Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) announced that James Brandenburg, a grassroots leader and outdoorsman, as the newest member of its North American Board.
As a North American public lands advocacy group, BHA “aims to ensure our outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting.” To this end, its North American Board provides guidance and support for the organization, which operates in 49 states, Washington D.C., two Canadian provinces, and one Canadian territory.
Brandenburg’s appointment adds to the BHA’s Board of conservation leaders. He has a “critical boots on the ground” perspective developed when he was a volunteer and architect of BHA’s Arkansas chapter.
“My love for the outdoors started as a boy chasing my dad—not through the woods, but on the golf course,” Brandenburg shared. “As the sun dipped behind the Ozark hills, I became attuned to the changing air and sounds…Today, as a husband and father of three, my outdoor pursuits have grown to include hunting, fishing, hiking, and exploring public lands as a family.”
Brandenburg credits his sons with sparking his interest in deer hunting, which ignited a deep passion for pursuing wild game and conserving public lands. “We’ve learned to hunt and fish together, with lessons often flowing both ways,” he added.
Brandenburg joined the BHA in 2018 as a volunteer, despite Arkansas not having a chapter. Within two years, he changed that.
“It’s members like James that truly embody the BHA ethos,” said Patrick Berry, BHA President and CEO. “James saw a need, he engaged others, he collaborated, and despite whatever challenges came his way, he found a way to make it happen. That’s the spirit of BHA. We don’t wait for conditions to be perfect, we don’t shy away from hard work, and most importantly—we show up for the things we care about. I truly look forward to having James serve on our Board and benefitting from his leadership.”
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the organization, Brandenburg was honored with BHA’s Mike Beagle-Chairman’s Award earlier this year. The highest individual award BHA bestows.
Images courtesy BHA
