PA BHA Chapter Update 5-28-2021

Despite being in the midst of turkey season, the Pennsylvania Chapter has been busy both planning events and working to improve access and opportunity for Pennsylvania’s hunters and anglers. Here are some highlights and upcoming events. 

As always, thank you for being a member of BHA! We hope to see you at an event soon.

Policy Update

  • Chapter Secretary Don Rank has been working hard alongside recent addition to the Pennsylvania Chapter team, John Kline, to educate policy makers about BHA’s public lands mission. So far this spring, the duo has had 24 meetings with legislators and agency officials to discuss the importance of conservation funding and improving access and opportunity for hunting and angling. 
  • Additionally, earlier this week the Pennsylvania Chapter sent a letter of support to Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward and President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, in support of Senate Bill 431, which would eliminate the use of pink envelopes for acquiring doe tags and allow online applications. 
  • We’re continuing to monitor Sunday hunting bills, including Senate Bill 607, which was recently introduced by Senator Dan Laughlin. We will continue to track this legislation and will be ready to mobilize in support of this legislation when the time is right.
  • Earlier this month, the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a historic expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges across the country including Pennsylvania’s Cherry Valley NWR. The USFWS is currently seeking public comment on the proposed rule for 60 days, which ends on July 4, 2021. For more information on the proposed expansion and how to comment, check out our blog post Here

 

Hike to Hunt

BHA’s annual summer fitness/fundraiser is all new for 2021.

Join us June 5 to August 11 and Hike, Run, Bike or Paddle for fun or fundraising in this all-new BHA North America fitness event.

Click Here to learn more and sign up.

Also, read about the power of Hike to Hunt as motivation for personal change in this story by PA Chapter Board Member Keith Colonna. Congrats to Keith on his achievement!

 

Check out a full list of upcoming PA BHA events below

June 4 to 6

Total Archery Challenge at Seven Springs

Stop by the BHA Booth!

https://totalarcherychallenge.com/events/7-springs-pa/

 

June 11

2021 BHA PA Wilds Trail Challenge

Ruck up and hit the trail on the annual PA BHA suckfest. 38 miles over two days!

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/2021_bha_pa_wilds_trail_challenge

 

June 12

Michaux State Forest Shooting Range Cleanup

Give back by helping DCNR staff improve the rifle range for all.

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/michaux_state_forest_shooting_range_clean_up

 

June 25

Pint Night: Two Rivers Brewing, Quakertown

Live, in-person Pint Night at one of the best breweries in PA!

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/pint_night_two_rivers_brewing_quakertown_pa

 

About Chris Hennessey

Eastern Field Director for BHA. Working with chapter leaders and members to conserve and protect access to our public lands and waters. Mainly a Keystone State hunter and angler, but loves having public land everywhere he goes.