BHA & Steven Rinella Rock Ketchum

With opening day of archery antelope season less than 48 hours away, the energy was palpable as conservation group, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted an independent Hunting Film Tour event in Ketchum ID on August 13th at Whiskey Jacques. The night was co-hosted by author and TV personality Steven Rinella of Meat Eater TV and BHA Executive Director Land Tawney. Approximately 150-175 enthusiastic sportsmen packed the indoor/outdoor venue and enjoyed beer from Big Sky Brewing and freshly grilled burgers. Over $5,000 of incredible gear from BHA sponsors and local supporters was awarded in fundraising raffles and auctions.

Prior to the show, many lucky outdoorsmen had the chance to meet Steven Rinella and have him sign copies of his books such as The Scavenger’s Guide to Haute Cuisine, American Buffalo and Meat Eater. The BHA staff was on hand to discuss conservation issues with many of Idaho’s most passionate hunters and anglers that reside in the Wood Valley area. Additionally, Steven Rinella fired up the crowd with a rousing speech on the vital importance of protecting public lands and being involved with conservation groups such as BHA.

Filmmaker and BHA member Brian Huskey was on hand to enjoy the festivities and address the crowd prior to showing Into October, Huskey’s follow up film to his 2-13 debut film, The Endless Septemeber. Also in attendance was the crew from Ketchum based hunting apparel manufacturer First Lite. The entire team from First Lite did an amazing job of rallying the community to support the event. In addition, First Lite donated an entire clothing package. The evening ended with the showing of the BHA sponsored The Untamed, produce by BHA member and Idaho resident Clay Hayes.

Several local hunters were fortunate enough to take home some of the night’s top prizes. Traditional archer Benji Hill won a tent and stove combo from Seek Outside, Corey Griswold won a Kimber Micro-Carry .380 pistol, Eric Thomas won a pair of Vortex Diamondback binoculars and Randy Carroll beat the odds by winning the First Lite clothing package AND the a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 boots with only $20 in raffle ticket purchases. BHA congratulates all the winners and thanks all the local supporters, vendors and sportsmen for the tremendous turnout. Special thanks to all BHA sponsors noted above as well as Mystery Ranch!

Special note: in 2013 BHA hosted 1 Hunting Film Tour independent event in Bend, OR. The overwhelming success raised several thousand dollars and brought over 50 new members to the regional Chapter. BHA has formed a strategic alliance with the HFT and have posted 7 events on the calendar to date, keep a look out for an event in your area and be sure to attend!