Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

JUST RELEASED: Great episode of Ryan Callaghan and MeatEater, Inc.'s Cal of the Wild featuring BHA Eastern Policy & Conservation Manager Christopher Borgatti. Give it a listen to learn about the state of the Atlantic's striped bass fishery, catch and release mortality, circle hooks vs. J hooks, and how you can get involved! https://lnkd.in/gyksbbHx

As we celebrate the 4th of July, we at BHA reflect on its significance. We see the spirit of democracy woven into our wild public lands and waters, and for that, we are damn grateful. We honor the men and women who had the foresight and determination to conserve these places that nourish our souls and ignite our passion for the outdoors. Today, we are reminded of the power of our collective voice, our freedom to celebrate our shared values, and our duty to preserve this legacy of conservation for future generations. Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July! 🇺🇸 📸: Ben Soderquist

Today, BHA applauds two major decisions from the Bureau of Land Management about Alaskan public lands and waters. The decision to deny the private 211-mile long Ambler Road permit will avoid fragmenting important public lands and waters in the Brooks Range, home to the Western Arctic Caribou Herd and the best sheefish fishery in the world. And the decision to keep Alaska's 28 million acres of D-1 lands withdrawn from mineral and energy development will continue critical conservation designations for more than 10% of the BLM-stewarded public lands in the United States. These decisions will avoid industrial development that would break up and further degrade important and intact migratory paths for anadromous fish, caribou, and waterfowl, and the future enjoyment of those who rely on such species as a part of their way of life. Read more by following the link below. https://lnkd.in/gCxdBfR6

Shout-out to the awesome volunteers who removed a mile of old barbed-wire fence on Nature Conservancy in the Blackfoot Valley last week! Our friends at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers hosted the fence pull, which involved hard climbing over steep terrain. Conservation and hunting groups recognize the importance of removing obsolete barbed-wire fence that can entangle and kill wildlife or impede crucial migration routes for elk, deer and other species. Thanks to everyone who came out (and the local businesses who fueled up the volunteers) for making this important habitat safer for wildlife! Read more about the fence pull at https://lnkd.in/eAG4fTzJ 📸 Kylie Schumacher

Congratulations to Ryan Burkert, our 2024 Eisenhower Award recipient for exceptional work on behalf of military veterans and active-duty personnel! Ryan has been instrumental in growing BHA’s Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) from 3 members to over 2,000, organizing 160 events annually across 46 states. His dedication has made a significant impact on the military community and conservation efforts. "AFI gave me purpose, community, and a new way to serve. This award honors what AFI has provided to me and countless others in the military hunting and fishing community." -Ryan Burkert Thank you, Ryan, for your selfless dedication and service!

BHA Western Policy and Conservation Manager Devin O'Dea was on the Spearfactor podcast talking MPAs, conservation versus preservation, and how you can get involved to truly protect our wildlife and our rights to hunt and fish. Give it a listen: https://lnkd.in/gJRzZ3Ry

Join us in welcoming Peter Vandergrift to our North American Board of Directors! Peter spent nearly two decades as a fly-fishing guide in Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, and is now the CMO of North Point Brands. He brings extensive experience in journalism, filmmaking, and product marketing, having worked with Simms Fishing Products and Costa Sunglasses. Peter’s expertise will be invaluable to BHA in promotions, marketing, and brand development. “When I found Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, I thought, ‘Finally, an organization that gets me and stands for what I believe in: Access to public lands, public waters and public wildlife,’ Vandergrift said. “I’m so pleased that I can give back to an organization that protects so much.”

BHA chapters from across the country traveled to the Twin Cities this past April to compete in a battle of culinary skill, creativity, and wit in the 2024 Wild Game Cook-off. Each team of two had just one hour to cook a wild game meal on a JetBoil Genesis System and wow the judges with their unique dish. Congratulations to the Washington chapter (Brandon and Paige) on another victory! They took our judges on a journey through the PNW's seasons by including Chinook salmon, razor clams, truffles, morel mushrooms, glacier lilys, huckberries and sumac in their dish. Take this as your sign to gather some wild ingredients, cook that special dish you've been thinking about, gather your friends and family for a meal, and reminisce about the experiences that brought the food to your table. Discuss the importance of conservation. Food is a powerful way to share memories, experiences, culture, and heritage. And don't forget to tag us -- we love seeing what you cook up!

We need your help to protect an iconic game bird and its habitat: the greater sage-grouse. The Bureau of Land Management is looking for comments on a draft plan to conserve millions of acres of sagebrush for the greater sage-grouse, a key species in a shrinking ecosystem. Sagebrush ecosystems are home to some of the West's most beloved game animals like pronghorn and mule deer. These habitats are crucial for their winter range, and keeping them healthy helps all these species thrive. By protecting the greater sage-grouse, we can make a positive impact on the entire landscape. Your voice matters – let's take action together! https://lnkd.in/gBT8e2Nq

I had the blast of sitting down with Max and Rafael Vargas, MBA, to talk about the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Armed Forces Initiative. During the conversation, we discussed deer on Nantucket, how to build a conservationist, and what the AFI does. So check out the episode, swing by Urban Lodge Brewing in Manchester or Hartford, CT, and grab a pint of Open Trail. A portion of its sales goes to supporting conservation-based efforts like ours at the AFI. ....... the future of conservation is bright! #veterans #nonprofit #backcountryhuntersandanglers #armedforcesday #conservation