Welcome to the December edition of BHA's State Policy Spotter – a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife across North America.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is proud to announce that Ryan “Cal” Callaghan—longtime BHA supporter, former chair of BHA’s North American Board, and current vice president of conservation at MeatEater—has been named incoming president and CEO of BHA, effective January 1, 2026.

“I’m committed to building on the momentum of the incredible BHA community as a nonpartisan voice leading the charge for conservation."

During the 2025 fight against the mass sell-off of America’s public lands, Utah-born cowboy, big game guide, and U.S. Army veteran Braxton McCoy seemed to be everywhere, from his barrage of fiery commentary on X to the Tucker Carlson and Shawn Ryan podcasts, to addressing public meetings across the West.