

Part of the responsibility of the NY BHA Chapter Board is to keep an eye on legislative proposals in the NY Legislature that potentially impact hunters and anglers.   We will do our best to keep this page updated with some specific bills we want our membership to keep an eye on and take action on. Find your NY Assembly representative HERE and NY State Senator HERE. 2024 Bills Hunting / Fishing / Trapping Back Tags - S8644A - Amends environmental conservation law to allow for moving to ...

For Immediate Release                        Mar. 11, 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111 plank@backcountryhunters.org Administration Budget Proposal Would Increase Investments in Public Lands WASHINGTON, D.C. –  As the leading voice for the conservation of public lands, waters, and wildlife, today Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) responded to the release of the Biden administration’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025. This proposed budget would increase funding for federal land ...

HB 2021 This bill would require the holder of a conservation easement to make an annual payment in place of taxes on the reduction of value of the original parcel caused by the placement of the conservation easement. HB 2022 This bill would require the holder of a conservation easement to maintain the property free of noxious weeds that are a threat to health or safety. HB2021 and HB2022 are an attempt to dissuade conservation easements through inconvenience and complexity and they ignore ...