Patrick Berry steps down from his role as president and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

MISSOULA, Mont. — The North American Board of Directors for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) announced on Tuesday that Patrick Berry has stepped down from his role as President and CEO, effective July 25, 2025, to pursue new opportunities and focus on personal priorities.

“We thank Patrick for his service during an important period in BHA’s growth,” said Ryan Callaghan, BHA North American board chair. “Patrick brought energy and passion to advancing our mission and supporting our community of hunters and anglers. We appreciate and are thankful for Patrick’s contributions, which have already proven pivotal in the direction and growth of the organization. Additionally, we respect and support Patrick’s decision to pursue his goals closer to home with full focus.”

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Berry took over as CEO and president of the Missoula, Mont.-based Backcountry Hunters and Anglers on Jan. 1, 2024. He replaced Land Tawney who had led the organization for a decade.

“It has been an incredible honor to lead BHA during such a pivotal time in both the evolution of the organization and as we face unprecedented attacks on our public lands legacy,” Berry said in the release issued from BHA. “Even while focused on the transformational changes needed to ensure a thriving future for BHA, we built momentum and increased our effectiveness as the leader in public lands advocacy. I am proud of our broad-based efforts to revitalize BHA and will greatly miss the passion and dedication of BHA’s truly distinctive community.”

BHA says the organization has experienced significant growth in recent years in membership, national visibility, and policy impact. That momentum has continued in 2025, marked by record-breaking engagement on policy issues, the defense of public lands from proposed congressional sell-offs, and the continued strengthening of BHA’s reputation as a leading voice for public lands advocacy.

The organization said it is actively planning for what comes next.

“As part of our ongoing strategic planning process, the North American Board, executive leadership team, staff and membership are charting an ambitious path for BHA,” Callaghan said. “Together, we’re focused on ensuring that our leadership — current and future — is equipped to sustain our momentum, while staying laser focused on safeguarding the future of our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, and access to them.”