Do your research before joining "sportsmens conservation" type groups...

[MattB]

I can't believe that we are still talking about this, or that it took a BHA board member to come on this site to state the obvious in order to convince some people that BHA is a worthwhile organization to support.

 

[duchntr]

I can't believe that we are still talking about this, or that it took a BHA board member to come on this site to state the obvious in order to convince some people that BHA is a worthwhile organization to support.

Agreed,although the ridiculous conspiracy theories were amusing...this thread reminded me I needed to renew my membership lol

 

[weaver]

I think this has been a good thread.
I for one became a member because of it. Had heard of BHA before but hadn't really researched them.

 

[Bonedalien]

I for one became a member because of it. Had heard of BHA before but hadn't really researched them.

right on!

 

[Matt Cashell]

No worries, SDC.

Welcome to Rokslide!

 

[MattB]

Ditto BB's sentiments, welcome. My personal opinion is that there are many citizens that are "grey blind" - meaning that they only interpret life as being black and white, and any subtleties between the two are glossed over. I for one welcome the fact that BHA represents folks from all points on the political spectrum working together for the betterment of this country's wild places. If only our Congress could take some inspiration from you...

 

[T43]

Now that the BHA issue has been vetted how about a little research on SFW. I sent several letters to legislators over the last two weeks trying to stop a backdoor tag grab in Idaho by this supposed sportsmen organization. They have the record on file against sportsmen and in support of wealthy tag buyers and private hunting ranchers. Where is there thread.

 

[realunlucky]

Now that the BHA issue has been vetted how about a little research on SFW. I sent several letters to legislators over the last two weeks trying to stop a backdoor tag grab in Idaho by this supposed sportsmen organization. They have the record on file against sportsmen and in support of wealthy tag buyers and private hunting ranchers. Where is there thread.

Defiantly for a different thread.

 

[Mike21]

Agreed,although the ridiculous conspiracy theories were amusing...this thread reminded me I needed to renew my membership lol

Not sure that doing research on who you donate money to is a "conspiracy". SDC and a couple other posters addressed BHA executive directors extreme political views and admitted that they do not agree with them. I really appreciate SDC stating that BHA does not support "national candidates" for political office. That sets the record strait with facts.

I do wonder why a non political organization would have an executive director so involved in partisan politics. Maybe SDC can comment on this?

 

[Mike21]

If you have questions, ask. .

Thanks for giving a factual assessment of how BHA works and its Executive Directors involvement in partisan politics.

What is the significance of how BHA is organized? There is a Board of Directors but also Executive Director, what are the duties of each "branch" of BHA? Does the E.D. take direction from the board? Does the board vote on issues? Can the Board fire the E.D.? etc.

On BHA's 2013 tax documents it lists $650,000 from "disqualified persons not open to public inspection". What does that mean: disqualified from what? https://www.backcountryhunters.org/images/bha-990-files/BHA-990-2013.pdf

 

[Jason Snyder]

I do wonder why a non political organization would have an executive director so involved in partisan politics. Maybe SDC can comment on this?

Maybe we should all be more involved in partisan politics? Apathy is a killer to democratic process.

 

[Htachie Dawg]

Just joined BHA.
HD

 

[Matt Cashell]

This is pretty tiresome, Mike.

It seems that you will be unable to look past Land Tawney's prior support of Obama or other candidates, and this will prevent you from joining BHA. That is your choice for your reasons. It is unfortunate, but it seems like BHA is not for you.

Maybe you can find another sportsmen group you can support.

One great effect of this thread (other than the many new BHA members it found) was that I was able to visit with Land over the phone. I found him to be a pretty reasonable guy, and my personal conversation with him left me confident that he fully supports gun ownership. He also loves wild places and access, which is what BHA is really about. I look forward to meeting him in person, and this thread has inspired me to get more active with the organization.

 

[realunlucky]

First off I want to say thank you for those who have contributed to this conversation. Being from Utah I'm very sceptical of all special interest groups and what inside angle they are looking to gain. That said I also this is the system we work within and by not participating I'm basically agreeing with those who put their effort out there. I have been impressed with the endorsements members on here that I respect have given bha. I will be researching what things they have supported in Utah and weight that before joining. I will also add that I don't think it petty to disagree with something that goes against your core beliefs whether that puts you in the minority or not. Politics are a big deal and people that spend considerable amounts of time and money have trouble toning that passion down. It's not uncommon for a CEO to move on because of personal conflicts. The diversity of bha board should stabilize any one person vision or approach. Leading is partly about connections and lands defiantly has those. Lastly I'm very impressed with the grass roots approach of pushing ideas up from members that see a problem that needs fixing and brain storming solutions. Sdc thanks for your input it has given me much to think on. Mike stay passionate but no group you don't start yourself will meet your needs 100%. Consider joining one that meets most of them and continue to constructively debate those issues that don't. Lastly I will say that members should continue to monitor what your group is supporting and stay involved to keep it on track with not only a mission statement you support but also keeping it accountable for its actions
Sorry my jumbled this all together