Open Country

Join the fight to access your public lands

In Colorado, Most State Trust Land is Closed to Public Hunting. What Gives?
By Ben LongJuly 9, 2019
States like Idaho, Wyoming and Montana all have large state holdings of trust lands – and have policies that generally allow the public to hunt on most of those lands. In Montana, for example, two-thirds of the state’s 4.76 million acres of trust land are open to public hunting, according to the Denver Post. Colorado, however, does things its own way. A way that has historically left hunters short.
Showdown Over the Land and Water Conservation Fund Continues
By Ryan Chelius Alex RobinsonJune 27, 2019
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is being threatened by potential budget cuts that would limit funding. The Department of the Interior has received bipartisan push back since the release of the proposal.
Federal Proposal Would Open Hunting and Fishing Opportunities in National Wildlife Refuges
By Ryan CheliusJune 21, 2019
Secretary Bernhardt proposes new or expanded hunting and fishing access on national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries. This proposal will give hunters and anglers access to over 1.4 million acres across the country.
Roadless Area Rules Could Be Rolled Back in Tongass National Forest
By Ben LongMay 24, 2019
At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass covers the southeastern panhandle of Alaska, islands, fjords, snowcapped peaks and lush rainforests. It is by far the largest national forest in the system. Creatures like whales and bald eagles that are rare in much of coastal North America, remain abundant here.
Snake River Dam Removal: Idaho Congressman Makes the Case to Save Salmon
By Ben LongApril 30, 2019
Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho raises the idea of removing four federal dams on the Snake River to stave off the extinction of fish like steelhead and salmon.
Bipartisan Group of Senators Aims to Fully Support the Land and Water Conservation Fund, The White House Proposes Gutting the Fund
By Ben LongApril 12, 2019
That “piggy bank” is the Land & Water Conservation Fund, which for more than 50 years has helped fund fishing access sites, public land purchases and conservation easement that protect working forest lands. Although the law lapsed in 2018, Congress reauthorized it in 2019, and this time made it permanent.

WHAT WE DO

In order to hunt or fish, you need a place to do it, and Open Country is committed to sportsmen's access—getting it, keeping it, defending it, and celebrating it—so that you always have that place.