FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2025  Contact: media@backcountryhunters.org    MISSOULA, Mont. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is rebuking a sweeping new proposal released by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that would force the sale of up to 3 million acres of public lands under the guise of a solution to the housing crisis. This proposal—led by committee chair Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)—would apply to public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest ...

“We just started out by riding down deer trails...” It might sound like the beginning of a joke, but for local wildlife populations, one could argue it has almost become a nightmare. The Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is closely monitoring developments related to the U.S. Forest Service’s pending draft decision regarding e-bike access on some previously non-motorized trails within the Deschutes National Forest. The proposal specifically targets 161.4 miles of trails within ...

This is your March 4th edition 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. Note - this is not a comprehensive list of legislation or issues that chapters are working on, but rather a spotlight in the moment of what is moving. There are many more bills and issues BHA's chapters are grappling with, and those will be added to the Spotter when they are strategic to surface. Jump to ...

Last week the Oregon Fish and Game Commission met to discuss big game hunting regulations for 2025 based on the recommendations of biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Prior to this meeting, anti-hunting groups had been lobbying the Commission to eliminate the spring bear hunting season through form letters and public pressure. The Oregon Chapter of BHA and partner organizations rallied in response to this assault on science-based management and the North American ...

On July 30th, the Oregon Chapter of BHA submitted comments and petition opposing e-bikes on specific trails within the Deschutes National Forest. The proposal by the US Forest Service would authorize the use of class 1, pedal-assist e-bikes on 161.4 miles of previously non-motorized trail within the Sisters and Bend – Fort Rock Ranger Districts of the Deschutes National Forest. Ultimately, the OR Chapter of BHA was able to garner over 200 signatures in opposition to the proposal. You can ...