Utah BHA Hosts a Party for Public Lands with Partners and Members of the Meateater Crew

We had a great time celebrating public lands at the Party for Public Lands on Feb. 15. Attendees filled out hundreds of postcards to their legislators expressing their support of public lands. We were excited to have both Ryan Callaghan and Janis Putelis of Meateater join us for the party. Thanks to our amazing partners, we gave out numerous prizes to attendees. We extend a special thanks to Yeti, First Lite, Sitka, Aziak Equipment, Silencer Central, OnX, Argali, Easton, Grayl, and Meateater for their donations of prizes. 

The Last Week of the Legislative Session is Here

Utah BHA Policy Board members have been heavily involved in the 2025 Legislative Session. This week is the final week of the Session and we are specifically working with other wildlife organizations to push funding allocations for wildlife crossings across the line. Help out by taking action at the link below to let your representatives know TODAY that funding to support wildlife migrations and crossings is a priority! Take Action - Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Utah BHA Vice Chair Caitlin Curry's Experience with the Utah Sportman's Caucus and Advisory Council

For the last handful of years, Utah BHA’s Board has been involved with the Utah Sportsmen’s Caucus at the Capitol during the Legislative Session. In the past, the Caucus served as an opportunity for Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) with an interest in wildlife issues to come together multiple times during the Legislative Session to shake hands with legislators and hear directly from legislators running bills related to wildlife. While it was beneficial to have a forum to converse with members of the Legislature and raise questions, it wasn’t really a place to influence wildlife policy, but rather a place to build relationships and understand bills that were already in motion. This completely turned on its head in the 2025 Session. Read more on the blog here!

Hunting For Sustainability Applications Closes on March 7!

This is a friendly reminder that applications for BHA Utah's Hunting for Sustainability program are due on March 7! If you’ve been curious about hunting but don’t where to start, this program is designed specifically for you.

Hunting for Sustainability will teach you the fundamentals of everything you need to know to get out and hunt deer or elk for the first time—covering topics like scouting, gear selection, ethics, shot placement, and field dressing. Whether you’ve never held a tag before or are just looking for guidance on where to begin, this program offers expert mentorship and a supportive learning environment.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Or share with a friend who is interested in learning more about hunting!

BHA Board member, Jason Kaitchuk instructs a 2024 program participant on rifle range day.

Volunteers Needed!

Calling all members! If you are interested in helping to plan chapter fundraising events, please consider joining our general member Fundraising Committee! This is a great opportunity to get more involved with the chapter without taking on the full responsibility of a board role. We are stepping up our fundraising game this year and YOU can directly assist by weighing in and helping out. If interested, please email our board's Fundraising Coordinator, Peter Chinburg ([email protected]) for details. Please put "BHA UT Chapter Fundraising Committee" in the subject line. Looking forward to connecting soon!

We also are looking for volunteers for our Policy Committee who can attend and be the voice of BHA at the upcoming Regional Advisory Council meetings starting next month. With BHA’s values of public lands/waters conservation, access and opportunity, and fair chase in mind, the Committee develops official BHA position statements on the proposals which are then delivered to the various RAC’s and the Wildlife Board for consideration when making wildlife-related decisions. We are particularly in need of volunteers who can participate in Central, Northeastern, and Southeastern Regional Advisory Committee meetings in those areas. Please email Adam Denison ([email protected]), the chapter's Wildlife Policy Coordinator to get involved.

Save the Date for our Paunsaugunt Fence Pull Project!

Mark your calendars and join Utah BHA May 31 - June 1, 2025, as we continue the multi-year fencing project on the Paunsaugunt outside of Kanab, Utah. This year we will be removing a 1.2 mile section of outdated and unused fencing and retrofitting additional fencing to help clear obstructions to migration corridors identified through the previous year’s efforts. Ultimately this will help remediate and remove dangerous obstacles as mule deer migrate from the Paunsaugunt Plateau toward the Buckskin Mountains every fall. If you were lucky enough to join the project last year this is a perfect opportunity to continue the conservation process.

If you are new, this project will give you an opportunity to get out and spend a few days exploring one of the premier mule deer units the state has to offer all while helping to restore and conserve it for future generations. Keep an eye out for more details as they become available. We look forward to seeing you all out on the Paunsaugunt!

Click here for a recap of last year's project on the Paunsaugunt!

Support BHA

BHA could not do what it does without its supporters. Joining as a member and donating to BHA help the organization continue to fight for public lands, waters, and wildlife on a daily basis. Consider a contribution today to keep us going!

Our Corporate Sponsors

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our corporate sponsors who play a crucial role in our conservation efforts. A big shoutout to Spinner Fall Guide Service, Epic Brewing, Cowboy Cauldron, and Peak Refuel for their commitment and contributions. Their partnership helps us maintain and enhance the pristine backcountry of Utah, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by generations to come. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to preserve our natural heritage.

Take care out there,

Your friends at Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers