State Policy Spotter: July '26

Devin O'Dea / Tuesday, July 7, 2026

/ Categories: Media, Chapter News, State Issues, State Policy Spotter

Welcome to BHA's State Policy Spotter – a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife across North America.

Note: The Policy Spotter is not a comprehensive list of legislation or issues that BHA 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, so be sure to check out individual chapter pages for more news and updates.

July 2026

Colorado: Roan Plateau Remains a Line in the Sand for Colorado's Public Lands. Take Action.

For nearly two decades, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has stood alongside hunters, anglers, local communities, conservation partners, and industry stakeholders to defend Colorado's Roan Plateau—one of the state's most important landscapes for mule deer, elk, native cutthroat trout, and other wildlife. That work culminated in a historic compromise in 2014 that directed energy development away from the plateau's most sensitive fish and wildlife habitat while allowing responsible development in other less-sensitive areas, demonstrating that conservation and multiple use can coexist when stakeholders come together.

Today, that balance is at risk. As the federal government pursues an accelerated pace of oil and gas leasing across the West, including on and around the Roan Plateau, BHA is concerned that these lease sales—combined with significant reductions in agency staffing and agency discretion to defer leases—could undermine the careful analysis and collaborative approach that produced the historic compromise. BHA will continue advocating for a transparent, science-based process that honors those historic agreements while conserving the Roan's exceptional wildlife habitat, public access, and world-class hunting and fishing opportunities for future generations.

TAKE ACTION

Oregon: Initiative Petition 28 Moves One Step Closer to the Ballot. News

Oregon's Initiative Petition 28 is a reckless and deeply flawed proposal that would criminalize farming, wildlife management, hunting, fishing, and other longstanding activities that are essential to Oregon's economy, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage. Not only does this proposal threaten Oregon's economy, but it also threatens a deep-rooted way of life among Oregon's citizens: keeping Oregon's food source local.

As of early July 2026, supporters of IP 28 have submitted 142,784 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State in an effort to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The measure has not yet qualified. State officials must now verify the signatures, and approximately 82% of those submitted must be determined valid for the initiative to move forward. That verification process is expected to continue throughout July. If the measure qualifies, the state will also prepare an official financial impact statement and explanatory statement for inclusion in the Oregon Voters' Pamphlet before the election.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly opposes this misguided measure and is closely monitoring the qualification process. Should IP 28 qualify for the ballot it will no longer be called IP 28, and Oregon voters will likely decide whether to adopt the measure this November.

Massachusetts: Sunday Hunting Ban Repeal Advances Through Legislative Maneuver. News.

In a significant legislative shift, the effort to repeal Massachusetts' longstanding ban on Sunday hunting is alive and moving forward. Governor Maura Healey's initial proposal, which also included reducing bowhunting setbacks and expanding crossbow access, was removed from a supplemental budget recently. However, in a sudden move, the House amended the Environmental Bond Bill to include all three provisions and passed it. The bill now heads to a conference committee with the Senate to reconcile versions before a final vote. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers staff and New England Chapter members continue to lead advocacy, educating lawmakers and mobilizing the hunting community in support of these critical reforms to modernize hunting access in the state.

Utah: Historic Book Cliffs Acquisition Approved. News

A major conservation milestone was reached in June when the Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA) approved the sale of more than 50,600 acres to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), creating the new Book Cliffs Roadless Wildlife Management Area. The acquisition permanently protects one of Utah’s most important wildlife landscapes while maintaining public access for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation. BHA has been engaged in the Book Cliffs since 2013, working alongside sportsmen and conservation partners to pursue a long-term conservation solution for the Little Creek Roadless Area in the face of development pressures. That commitment has continued through on-the-ground stewardship, including a 2023 project Utah BHA worked on with parters to improve the Sego Canyon Trailhead, one of the primary access points into the area.

BHA also supported HB 262 in 2024, legislation that helped establish a pathway for DWR to acquire qualifying state trust lands for conservation while ensuring Utah’s school trust beneficiaries received fair market value. Most recently, BHA testified before the TLA Board in support of the acquisition. The nearly $30 million purchase protects critical habitat for mule deer, elk, bison, black bear, and native trout while generating revenue for Utah’s Permanent State School Fund. This achievement demonstrates what can happen when sportsmen, agencies, Tribes, and conservation partners work together toward lasting conservation solutions.