BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS

Pennsylvania Chapter

September 2026 | THE PA BACKCOUNTRY REPORT

🏔️ FROM THE CHAPTER CHAIRMAN

Adam Eckley

As the summer is winding down and we’re heading toward fall, I’ve been thinking about how fortunate we are to have so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors here in Pennsylvania. Some of my favorite days this summer have been spent fishing, camping, paddling, and exploring the outdoors with my family.

One highlight was watching my son complete and pass his Hunter-Trapper Education course. It was a proud moment for me and it’s a good reminder of how important it is to introduce others, especially our next generation, the principles of hunting, sound wildlife management, and conservation.

With hunting season here, I want to wish all of our members a safe and successful season. I hope each of you enjoy your time in our wild places, make memories, and bring home plenty of game for the table. 

Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to support the Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Whether you volunteer, attend an event, speak up on an issue, or support our initiatives, your involvement helps us protect the public lands, access, and outdoor heritage that we all value. I look forward to seeing many of you in the woods this fall.

🏔️ FROM THE BACKCOUNTRY

Pennsylvania BHA Chapter Guests on Rut and River Pursuits Podcast

When we have opportunities to talk about the great work the PA Chapter does around the state and what BHA does around the country, we want to take advantage! A big thank you to Pennsylvania’s own Rut and River Pursuits for inviting Adam Eckley, Steve Mohr, and Steve Bousum to join their July 9 podcast!  

Co-hosts Ryan, Cody, Steve, and Bucky interviewed Adam, Steve, and Steve about our PA chapter’s mission, the importance of public lands in Pennsylvania, current legislation that impacts our outdoor lives, and upcoming BHA events.

→ READ THE FULL STORY

 

6th Annual Intro to Fly Fishing Weekend with PA BHA

The chapter enjoyed a stellar weekend of fishing, camping, and camaraderie all while eating some great wild food by a campfire.

→ READ THE FULL STORY

BHA Completes Two Incredible BUSTIN’ CLAYS WITH BHA Events!

Chapter members on both sides of the state had an option to attend a well-planned and fun for all event.

→ READ THE FULL STORY

 

🏕️ PUBLIC LANDS & ACCESS – What We Are Fighting to Protect

·  1.5 Million acres of State Game Lands in 66 out of 67 Pennsylvania counties

·  2.2 Million acres of State Forests in 50 Pennsylvania counties

·  300,000 acres of State Parks in 62 Pennsylvania counties

That’s 4 Million total acres owned/managed by state agencies that provide much needed habitat for wildlife and endless opportunities for hunting and fishing.

Some other important resources for hunting and fishing access:

·  500,000 acres of federal land managed by US Forest Service

·  4,000 lakes/ponds owned/managed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission-·  86,000 miles of streams and rivers, including 16,000 miles of Wild Trout Streams

·  150,000 acres owned by Land Trusts

·  1.5 Million privately-owned acres enrolled in PGC’s Hunter Access Program

·  Hundreds of county and municipal parks that help access 5,000 miles of Stocked Trout Streams

·  14,000 miles of Hiking and Multi-use Trails, including accessible trails that create opportunities for disabled hunters and anglers, and rugged trails that offer challenging access to the most remote Public Lands and Waters in PA. 

🥾 KEEP ROAMING. KEEP FIGHTING.

Pennsylvania's forests, mountains, rivers, streams, and public lands belong to all of us—and their future depends on people willing to care for them.

JOIN • VOLUNTEER • ADVOCATE • CONSERVE

PENNSYLVANIA BHA

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers — Pennsylvania Chapter

backcountryhunters.org• PA Chapter Site • Instagram: @bha_pa

Public Lands. Wild Places. Forever.