Current Actions

Sign Our Resolution in Support of a Second Bear Tag in California

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

After many years advocating for science-based management of fish and wildlife, California BHA celebrates the release of the Final Black Bear Conservation Plan and has submitted a petition to the Fish & Game Commission seeking to amend Title 14, § 708.12 - Bear License Tags, to allow for a second bear tag.

Take Action to sign the following resolution which will be presented to the Fish & Game Commission at an upcoming meeting.

Permanently Protect the Pecos River Watershed

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

As the Pecos River and its tributaries flow through the Santa Fe National Forest they provide important coldwater habitat for trout and support wildlife habitat with opportunities for hunters to pursue elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, dusky grouse, and wild turkey. In 1991 a toxic mine waste spill had disastrous for the watershed killing tens of thousands of fish and costing tens of millions of dollars to mitigate, with impacts lasting decades.

The Pecos Watershed Protection Act led by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) would establish a permanent mineral withdrawal for 165,000 acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management within the watershed. The reintroduction of this legislation follows on the heels of an announcement by the Trump administration that a temporary two-year withdrawal initiated in December of 2024 would be canceled along with the process by the USFS and BLM to establish a 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal.

Join BHA in supporting this legislation that would permanently protect the Pecos River Watershed by reaching out to your member of Congress today!

Tell Elected Officials: Stand Up for Our Public Lands

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Every American is an equal owner of our public lands. Yet these shared natural resources, so unique to our country, are threatened by misguided attacks that seek to seize, transfer or otherwise dispose of our public lands by promoting state ownership or, worse, selling these shared resources to the highest bidder.

Join BHA in encouraging your elected officials to support America's public lands and share the value they have in providing access and habitat enjoyed by hunters and anglers!

Support HB 932 and Dedicated Conservation Funding in Montana

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This is a chance to secure long-term, dedicated funding for the lands, waters and wildlife that fuel Montana’s outdoor economy and hunting heritage.

In 2021, Montana became the first state in the nation to reinvest taxes from the sale of marijuana into sustaining Montana’s outdoor heritage, and the resulting tax revenue has since provided millions of dollars annually to the Habitat Montana Program. Most notably this included opening the new Big Snowy Mountain Wildlife Management Area which vastly improved access to nearly 100,000 acres of federal public lands.

This tax revenue has been fought over every legislative session since its inception, including this year, where BHA members helped to kill SB307, a bill which would have siphoned money away from the Habitat Montana program. Now it’s time to enact proactive legislation that maintains this existing conservation funding and expands how it can be allocated to make the greatest impact on the ground.

HB 932 would uphold and strengthen conservation funding by creating a Habitat Legacy Account, safeguarding the conservation funding Montanans fought for while expanding its impact. The bill ensures funding would continue to prioritize conservation and public access while expanding funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, conservation easements, and programs like the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) that benefit both wildlife and working lands.

Take action today!

Support HB 2978 - Protect Wildlife, Save Lives, Strengthen Our Outdoor Heritage

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

House Bill 2978 is a commonsense, bipartisan effort that will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, protect habitat connectivity, and help safeguard Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor traditions for future generations.

As hunters and anglers, we understand what’s at stake. Our way of life depends on healthy wildlife populations and intact ecosystems. HB 2978 would strengthen collaboration between the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to:

Reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions through smart infrastructure like wildlife overpasses and underpasses
Protect migration corridors and habitat connectivity, ensuring herds can move safely and seasonally
Affirm our conservation legacy by investing in solutions that benefit wildlife, drivers, and the outdoor economy

The need is urgent. In 2022 alone, the Oregon Department of Transportation recorded nearly 4,900 wildlife-vehicle collisions—incidents that cost lives, damage property, and take a financial toll on our communities. Studies show that a single deer collision can cost nearly $17,000, while an elk collision may exceed $56,000 in vehicle damage, medical bills, and lost hunting value. Combined, collisions involving deer and elk cost Oregonians an estimated $91.7 million in a single year.

This is about protecting what we love—Oregon’s wild lands, big game herds, and rural road safety—for generations to come.

TAKE ACTION NOW
Tell your legislators to vote YES on HB 2978 and stand up for wildlife, safe roads, and the values we hold dear as public land owners and conservationists.

Help Protect the Buffalo River Watershed - No to SB 290

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Arkansas' Buffalo National River, designated as the nation's first National River in 1972, has been a battleground for its protection against pollution and industrial threats. Despite previous victories, like the closure of the C&H hog farm and the establishment of a moratorium on concentrated animal feeding operations in 2020, new legislation threatens its future. State Senator Blake Johnson's SB290 aims to lift this crucial moratorium, endangering the river and the Maumelle River watershed, which supplies drinking water to over 450,000 residents. The bill, supported by the Arkansas Farm Bureau, has been met with fierce opposition from citizens and conservationists who understand the river's economic and ecological importance. The Buffalo River generates $94.5 million in economic output and supports thousands of jobs, attracting over 1.5 million visitors in 2023 alone. This natural treasure, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the U.S., is vital to Arkansas's outdoor tourism economy. We must urge our elected officials to reject SB290 and preserve these watersheds for future generations, protecting the environment and the livelihoods that depend on them.

Our specific objections with the bill include, but are not limited to the following:

SB 290 would strip the only two existing moratoriums on CAFOs in specific watersheds within the state. It creates an arduous process to get a moratorium in place, based on an ever-revolving legislative cohort who often bring their own special interests to the table.
This bill would eliminate science-backed data and conclusions done by agencies within the state (whose role it is to specialize in these areas) and the reasoning for the moratoriums. It would place it in the hands of legislators with limited knowledge of geology, hydrology, environmental engineering, environmental impacts, aquaculture, economic impacts, and of the contaminates created by CAFOs.
The bill also puts the future of the moratoriums in risk every four years. The karst geology of the Buffalo River Watershed and its National River status does not change within four-year cycles. Nor do the demands for clean reliable drinking water for the citizens in the Central Arkansas Region that rely on the Maumelle River watershed to meet those demands.
Loopholes created by this bill will have unintended consequences that can be exploited by future CAFOs. With the taxpayers of Arkansas having just paid 6.2 million to clean up the last mess created by such loopholes; it is at best irresponsible of the governing body of the state to put the taxpayer's at risk again.

Oppose HB 3846 - Lease of Federal Forest Land to the State

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

House Bill 3846 is, in essence, a thinly veiled attempt to transfer federal land to state control by leasing the Ochoco National Forest to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). This proposal would add 845,498 acres to ODF’s existing 738,402 acres of state forest lands, significantly expanding its management area. With ODF already facing budgetary challenges and limited capacity, this expansion would likely push the Ochoco National Forest toward extractive uses at the expense of public access and ecological health.

The bill raises serious concerns about potentially restricted access to these lands for hunting, angling, and other recreational activities that are crucial to Oregon's outdoor traditions and economy. By potentially bypassing NEPA oversight, this legislation could reduce public participation and environmental review, allowing state management to prioritize extractive industries over balanced, multiple-use management. Existing programs like the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) and the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) have successfully demonstrated collaborative management and proactive fire mitigation measures without the need for leasing or land transfer, thus preserving public access and environmental safeguards.

BHA urges our members to take action and oppose HB 3846, and to advocate instead for sustainable forest management that preserves public access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. If you can, please submit testimony to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment in opposition. The deadline to provide written testimony to committee is 8am April 5^th. You can still send a message to committee members after the deadline by taking action at the link below.

Oppose Public Land Sales in Budget Reconciliation

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is raising the alarm over confirmed reports that congressional Republicans are considering the sale of public lands as part of an upcoming budget reconciliation bill – a move that threatens to privatize landscapes cherished by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the nation.

The budget reconciliation proposal is part of a broader policy effort that touches on many issues and would be able to pass into law on a party line vote. This could significantly reshape federal land management, putting at risk the places we hunt, fish, hike, and pass down to future generations.

Join BHA in opposing any plan to sell off public lands which are valuable for hunting and fishing. These lands belong to the American people — not politicians, not private interests. Please customize your message to have the maximum effect.

Support National Monuments Under Threat!

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

California’s newest national monuments, which protect almost 850,000 acres of public land that provide access for hunting and fishing, are currently in the crosshairs of the Trump administration, though there may be a window to avoid the unprecedented action of eliminating them. Over the weekend the White House shared a factsheet with the following language:

"President Trump's latest action targets some of Biden's most damaging executive orders and policies, including...Terminating proclamations declaring nearly a million acres constitute new national monuments that lock up vast amounts of land from economic development and energy production."

Multiple news sources reported that this was in reference to the recently designated Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands national monuments. This factsheet was later taken down, and no executive order has been issued of record.

No president has ever eliminated a national monument; however, President Trump did dramatically shrink two national monuments during his first term, both of which most legal scholars agree the president lacks the legal authority to do.

The Department of the Interior has also undergone a review of every national monument in the United States, for the purpose of “unleashing” energy and natural resource development. This review did not solicit any input from the public, and has not been made publicly available despite passing a 15-day deadline set by the administration on Feb. 7th.

Before President Trump takes any official action, now is the time to share the importance of conserving public lands. Please join BHA in urging your members of Congress to reject attempts to undermine the integrity of the Antiquities Act, showing support for California's national monuments and the incredible hunting and fishing opportunities these landscapes provide.

WV: Hunters say no on SB 711, 752 and 754

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

West Virginia’s public hunting lands are under threat!

Once again, Senator Mark Maynard has introduced a series of bills that aim to turn West Virginia’s public hunting lands into motorized off-roading areas.

We need your help to protect the public hunting lands West Virginia hunters & anglers have paid for and love.

SB 711 as stands would open up all State Parks and State Forests to OHV recreation. This bill would expand on previous legislation that made OHV access allowable on the formerly restricted Cabwaylingo State Forest. Previously failed attempts at legislation have included broader access for OHV use on state public lands including Wildlife Management Areas and were scaled back due to hunter opposition.

SB 752 would create a “wildlife viewing stamp” that would widely expand OHV access behind gated roads on state public land. The intent is to expand OHV use on sportsmen owned WMA’s and other state lands. Sportsmen shoulder the costs of tags utilized to legally pursue and harvest game and wildlife is already “viewable” on any public lands legally accessible.

SB 754 creates a “presumptive standard” that all roads on state lands shall be made open to the public. Taken in context of Maynard’s legislative history, this bill is clearly another attempt to expand OHV recreation on all state lands, including our public hunting Wildlife Management Areas.

Stand up for WV public hunting lands and take action now!

Support Legislation to Conserve Oregon Public Lands and Waters

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Oregon's public lands and waters provide remarkable opportunities for sportsmen and women to enjoy the pursuit of fish and game. BHA is advocating for legislation that would permanently protect important places including the Smith River watershed, Wild Rogue Wilderness and Kalmiopsis Wilderness, as well as create three new federal recreation areas to enhance and manage public access to the outdoors.

The Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) would expand the existing Smith River National Recreation Area by 58,000 acres in addition to designating 74 miles of waterways as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) would expand the Wild Rogue Wilderness by nearly 60,000 acres. It also would solidify the conservation of more than 100,000 acres of public lands near Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area from mining by permanently extending current protections granted under the 20-year Southwestern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal. Additionally, it would establish two new recreation areas, the Rogue Canyon Recreation Area and the Molalla Recreation Area, conserving more than 128,000 acres of public lands and waters.

Join BHA in supporting important legislation that would benefit fish and wildlife habitat in Oregon by contacting your member of Congress today!

Protect Our Wild Lands and Waters! Oppose SF570 and HF8 in Minnesota

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

As the voice of public lands and waters, Minnesota Backcountry Hunters & Anglers stands at the forefront of the fight to protect all wild places and wild things. Today, we face a rapidly changing political landscape, driven by an administration that is moving at an unprecedented pace. Despite these challenges, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is working hard to encourage all Minnesotans to speak out and take action as we fight for the future of our wild places.

Here in Minnesota, we are once again witnessing a direct threat to one of our most treasured landscapes—the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The environmental protections provided by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by removing the authority of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) are critical in the fight to save the Boundary Waters from potentially irreversible damage. If NEPA is dismantled, it sets the stage for an onslaught of federal and state loopholes and backdoors, enabling the sale and development of public lands and waters—YOUR lands and waters. These changes would not only endanger the Boundary Waters, but also open the door to similar threats across the country.

One of the most alarming concerns we face is a coordinated effort to remove public input from critical development projects. This effort spans across all levels of government and threatens to reduce access to public lands while accelerating the privatization of these spaces.

At the state level, we are also facing significant challenges. SF570 and HF8 are bills currently in the Minnesota State Assembly that threaten to remove public input from stakeholders who fight to protect our public lands and environment. These bills represent a direct assault on the rights of Minnesotans to have a voice in the decisions that affect our public lands, waters, and wildlife. We cannot allow this to happen.

CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. Remind them that Minnesotans value their public lands and deserve to have a voice in the decisions that affect our environment. Tell them to OPPOSE SF570 & HF8 when it comes to protecting our state’s future.

This is our moment to defend the public lands and waters that belong to all of us. Public participation is a pillar of sound environmental policy, and the ongoing attacks on this fundamental right will have long-term, irreversible consequences for our ability to protect the lands we love.

Fight alongside us and contact your elected officials today! Fight for what’s right—for your lands, your waters, and your voice.

KYBHA Opposes Senate Bill 89 - Surrendering Waters of the Commonwealth

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

TAKE ACTION-

Stop Kentucky Senate Bill 89. Protect Waters of the Commonwealth by contacting your representatives in Frankfort demanding they protect wetlands, headwaters, and groundwater, and maintain Kentucky’s authority to define and protect our water.

SO WHAT HAPPENS:

Senate Bill 89 abandons the definition of “Waters of the Commonwealth” contained in KRS 244.1-010, replacing it with the federal definition of “navigable waters” under the Clean Water Act (CWA) 33 U.SC. sec 1362. This change eliminates protection for critical habitat like wetlands, headwaters, and groundwater. It also gives away Kentucky’s authority to define its own waters.

Stop SB89 - Kentucky Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is asking for your action to stop this legislation from stripping protection away from vital habitat. The Sportsmen/women have collectively invested billions of dollars in conservation, and SB89 walks us backwards, putting our investments in danger.

Encourage Congress to Close Excise Tax Loopholes on Foreign Sporting Goods

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

For nearly 90 years, excise taxes on sporting goods through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act have funded state fish and wildlife agencies to conserve and manage habitat. These programs are the most successful model of wildlife conservation ever implemented, successfully restoring species including waterfowl, turkey, white-tailed deer, and elk. Hunters and anglers, who willingly step up to conserve fish and wildlife, remain proud of our contribution to conservation through the excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, and motorboat fuel.

The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act, led by Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT), would close loopholes that have allowed online purchases of imported sportfishing and archery equipment to skirt these excise taxes which fund state fish and wildlife agency conservation efforts. This would be achieved by requiring online marketplaces to collect federal excise taxes for the purchase of these imported goods, that are otherwise levied directly on domestic manufacturers. Current estimates suggest closing this loophole would increase funding for the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs by $17 million annually, a figure that is expected to increase.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would ensure the sale of foreign sporting goods funds wildlife conservation!

Oppose HB 1236 - Protect Public Hunting Access in South Dakota

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The South Dakota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly opposes HB 1236, which
seeks to expand the current Right of Way Safety Zone (No-Hunting Zone) from 660 feet to 1320
feet. This bill would severely limit publicly accessible hunting and trapping opportunities,
particularly in areas where they are already limited.

If passed, HB 1236 would remove hundreds of miles of legal hunting access along public rights-
of-way, disproportionately affecting hunters in the eastern part of the state. South Dakota already
has a larger safety buffer than many states, and there is no new evidence suggesting that further
restrictions are necessary for safety. Rather than eliminating access, we should prioritize
education and signage improvements to address safety concerns.

EXPAND PUBLIC ACCESS TO ILLINOIS WATERWAYS, TELL YOUR LEGISLATOR TO VOTE YES ON HB 1873

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Illinois stream access is widely misunderstood, a result of the state law not mirroring federal law. The term navigable is viewed differently by state and federal laws. A stream that would be considered public by federal law is not public under Illinois state law. Federal law supports streams which are navigable by small vessels such as a canoe and support commerce such as recreation are public waterways. Illinois restricts this afforded public access by designating it’s own public waterways and private ownership of an Illinois stream includes both the stream bed and the water flowing through that area. The Illinois chapter of BHA has been actively working to fight for public access to your public waters a cross Illinois and HB1873 has been introduced to clear the issue. Illinois has just over 87,000 miles of rivers and streams within its borders very few which are designated by the state as public for use by everyone.

Demands for public access to the outdoors continue to grow and disputes between public recreational users and private landowners have gained a good deal of attention. House Bill 1873 which aims to expand public access in Illinois to federally recognized navigable waters has been introduced to the Illinois legislature. HB 1873 will align public access to waterways with other states and federal law, expanding your access and opportunities across the state. Hunters, anglers and others recreating, treasure the rich opportunities to wade, float and enjoy waterways in Illinois. It is imperative that our public waters remain open and accessible to all as deemed by Federal law.

Share Your Opposition to Sweeping Reductions in Public Land Agency Staff

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Join BHA in sharing your opposition to the sweeping firings of the staff who manage our public lands at the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service. Make sure this administration and your members of Congress understand the importance of our public land management agencies and how decreased staffing will have negative impacts to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities across the United States.

Oppose Arizona's Anti-Conservation Land Bills

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

SB 1068, introduced by Sen. Finchem proposes requiring state government consent for any federal land acquisitions within Arizona. This bill is bad for conservation, and it isn't the first time that Arizona legislators have tried to assert state control over federal land acquisitions.

Last year HB2376 attempted to do the same thing - and made it all the way to the governor's desk - but hunters and anglers successfully advocated for it to be vetoed, citing the immense value of longstanding conservation programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). For example, this bill would effectively eliminate LWCF acquisitions, like the 2,831 acre Cross F Land Acquisition in 2021 that was purchased by the Trust for Public Land using LWCF funding and then transferred to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This acquisition not only conserved critical riparian habitat for federally listed species, but also movement corridors for mule deer, white-tailed deer, desert big horn sheep, black bear, and Gould’s turkey and opened access to 30,000 acres of formerly inaccessible BLM managed public lands.

Similarly SCR 1018 seeks the disposal of federally-held lands by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and opposes the federal 30x30 Initiative. This is another piece of legislation by Sen. Finchem that fails to reflect the overwhelming support Arizonans have for public lands, and one that ignores the 66 sporting organizations who support the principles of 30x30 as outlined on huntfish30x30.com.

Don't let legislators erode our public lands legacy. Take Action today to push back on this misguided overreach of state authority.

Florida Black Bear Management - Restore the Hunt

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Please join the Florida Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in urging the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in supporting the return of black bear hunting in Florida.

At the December 2024 FWC commission meeting Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) staff gave an update on black bear management in Florida. After concluding that the bear population continues to grow and expand its range steadily we convinced the commission to entertain the idea of reinstating a bear hunt quota in Florida. A bear hunt has not occurred since 2015, after anti-conservation groups sued the state over the hunt and got it shut down. These same groups are now doing their best to squash this hunt yet again.

Reasons to support a bear hunt in Florida:

The available data indicates that bear populations are steadily increasing. Populations were already above targeted population objectives during the 2015 hunt, and their numbers are even higher now.
In the 4 BMUs where bear densities are particularly high, bear-human conflicts have become a huge problem. Bear-human conflicts often lead to the death of bears through vehicle collisions or euthanization of nuisance bears. A limited and highly regulated localized bear hunt quota could help reduce bear densities in areas where bear-human conflicts have become a problem, and leave low density subpopulations alone to continue their recovery.
Bears that are hit by cars and left to rot or nuisance bears that are euthanized are wasted, whereas harvested bears will go to feeding fellow Floridians.
While staff and state resources are depleted to clean up vehicle collisions, transport or euthanize nuisance bears, a bear hunt could generate funding through license and tag sales that could be allocated toward future management objectives such as expanding on the bear-proof trashcan initiative, habitat restoration, and appropriate habitat corridors.

Click here for a complete overview of the history of bear management in Florida, an overview of the recent FWC bear study, and more related to the future of bear management in the state.

Urge Texas Attorney General to Restore Access to the Cutoff of the Trinity River

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In early 2022, a private landowner illegally blocked access to a popular public hunting and fishing destination in East Texas known locally as “The Cutoff.” A group of local sportsmen who hunt and fish there have challenged the move in court, and Texas BHA has rallied behind them by submitting an amicus brief in support of public access and by helping to fundraise for legal fees.

Nearly three years later, still no action has been taken to restore public access to the Cutoff, a 12 mile stretch of public water with over a hundred years of hunting and fishing history in Texas.

Take action to urge the Attorney General to intervene on behalf of the public today!

CALL TO ACTION: Support a Sandhill Crane Hunting Season in Wisconsin

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Join the Wisconsin Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in urging committee members to recommend the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources seek federal approval for a hunting season of the Sandhill Crane.

The Sandhill Crane population has grown substantially thanks to the focused, sustained conservation efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Wisconsin's sandhill crane population was decimated at the turn of the century with at one point only a few breeding pairs remaining. Now, estimates show there are well over 90,000 cranes in the state, a population that exceeds the 60,000 population objective set by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Currently, 17 states offer a sandhill crane season to include Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

As we continuously hear from our members and supporters, Wisconsin is ready for Sandhill Crane hunting season which is well managed and backed by the best ecological science available. This is another successful story of Wisconsin conservation measures, and it is time to enjoy the rewards of our hard work, commitment, and resource allocation. The US Fish and Wildlife is now encouraging a sandhill crane hunting season in Wisconsin and, what’s more, the Wisconsin Constitution supports it.

The 2024 Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes is deliberating its recommendation to hold the Sandhill Crane season. Contact those legislators today and let them know that you support a sustainable and ethical sandhill crane hunt in Wisconsin.

Ask Congress to Conserve Wildlife Corridors

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Big game species across the United States including deer, elk, pronghorn, wild sheep, and moose rely on intact migration and movement corridors to access seasonal habitat. The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, reintroduced by Reps. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Don Beyer (D-VA), would build upon collaborative efforts to conserve those corridors, reducing obstacles to wildlife movement to ensure healthy populations.

This legislation would promote habitat connectivity for migratory species and improve habitat quality by providing financial and technical assistance to state and tribal fish and wildlife agencies, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations. It would also direct the Dept. of the Interior, Dept. of Agriculture, and Dept. of Transportation to coordinate efforts in conjunction with those entities.

Included within these directives are the establishment of the State and Tribal Migration Research Program to collect, research, and analyze data on wildlife movement corridors and the Wildlife Movement and Movement Area Grant Program to improve or conserve habitat through projects including habitat leases, fence modifications, and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would conserve important migration and movement corridors for big game across the United States!

Stand Against the Transfer of Public Land in Utah

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

BHA vehemently opposes the recent legal maneuver by the State of Utah aimed at seizing control of 18.5 million acres of federal public lands.

A long-standing grudge against federal public lands – lands intended to be accessible by and for all Americans – has resulted in the State of Utah attempting to remove from the public domain one of the crown jewels of North American conservation: our public lands. Utah officials are seeking control of the entirety of unappropriated Bureau of Land Management territory, a profound misstep in the ideology of public land management and stewardship of natural resources in Utah. The proposed transfer of public lands to state control also raises grave concerns about the potential for increased commercial exploitation, increased costs to state budgets, diminished conservation efforts, and restricted public access. BHA stands firmly in opposition to this legal maneuver, which directly attacks the shared heritage of public lands and waters that provide hunting and angling opportunities for sportsmen and women.

Join BHA in calling on the Utah State Legislature, Governor Cox, and Attorney General Reyes to abandon this ill-conceived attempt to remove millions of acres of federal public lands available for all Americans of all walks of life.

Stand Against the Seizure of Federal Public Land

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

BHA vehemently opposes the recent legal maneuver by the State of Utah aimed at seizing control of 18.5 million acres of federal public lands - a move that could set a dangerous precedent for land management across the West.

Sign our petition to stand up for federal public lands and the freedom they provide to all Americans.

Then, if you live in Utah, use this action alert to send a direct message to your elected leaders letting them know that local hunters and anglers will not stand for the transfer of our public land.

Hunting and Fishing Opportunities Threatened on the Mendenhall Wetlands

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

The Mendenhall State Game Refuge in Juneau, Alaska, Taashuyee-Chookan.aani/Mendenhall Wetlands was designated in 1976 by the Alaska State Legislature. It was, in part designated so hunters could learn to pursue waterfowl and have a place to hunt. The Mendenhall Wetlands not only provide opportunities for sport and subsistence hunting and fishing, but they are also a globally important bird area. The Juneau Douglas Second Crossing stands to shut down hunting and fishing opportunities in the Mendenhall State Game Refuge as well as damage significant habitat for anadromous fish and migratory bird species.

Alaska BHA demands sound scientific management and analysis of proposed projects from DOWL, Alaska Department of Transportation (AKDOT) and the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ). If construction of the second crossing is deemed necessary by the community of Juneau and thorough analysis is conducted, Alaska BHA encourages decision makers to select the Salmon Creek location which would be the least impactful option to habitat and hunting access.

Tell Congress to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Our vast public lands estate provides access and opportunities for hunters and anglers across the United States. Yet privatization and development pose an ever increasing threat to wild places that should remain open to the public. Many sportsmen and women have nonexistent or limited access to private lands and rely on public lands to enjoy the pursuit of fish and game. Bipartisan legislation supported by BHA would recognize the irreplaceable value of publicly accessible land by helping to stop the sale or transfer of those lands.

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act, led by Reps. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), would require congressional approval for the sale or transfer of publicly accessible tracts of federal land greater than 300 acres, or greater than five acres if accessible by public waterway. This is a critical improvement from current law in which federal land management agencies have broad discretion to sell or transfer publicly owned parcels that provide valuable habitat, public access, and recreational opportunities. Hunters and anglers stand to benefit by reducing the ability to take public lands out of public hands.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would help to stop the loss of public lands enjoyed by hunters and anglers!

Support Arkansas Wilderness

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT

The Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas provides invaluable opportunities for public lands hunters and anglers. In 1984 the Arkansas Wilderness Act was signed into law by President Reagan and designated the Flatside Wilderness Area within the Ouachita National Forest. The Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act led by Rep. French Hill (R-AR) was passed into law in 2019, adding 640 new acres to the wilderness area. Today with more than 9,500 acres, this wilderness is a true backcountry experience in central Arkansas.

Now, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, led once again by Rep. Hill, would permanently conserve more than 2,000 acres of public lands in the Ouachita National Forest by adding them to the existing wilderness area to which they are adjacent. This region provides habitat for white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey and other small game, as well as hunting opportunities for these species.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would conserve public lands in Arkansas and ensure healthy wildlife habitat for future generations of sportsmen and women!

Support the CORE Act, Conserving Colorado Public Lands

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Now more than ever, Coloradans need increased opportunities to hunt, fish, and pursue outdoor recreational activities. A growing population and an ever-increasing impact on our public lands necessitates increased protections for wilderness and critical big game habitat. Public lands, waters, and wildlife are the lifeblood of Colorado's outdoor recreation economy.

Led by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act would provide much needed protections for over 400,000 acres of public lands in Colorado, including areas that provide some of the best big game hunting opportunities in the state. Increasing wilderness areas, strengthening conservation protections, and ensuring the wild character of the San Juan Mountains, Thompson Divide, White River National Forest, and Curecanti National Recreation Area that wildlife and hunters and anglers depend on. The bill would also expand stream access within the Upper Gunnison Basin.

The CORE Act would help mitigate the effects of development on fish and wildlife habitat and would benefit species ranging from bighorn sheep to native cutthroat trout. In turn it would bolster outdoor recreation businesses and rural communities while ensuring that hunters and anglers could still enjoy these incredible landscapes and the opportunities they provide.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would conserve public lands and waters in Colorado for the benefit of hunters and anglers!

Advance Legislation that Improves Public Access to Private Lands

Fri, 05 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT

The USDA’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) is the only federal program specifically designed to facilitate public access for hunters and anglers on private lands. VPA-HIP is not only widely recognized as one of the most effective public access tools in the United States; it also helps landowners improve habitat stewardship and incentivizes restoration practices that benefit fish and wildlife.

The Farm Bill is an opportunity to reaffirm – and even increase – our investment in VPA-HIP. The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act, led by Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), would reauthorize this Farm Bill program and increase funding from $50 million to $150 million over the next five years.

VPA-HIP operates by extending competitive grants to state and tribal governments – grants that are used to incentivize private landowners to voluntarily allow public access. The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act would triple the impact of this popular and widely utilized program. Since most sportsmen and women cite insufficient access as the biggest obstacle to getting afield, the impact of this increase would be incalculable.

Join BHA in advocating for increased public access by contacting your member of Congress today!

Advocate for Permanent Protection of the Boundary Waters

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most highly prized wilderness ecosystems and a place that has provided the formative outdoor experience for hunters and anglers across the country. For decades the threat of a sulfide-ore mining operation in the Superior National Forest upstream of this wilderness area has persisted. In January of 2023 the U.S. Forest Service announced their decision to implement a 20-year withdrawal of mineral leasing from 225,000 acres following the determination of the threat to this watershed. This action was applauded by hunters and anglers, though only Congress can permanently protect the region.

Threats to the Boundary Waters persist as Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) continues to push legislation aimed at reversing the mineral withdrawal and reinstating foreign mining leases, putting the Boundary Waters – and the communities that depend on its clean waters and intact habitat – at risk. Recent executive orders and secretarial orders have now laid the groundwork for reversing these safeguards through administrative actions.

It is critical that Congress now pass the legislation led by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Sen. Tiny Smith (D-MN) that would permanently withdraw public lands in the watershed surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from copper-nickel mining development and mineral leasing while still allowing for historic iron taconite mining. Doing so would guarantee the pristine ecological quality and unparalleled hunting and fishing opportunities of the Boundary Waters are maintained.

Take a stand for the Boundary Waters and ask your members of Congress to support legislation that would permanently keep this watershed clean, healthy and full of quality hunting and fishing!

Protect the Gila River

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT

The Gila River watershed provides integral fish and wildlife habitat for the world’s first designated wilderness area of the same name found in southwestern New Mexico. Despite being one of the last free-flowing river systems in this region of the United States the Gila remains at threat of diversion and dam proposals. Its watershed sustains critical habitat for the Gila trout, one of New Mexico’s two revered native trout species. These native trout are threatened and rely on cold and clean mountain streams for their recovery and survival.

The M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act led by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) in the House of Representatives for the first time, would permanently conserve approximately 446 miles of waterways by establishing them as wild and scenic. Doing so would enhance hunting, angling and other outdoor activities by safeguarding pristine waters in the region.

Join BHA in supporting this legislation that would strengthen the conservation of wild rivers in New Mexico by reaching out to your member of Congress today!

Protect Nevada's Ruby Mountains

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

The Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada are a premiere destination for sportsmen and women. They are immensely valuable to hunters by providing a critical migratory corridor for the largest mule deer herd in the state and habitat for the imperiled Greater sage-grouse. Anglers can pursue the highly sought after Lahontan cutthroat trout in these waters, Nevada’s state fish.

Speculative oil and gas leasing and associated development have long threatened the region. The Ruby Mountains Protection Act led by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) would prohibit oil and gas leasing on approximately 309,000 acres of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and 39,000 acres of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Doing so would stop the threat of habitat fragmentation while still managing the landscape for multiple use.

The reintroduction of this legislation follows on the heels of an announcement by the Trump administration that a temporary two-year withdrawal initiated in December of 2024 would be canceled along with the process by the USFS and BLM to establish a 20-year administrative mineral withdrawal.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would conserve habitat in Nevada and ensure healthy wildlife for future generations of sportsmen and women!

Support New Mexico Wilderness

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Established in 2013, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico provides habitat ranging from high altitude sagebrush plains to some of the first segments of the Wild and Scenic River System designated in the nation. In 2019, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act designated both the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness and the Rio San Antonio Wilderness within the monument.

Now, the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act led by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) would designate 13,000 new acres of wilderness in the monument, further solidifying protections for the landscape while maintaining current routes. This region is an important migratory corridor for elk and provides habitat for other game species including mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions.

Join BHA in supporting this legislation that would strengthen the conservation of fish and wildlife habitat in New Mexico by reaching out to your member of Congress today!

Call to Action: Alberta's Eastern Slopes Under Threat

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT

The Alberta government recently announced what amounts to a resumption of coal mining activity in the Eastern Slopes, and did so with virtually no warning or public consultation. This comes on top of an unsustainable forestry plan that will devastate the headwaters of important fisheries, especially in the Oldman and Highwood drainages. We need our members to make their voices heard on these important access and habitat issues.

We at Alberta BHA have decided to direct our messaging at Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, in order to broaden public feedback beyond just the energy minister. Let them know that our traditions of hunting, fishing, and recreation on Crown Land and public waters are not for sale. And feel free to use the language in this message to contact your individual MLA, as well as the Premier’s office, and Energy Minister Brian Jean.

Ensure Responsible Renewable Energy Development Funds Conservation and Access

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Hunters and anglers recognize the increasing demand for renewable energy development on public lands and it is our priority to ensure that these projects avoid impacts to fish and wildlife habitat. The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act (PLREDA) would protect the integrity of public lands for sportsmen and women by prioritizing responsible development of wind, solar, and geothermal energy outside of identified priority fish and wildlife habitat.

The legislation highlights the importance of balancing the multiple use management of our public lands, including renewable energy development, without sacrificing hunting and fishing values or threatening fish and wildlife habitat. By proactively identifying priority areas for wind, solar, and geothermal development, PLREDA encourages smart siting and efficient permitting of projects in places with high energy potential and low impact on wildlife and habitat.

PLREDA also establishes a conservation fund where a portion of the revenue generated from wind and solar development would go toward fish and wildlife conservation and enhancing public land access.

Join BHA in asking your member of Congress to support this legislation that would provide funding for conservation and access and ensure renewable energy is not sited in priority fish and wildlife habitat!

Protect Steelhead: Tell your Elected Officials to Support Snake River Dam Removals

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Salmon and steelhead are iconic species in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Huge runs of large, strong fish historically made the journey from the Pacific Ocean up these rivers and the vast array of tributaries in Oregon, Washington and Idaho to spawn. These migratory fish are indicator species that speak to the health of a watershed and are revered for sustenance and sport by anglers. The loss of these salmon and steelhead populations, all federally listed as endangered or threatened, creates severe ecological, cultural and economic impacts to communities in Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

Many factors, including over-harvest, dams, degraded habitat and predation, among others, are responsible for the continued decline of returning anadromous fish. Recent seasons have been catastrophic, with near record low returns of steelhead, chinook and sockeye salmon. Thankfully, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) has released a plan to remove the four lower Snake River dams in order to save this population of salmon and steelhead. Further more, a recent study conducted by Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) concluded the feasibility for the removal of all four dams. We need residents of Idaho, Washington and Oregon to contact their elected officials in support of the removal of the lower four Snake River Dams.

Billions of dollars have been spent on failed recovery efforts. At the risk of extinction, Snake River salmon and steelhead need our help. Immediate action is needed by our elected leaders. We need to use a science-based approach, engage stakeholders and find solutions for the recovery and benefit of the species and the health of our river communities.

Take action today! Please make sure to customize your message and subject heading for the greatest effect.