Victory for Public Lands: Hunters Help Stop 500,000-Acre Land Sale Provision

When Hunters Speak, Congress Listens

As hunters, we depend on something that can’t be bought, built, or replaced: public land. It’s where we chase elk bugles at first light, set camp beneath alpine stars, and carry out the weight of the harvest with pride. That’s why the recent removal of a proposed land sale provision from the federal budget bill is more than just a win—it’s a reminder of what’s at stake, and how powerful our voices can be.

The Threat: 500,000 Acres at Risk

Earlier this month, a quiet but dangerous amendment was tucked into the House budget proposal. The language, introduced by members of Congress from Nevada and Utah, initially appeared to target just a few thousand acres for sale. But hidden within the bill was a much broader requirement to sell or trade up to 500,000 acres of public land in Nevada, along with prime acreage in southern Utah.

There was no public comment period. No clear plan. Just a proposal that could have set a damaging precedent—one that treats public lands like excess inventory.

Why It Matters to Hunters

This isn’t just about land on a map. It’s about:

Losing access to game-rich backcountry
Breaking apart migration corridors and critical habitat
Opening the door for future land sell-offs without public input

Thankfully, leaders in Congress—prompted by intense pressure from sportsmen, conservation groups, and everyday hunters—stepped up. Representative Ryan Zinke of Montana put it plainly: “Once the land is sold, we will never get it back.”

The provision was stripped from the bill through a manager’s amendment after a group of western Republicans refused to support it. It was a major win, driven in no small part by hunters across the country making their voices heard.

What Caribou Gear Believes

At Caribou Gear, we don’t just make gear for the backcountry. We stand for the backcountry.

Our synthetic game bags, tarps, and field gear are built for hunters who venture deep into public lands—often miles from the nearest road. Without those lands, there’s no ethical, fair-chase hunting. No solo pack-outs. No adventure. That’s why we’re proud to stand with the hunters, anglers, and outdoor advocates who said enough is enough.

We believe that protecting public lands isn’t political—it’s personal.

Stay Alert: The Fight Isn’t Over

While the land sale provision was removed from the House bill, the battle could continue in the Senate. Lawmakers who support selling off public ground may try to sneak it back in.

This is why we must remain vigilant:

Stay engaged and contact your representatives
Speak up when access and opportunity are on the line

Final Thoughts from the Trail

As a Colorado hunter and public lands advocate, I’ve stood on ridges in the Flat Tops and looked across valleys I’d never reach without public access. That freedom, that legacy—it’s worth defending every time.

This recent victory is proof that hunters can make a difference. We need to keep showing up, keep speaking out, and keep protecting what makes western hunting special.

Because once we lose it—we don’t get it back.