We are always on the lookout for more information about counter-intuitive relationships between various communities of outdoor enthusiasts–including those involving people with guns, bows & arrows, and fishing rods–and their collaboration with/as conservationists. An op-ed article today on the Atlantic‘s website, by Tovar Cerulli, got us thinking about posting something we would title “Hunters, Anglers, Conservationists:”

For many environmentalists, the word “hunter” suggests a mindless brute, an enemy of nature who loves guns, kills for fun, and cares nothing for biodiversity or ecological integrity. For many hunters, the word “environmentalist” suggests a self-righteous tree-hugger, an enemy of freedom who hates guns, has no respect for hunting, and imagines nature as a Disney-like fantasyland where humans should not tread.

Though these stereotypes contain grains of truth, hunters and environmentalists aren’t as separate as many imagine. The Nature Conservancy counts many hunters among its members and staff and works closely with hunting-conservation organizations. Likewise, Pheasants Forever has thousands of non-hunting members who appreciate the organization’s work on behalf of native prairie habitats, wetlands, butterflies, and clean water.

Then we clicked through his byline to see that he is affiliated with this organization that is hosting an event this weekend in Denver and decided this would make a more interesting post:

BHA 2014 North American Rendezvous

To Purchase tickets for the Rendezvous, click here.  Check out the Rendezvous schedule below.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), The Sportsmen’s Voice for Our Wild Public Lands, Waters and Wildlife, is pleased to announce our 3rd Annual North American Rendezvous, to be held March 21 – 23, 2014, in Southeast Denver, Colorado at the Red Lion Hotel.

After last year’s success in Boise, it seems only natural that we follow up with a Rendezvous that is bigger and better. Over the past two years, the National Rendezvous has attracted passionate backcountry sportsmen and women from across the country. Attendance has grown by leaps and bounds and we fully expect another year of unprecedented attendance, energy and good times. Not to mention, it’s our 10 year anniversary and it’s time to celebrate the successes that BHA has had over the past decade.

BHA’s kicking the event off Friday night with a “Backcountry Bash” that is not to be missed. The bash will feature a keynote address, live Bluegrass music, vendors and gear demos and much more. Come for just one night, or the whole weekend for an event packed with:

• Great workshops and seminars to include game processing demo’s, how-to workshops on mule deer hunting techniques, panel discussions on “technology and hunting” and “women and hunting”, discussion on state and national conservation issues.
• A keynote address by Field & Stream’s venerable, Hal Herring
• Vendor booths and gear demo’s
• The first annual “Parade of Tents” showcasing some of the outdoor industry’s newest (and oldest) shelters
• A raffle and auction with loads of quality backcountry gear
• The public priemiere showing of “untamed” by Clay Hayes of twistedstave

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has become a vocal leader for sportsmen that value hunting and fishing in landscapes that are quiet, wild and challenging and decision makers at state and national levels are listening to our opinions. Whether you hunt or fish on wild public lands, or are simply interested in learning more about it, we invite you to join us at this year’s national gathering. We hope to see you there!  Purchase Rendezvous tickets online today!

A full weekend ticket includes: 2 dinners, 1 lunch, a ticket to the “Backcountry Bash” on Friday night, a BHA mug, drink tickets, entrance to seminars and workshops, door prizes, and much more.

To book a hotel room click here and use promo code BACK0319 to get the discount.

Catch all of the event updates on our facebook event page here.