The Minnesota chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted BHA CEO/president, Land Tawney, for a public lands Pint Night at Unmapped Brewing Co. in Minnetonka on Thursday, January 4. Members and the general public were invited, and people showed up from all over greater Minnesota and Wisconsin to hear about BHA’s boots-on-the-ground mission and vision for preserving and protecting our nation’s great public lands estate and hunting/angling heritage.

In the words of Minnesota BHA board member, Mark Norquist: “A huge thank you to all who came out last night to our Pint Night at Unmapped Brewing Co. to say hello to old friends, meet some new ones and hear from BHA CEO/Pres. Land Tawney. People came down from Duluth, Brainerd and all corners of the state to Minnetonka … According to Land it was the largest Pint Night in the history of BHA, so be proud Minnesota and #KeepItPublic! Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.”

BHA Upper Great Lakes outreach coordinator, Jason Meekhof, added: “It was an amazing pint night with @bha_mn at @unmappedbrewing last night! Upwards of 150 #publiclandowners came out to hear @landtawney speak. The energy in the room was palpable. Thanks to all who came out you are why @backcountryhunters is such an amazing organization! Onward and upward! One heck of a way to get 2018 started!” Outdoor News managing editor, Rob Drieslein, was there too, and said: “So much positive energy in that room. A force and group destined for greatness!” An Outdoor News story covering the Pint Night and Land’s visit echoed the enthusiasm.

“Land Tawney and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers are gaining quite a following in these parts–both in social and professional settings. First, on the eve of the Minnesota DNR Roundtable, Tawney–CEO/President of BHA–helped draw a huge crowd to a BHA Pint Night. Sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of BHA, it’s thought that Thursday night’s outing at Unmapped Brewing Company in Minnetonka was the biggest yet for these hugely popular BHA get-togethers/conversation platforms.[1]

“Tawney, of Montana, was the keynote speaker Friday during the annual DNR Roundtable at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Minneapolis. And with public lands a hot topic of late, the feel going into this year’s Roundtable was perhaps a bit livelier than in past years. Tawney didn’t disappoint, sprinkling personal stories and historic anecdotes into an energetic 40-minute keynote offering on public lands, conservation and more.”[2]

Outgoing BHA Upper Great Lakes outreach coordinator, Will Jenkins, was also impressed. “Last night was awesome!” he said. “We had people drive out all the way from Eau Claire to attend! I hope this got everyone fired up for 2018 … things are happening here and we need to carry this momentum!” Minnesota BHA co-chair, Aaron Hebeisen, observed: “Awesome to see the incredible turn out! Thanks to everyone who came and made tonight such a success!”

“The energy that’s continuing to build around BHA’s boots-on-the-ground efforts to protect and perpetuate our great public lands hunting and angling heritage is undeniable,” co-chairman, Erik Jensen, said. “Hunters and anglers like those who joined us at Unmapped Brewing are the heart and soul, the boots-on-the-ground that make it all possible. We need many more like them!”

For additional information see:

-“A top-notch keynote speaker [BHA’s Land Tawney] for 2018 DNR Roundtable.” Outdoor News: 12/22/17.

-“Keynote speaker Land Tawney addresses Minnesota DNR Roundtable.” Outdoor News: 1/5/18.

-“Montana's Land Tawney is the face of young, passionate conservation group.” Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minn.) Star-Tribune: 1/6/18.

Founded by a former U.S. Army field artillery officer, Mike Beagle, and formed around an Oregon campfire, in 2004, BHA is the sportsmen’s voice for our nation’s wild public lands, waters and wildlife. With over 17,000 members spread out across all 50 states and Canada—including chapters representing 35 states and Washington, D.C., and two international chapters, in Alberta and British Columbia—BHA brings an authentic, informed, boots-on-the-ground voice to the conservation of public lands.

[1] Brian Peterson. “DNR Roundtable: hot topics on a frigid Minnesota Friday [video]: Keynote speaker Land Tawney addressed Minnesota DNR Roundtable.” Outdoor News: 1/5/18.

[2] Brian Peterson. “DNR Roundtable: hot topics on a frigid Minnesota Friday [video]: Keynote speaker Land Tawney addressed Minnesota DNR Roundtable.” Outdoor News: 1/5/18.