Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

What Backcountry Hunters & Anglers does

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), founded in 2004 and headquartered at 725 W Alder Suite 11, Missoula, Montana, is a North American nonprofit conservation organization whose mission is to keep public lands in public hands through advocacy, education, and boots-on-the-ground stewardship. It is the leading voice for wild public lands, waters, and wildlife in the U.S. and Canada, with chapters across all 50 U.S. states and every Canadian province and territory. Its core programmatic offerings are an annual membership (providing a Backcountry Journal subscription, decals, discounts, event invitations, and a monthly eNewsletter), the Armed Forces Initiative serving military members and veterans, and a Habitat Stewardship Program that delivers on-the-ground conservation including fence removal, trail maintenance, native vegetation planting, and Public Land Packouts. The organization runs advocacy infrastructure including an Action Center, a State Policy Spotter, and SMS action alerts, and it engages in litigation to defend public access (notably a 2026 lawsuit against Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over corner-crossing policy).

BHA operates with 32 full-time staff distributed across Missoula (HQ), Juneau (Alaska Program), Castle Rock (Armed Forces & Stewardship), and Columbia Falls. Its revenue model is diversified across four streams: recurring membership dues, recurring and one-time donations (including the Campfire Society major donor tier), merchandise sales through the BHA Store of official Public Land Owner® branded goods, and a tiered Corporate Conservation Partnership program (Pinnacle, Summit, Expedition, Trailblazer, Trailhead) with 30+ named outdoor industry partners including First Lite, OnX, Vortex Optics, Walton's, SITKA Gear, Simms, Savage Arms, NRS, Irish Setter, and Conservation First Bank. It runs a multi-channel marketing apparatus spanning a quarterly magazine (Backcountry Journal), the BHA Podcast & Blast, email newsletter, SMS action alerts, social media, and a calendar of regional events (Musters, Jamborees, Rallies) across the eastern, southern, and midwestern U.S. in 2026.

Its governance rests on a Board of Directors chaired by Dr. Christopher L. Jenkins, with senior leadership comprising President & CEO Ryan 'Cal' Callaghan, VP of Marketing & Communications Nadia Marji, Western Field Director Katie DeLorenzo, Eastern Field Director Chris Hennessey, and Director of Development Trey Curtiss. The organization owns no subsidiary, has no parent company, holds no disclosed funding rounds, and is funded exclusively through membership, donations, merchandise, and corporate partnership revenue.

Name

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Legal name

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Website

https://backcountryhunters.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a North American nonprofit conservation organization that advocates for and stewards wild public lands, waters, and wildlife on behalf of hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and military members through chapters, habitat projects, and policy action.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Conservation Advocacy Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

Keywords

• Conservation advocacy
• Wildlife habitat stewardship
• Public lands access
• Outdoor recreation policy
• Membership nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Missoula

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual and monthly membership fees providing access to Backcountry Journal magazine, decals, discounts, event invitations, and newsletter
2. Donations and Campfire Society: One-time and recurring donations from supporters, with the Campfire Society representing major donor tier
3. Merchandise Sales: Official Public Land Owner branded merchandise sold through the BHA Store, with proceeds funding conservation work
4. Corporate Partnerships: Tiered corporate partner program (Pinnacle, Summit, Expedition, Trailblazer, Trailhead) with various partner levels and benefits

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a North American nonprofit conservation organization that sells individual memberships, raises donations, and sells Public Land Owner branded merchandise to fund advocacy, education, and boots-on-the-ground habitat stewardship work protecting wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Members receive Backcountry Journal magazine, decals, event invitations, and discounts, and the organization coordinates a 50+ chapter network across all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories to drive grassroots policy advocacy and on-the-ground conservation projects such as fence removal, trail maintenance, and Public Land Packouts.

Product overview

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers operates a single unified nonprofit platform centered on membership-based advocacy, education, and conservation. The core offerings include a membership program (providing Backcountry Journal magazine, decals, and event access), the BHA Store (selling Public Land Owner branded merchandise), the Podcast and Blast audio content, the Armed Forces Initiative (military engagement program), and the Habitat Stewardship Program (hands-on conservation). The organization hosts regional events (Musters, Jamborees, and rallies) and maintains a state policy spotter tool for advocacy. The portfolio functions as a unified mission-driven platform rather than a modular SaaS product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BHA Membership Annual or recurring membership program that funds the organization's public-lands advocacy and conservation work and provides members with Backcountry Journal magazine, BHA decals, special discounts, event invitations, monthly eNewsletter, and member portal access. Targeted at individual hunters, anglers, hikers, paddlers, trail enthusiasts, and military members across the U.S. and Canada.
• Public Land Owner Branded Merchandise (BHA Store) Online merchandise store selling official Public Land Owner branded apparel and gear, with proceeds funding BHA's habitat stewardship and advocacy work. Open to the public and any individual who wants to support the organization's mission by purchasing branded goods.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered pinnacle, summit, expedition, trailblazer and trailhead.

• First LitepinnacleGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium hunting apparel company that supports BHA as part of its conservation commitment. Designs functional products for hunters and recognizes the importance of wildlife conservation and public land access.
• OnXpinnacleGTM or Marketing PartnerGPS mapping and land ownership navigation company headquartered in Missoula, MT. Revolutionary tool for knowing land ownership boundaries, helping hunters understand public land access.
• Vortex OpticspinnacleGTM or Marketing PartnerWisconsin-based optics company committed to conservation with proceeds supporting public lands protection.
• Walton'spinnacleGTM or Marketing PartnerGame meat processing equipment and supplies company. Slogan 'Everything but the meat' with selection of seasonings, packaging, casings, and equipment.
• HuntStandpinnacleGTM or Marketing PartnerHunting app with advanced mapping and land management tools serving millions of American hunters.
• Conservation First BanksummitGTM or Marketing PartnerMission-driven financial institution aligning banking with outdoor values and conservation efforts.
• DometicsummitGTM or Marketing PartnerVehicle equipment company providing power, shelter, cooling, and cooking solutions for vehicle-based exploration.
• Duck CampsummitGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium outdoor goods for hunting and fishing apparel.
• Irish SettersummitGTM or Marketing PartnerBoots manufacturer with 70+ year heritage committed to sustainable materials and conservation support.
• NRSsummitGTM or Marketing PartnerNorthwest River Supply - watercraft and outdoor gear for public water access.
• Savage ArmssummitGTM or Marketing PartnerFirearms manufacturer founded in 1894 with over 200 rifle models, committed to public lands.
• Simms Fishing ProductssummitGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium fishing gear manufacturer headquartered in Bozeman, MT, creators of first GORE-TEX breathable waders.
• SITKA GearsummitGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium hunting apparel engineering solutions and content authenticity.
• WeatherbysummitGTM or Marketing PartnerWyoming-based firearms company founded in 1945, known for Mark V rifles and magnum calibers.
• WestonsummitGTM or Marketing PartnerFood processing, preservation, and preparation equipment manufacturer.
• BenchmadeexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerKnife manufacturer.
• DannerexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor and tactical boots.
• GrundensexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerFishing and outdoor apparel.
• JetBoilexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerBackpacking and outdoor cooking systems.
• KorkersexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerWading boots and outdoor footwear.
• Rep Your WaterexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerFishing apparel and accessories.
• Seek OutsideexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerUltralight hunting packs and gear.
• Stone GlacierexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerUltralight hunting gear and packs.
• Trout RoutesexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerTrout fishing information and mapping.
• XOPexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerTree stands and hunting accessories.
• ZOLEOexpeditionGTM or Marketing PartnerSatellite communicator for outdoor connectivity.
• Alpacka RafttrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerPackable whitewater rafts.
• Black Coffee Roasting CotrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee roaster supporting conservation.
• HESTtrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerPortable sleeping systems for outdoor use.
• NEMOtrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor camping equipment and apparel.
• OARStrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerOutfitters and rafting expeditions.
• Planetary DesigntrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor drinkware and accessories.
• Rocky TalkietrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerTwo-way radios for outdoor use.
• Sport DogtrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerDog tracking and training collars.
• Turtlebox AudiotrailblazerGTM or Marketing PartnerLoud and durable outdoor speakers.
• Tony Bynum PhotographytrailheadGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor and hunting photography.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Trout Unlimited: Coldwater-fishing conservation nonprofit with a similar member-and-chapter model, focused on public water access and habitat — directly comparable in structure, mission framing, and grassroots advocacy approach.
• Ducks Unlimited: Waterfowl and wetlands conservation nonprofit with a comparable sportsmen-based membership model and major corporate partner program — the largest peer in the hunting-conservation nonprofit space.
• Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: Coalition-style sportsmen's conservation nonprofit focused on public lands, access, and policy — closely aligned mission and policy-advocacy posture with BHA.
• Pheasants Forever: Upland-game and habitat conservation nonprofit with a chapter model and corporate sponsor ecosystem highly similar in structure and member demographics to BHA.
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Big-game conservation nonprofit with a comparable membership, chapter, and event-driven fundraising model focused on wildlife habitat and public land access.
• Quality Deer Management Association: Deer-habitat and hunting-conservation nonprofit with a member-based operating model and corporate partner program targeting the same hunting demographic as BHA.
• Izaak Walton League of America: Historic conservation nonprofit with chapters across the U.S. focused on natural resource conservation, including hunting, fishing, and habitat — a long-standing chapter-based peer.
• Wild Sheep Foundation: Wild-sheep and habitat conservation nonprofit with a member-and-chapter fundraising model and a similar focus on public land access for sportsmen.

Broad incumbents

• National Wildlife Federation: Larger, broader U.S. wildlife conservation nonprofit that overlaps with BHA on habitat and public lands advocacy but does not specialize in hunting/angling access.
• The Wilderness Society: National advocacy nonprofit focused on public lands and wilderness designation — overlapping mission on public land protection but a much broader, non-sportsmen-oriented supporter base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Backcountry_H_A

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Backcountry Hunters & Anglers