October 2026

 

Alaska: What’s at Stake With the Arctic Mine Project. News.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Arctic Mine Development Project, a proposed open-pit copper, zinc and lead mine that would also recover commercial quantities of gold and silver. The project is currently in the scoping phase, with public comments accepted through November 2, 2026. This mine's development is heavily tied to the Ambler Road Project, as well. 

The proposed mine would process approximately 10,000 metric tons of ore per day and operate for an anticipated 13 years. It would include an open pit, processing facilities, waste-rock and tailings facilities, water-management infrastructure, roads and other support facilities. The project would permanently impact wetlands and other waters at the mine site, and concentrate would ultimately be transported out of Alaska for shipment to off-site smelters or refineries.

For BHA, the question isn't simply whether Alaska should mine. Responsible resource development has a place in Alaska. The question is whether this project is being evaluated honestly and comprehensively enough to understand what it could mean for the fish, wildlife, public access and outdoor opportunities that make the Brooks Range so valuable.

READ MORE

 

 

Alaska: Proposed 19,950-Acre Land Transfer Near Houston. News.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering a noncompetitive sale of nearly 20,000 acres of state land approximately two miles north of Houston to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). The land is currently accessible to the public and supports hunting for moose, black bear and small game for residents of the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage area.

The proposed transfer would designate the land for potential industrial or settlement uses, including a data center, railroad logistics hub, gravel pit or warehouses. BHA opposed the transfer, raising concerns about the immediate loss of public hunting access, the lack of a defined development plan or demonstrated economic benefit, and the fact that approximately DNR also waived its typical ongoing oversight requirement for public and charitable-use transfers.

The public comment period closed September 14, 2026 with 15,000 acres contain wetland, forestry or aquatic resources.ber 14, 2026, with more than 2,000 comments submitted. DNR is reviewing the comments before issuing a final decision. If the transfer is approved, eligible parties who submitted substantive comments will have opportunities to request reconsideration and potentially appeal the decision.

READ MORE

 

 

California: BHA has been fighting for years to re-open Castle Mountains to hunting.... News.

California BHA welcomes the Trump Administration’s recent action to open Castle Mountains to hunting while maintaining its monument status and related conservation protections. Executive Order 14429 does many things (a summary can be found here), but one of its most straightforward provisions declares that within 90 days of the order, hunting of game animals shall once again be legal within Castle Mountains National Monument.

As we all know, hunting is a vital part of conservation and wildlife management, which isn’t possible without the thoughtful participation of the hunting community. This order restores Californians’ ability to hunt in this iconic landscape, recovering opportunities lost when the monument was designated.

BHA has advocated for this outcome ever since the creation of Castle Mountains National Monument, and we enthusiastically support the return of hunting to these lands and the continued partnership between the hunting community and the many state and federal agencies tasked with managing our wildlife populations.

READ MORE

 

 

Colorado: Amendment 83: Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish. News.

Colorado voters will consider Amendment 83 in the November 2026 election. The proposed constitutional amendment would establish a state constitutional right to hunt, fish and harvest fish and wildlife through traditional methods, while identifying hunting and fishing as preferred means of responsibly managing wildlife populations.

The measure would not eliminate seasons, bag limits, licenses, or other wildlife regulations; authorize trespass on private property; or apply to nongame or endangered species or species protected under federal law. It would also preserve state authority to regulate hunting and fishing when necessary for sound scientific wildlife management, public safety, or protecting future hunting and fishing opportunities.

Colorado BHA supports Amendment 83, viewing constitutional protection as a way to reinforce the role of hunting and fishing while maintaining science-based professional wildlife management. BHA also acknowledges that terms such as “traditional methods” and “reasonable and necessary” could require interpretation by courts if the amendment passes.

Status: 2026 statewide ballot measure; requires 55% voter approval to amend the Colorado Constitution.

READ MORE

 

Massachusetts: Ballot Question 6, Nature for All Fund. Take Action.

The New England Chapter’s Massachusetts team is supporting Ballot Question 6, which would establish a dedicated Nature for All Fund, directing up to $100 million annually toward clean water, pollution reduction, conservation of forests, farms, and wildlife habitat, flood resilience, and parks, trails, and other outdoor spaces. This is a not a new tax, rather it would direct a portion of the sales tax collected on sporting goods into the fund. Investments made through fund could help support fish and game populations, protect habitat and travel corridors, and improve access to outdoor recreation.

 

Michigan: Chapter Urges Action to Protect Lake Superior. News

Update.The Michigan Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers opposes the proposed Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County, less than two miles upstream from Lake Superior and near Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The mine raises concerns about potential impacts to water quality, wildlife, public lands, and outdoor recreation. The proposed operation would store mine tailings on site and discharge treated water into a creek that flows to Lake Superior. The company says the water will meet standards approved by Michigan’s environmental agency, while opponents remain concerned about pollution risks. The project recently received nearly $50 million in state grants for the mine and related infrastructure, prompting criticism from lawmakers and community members. The Michigan Chapter is urging careful scrutiny of the project and continued protection of Lake Superior, public lands, and Michigan’s outdoor heritage.