It’s that time of year again. The woods look, smell and feel different. These changes penetrate every waking thought. Our hearts beat faster. Senses are heightened. For those who don’t hunt, the rivers and lakes empty, and solitude can be found again. Flows are level and fish are predictable. We live by the rhythms of the season, and this is our time.
2016 Fly Fishing Photo Contest
“The Ties that Bind” by Jarrod Flood
Ascent, by BHA Member Clay Hayes
In his new film, Ascent, Clay Hayes hunts mule deer with his long bow deep in Idaho’s most remote backcountry. Blowing wind and crunching snow make conditions even tougher as Clay struggles to get in close. Through this incredible challenge, the film exposes the true motive and ethic that drives hunters. Hunting isn’t about the kill, a trophy photo, or the size of the antlers; hunting is about embracing challenge, overcoming adversity, and having the opportunity to provide meat for your family. No matter where you are in your growth as a hunter, Ascent will remind you to enjoy and pursue the challenge of the hunt.
Backcountry Journal Wants Your Field Shots
Catch a big fish this summer? Find some early hunting season success? Send us a picture for your chance to be featured in Backcountry Bounty in Backcountry Journal! Contact Sam Lungren, Journal editor, with the following information: hunter’s/angler’s name, state, species, method of take, distance from the nearest road and method of transportation (i.e., foot, mountain bike, raft, hang-glider etc.). Good luck out there! Also, the Backcountry Journal is offering an internship. Click here to find out more!
Jeff Lukas Joins BHA as Montana Chapter Coordinator
Lukas currently lives in Missoula. In addition to guiding the waters of western Montana, which he’s done for the past eight years, he has helped pass several significant pieces of legislation in Helena and is involved with Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, a Missoula-based rod and gun club. His efforts improved the lives of thousands of Montanans – a theme he looks forward to continuing at BHA.
State Updates
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Arizona BHA is spearheading an OHV signage project to promote legal OHV use and conserve important habitat. Learn more.
- Wisconsin BHA is currently working to stop another round of state land sales, which have been forced upon the Wisconsin DNR by the state legislature. This development provides another example of why it’s so important to keep our public lands in public hands. Read more.
- Share news, meet other BHA members and talk hunting and fishing on your Chapter’s Facebook Group. Here are tips for joining the conversation.
- Get a free Public Land Owner sticker when you buy any BHA shirt or hat. Get yours now!
- Recently, Utah Senators Lee and Hatch released a bill which threatens habitat and traditional uses of Wilderness areas, by paving the way for mountain bikes and other wheeled devices in Wilderness Areas. BHA quickly responded with a strong national statement in defense of the original intent of the Wilderness Act. Numerous BHA members, including Colorado Board Member David Lien, have weighed in on the issue and we would encourage you to as well!
Special thanks and recognition go this month to Oregon chapter board member and backcountry hunter and angler Mike Haralson. Mike, who emanates energy, has been a huge part of the recent growth of the Oregon chapter – both in board leadership and in members – in July and August. Mike, along with his wonderful wife Angela, helped sign up nearly 50 new members in one August evening. The duo has been at the forefront of BHA’s membership and fundraising growth in Oregon since Mike joined the chapter board in May. Mike encouraged the chapter to table at several events this summer, resulting in the growth of the chapter by well over 150 new members. Some might call Mike a big bundle of joy, but I like to refer to him as Mister Optimistic. Either way BHA is better for having him on the team. Let’s raise our proverbial glasses to Mike Haralson for being a positive influence on all those he encounters!
Chapter of the Month
If you haven’t already heard about Texas, you need to listen up, cow folk! Yes, it’s true: The Lone Star State, the state with the least public lands in the nation, has formed a BHA chapter. And, boy, did they hit the ground running. Even before the chapter formally launched, prospective board members began planning events, starting with a BHA-hosted Full Draw Film Tour show, which took place in Austin on Aug. 20th. A resounding success, the event brought more than 70 people in the door, raising awareness about BHA and increasing membership right out of the gate. Since becoming an official BHA chapter in August, the Texas chapter has been actively spreading the BHA word. Follow them on Facebook at Texas Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and on Instagram at texas_bha and see what this awesome crew is up to! A huge thanks goes to the Texas crew for stepping up and leading by example! They know just how important our public lands are! Welcome Trevor Probandt, Gaines Slade, Michael Panasci, Brandon Shook, Jeremiah Haughee, Chisum Cooke, Keith Landry, John Mosty and Danny Johns to the BHA family! Here’s a tip of the hat to you, boys!
Texas BHA members at BHA’s Austin Full Draw Film Tour event.