Callaghan to continue conservation leadership and public lands advocacy through MeatEater
MISSOULA, Mont.—Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is proud to announce that Ryan “Cal” Callaghan—longtime BHA supporter, former chair of BHA’s North American Board, and current vice president of conservation at MeatEater—has been named incoming president and CEO of BHA, effective January 1, 2026.
“This is a best-case scenario for BHA,” said Chris Jenkins, chair of BHA’s North American Board of Directors. “Cal has been a steadfast voice for public lands and conservation for years. His leadership, authenticity, and deep connection to the hunting and angling community make him the perfect person to guide BHA into its next chapter.”
Callaghan will remain an active contributor to MeatEater; he will continue to host his weekly podcast, Cal’s Week in Review, and periodic video content and support MeatEater’s technical hunting apparel brand First Lite as a brand ambassador. MeatEater’s continued leadership in the fight for public lands demonstrates a shared commitment between both MeatEater and BHA to advance conservation and promote opportunities for hunting and fishing across North America.
“Cal has been a foundational member of the MeatEater team since the beginning,” said MeatEater founder and Chief Creative Officer Steven Rinella. “He’s been a moral compass, a true conservationist who is unwavering in his principles as a public lands advocate. When he came to me with the news that he intended to take on this role, I was proud of him and happy for BHA. BHA will benefit from the leadership of such a genuine, authentic defender of our lifestyle. Here at MeatEater, we’re very supportive of Cal’s mission,” added Rinella.
Callaghan has built a reputation as one of the most trusted advocates in the conservation space. From his years guiding, hunting and fishing in the West to his leadership at MeatEater, and prior to that helping shape First Lite’s origin story and creating its conservation ethos. As the brand’s first non-founder employee, Callaghan embodies the values of access, stewardship, and fair chase that are central to BHA’s mission.
Fittingly, Callaghan, who just embarked on a coastal grizzly bear hunt in Alaska for a new MeatEater production—living out the very values that define BHA’s mission—offered the following upon his return:
“I am beyond excited to join BHA and kick ass on behalf of our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife,” said Callaghan. “North America’s public lands, and our access to them, have motivated and guided me throughout my life, from a seasonal employee and guide to a small-brand leader at First Lite to vice president of conservation at MeatEater and, most importantly, as a BHA volunteer, where the member community and staff work tirelessly to conserve the myriad tangible and intangible values our public spaces provide: adventure, challenge, love, heartbreak and food, to name a few.
“I’m committed to building on the momentum of the incredible BHA community as a nonpartisan voice leading the charge for conservation. In the months ahead, I’ll focus on empowering our members, expanding our reach, and strengthening partnerships across the political spectrum that drive real conservation results. Our community is strongest when we rise above division and stand united, for public lands and waters that define us. Together, I know we can secure lasting wins for wildlife, habitat, and access. MeatEater will remain a key part of my life, and I’m proud to continue representing the brand and its audience as we work toward these shared goals.”
About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
BHA is the voice for our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. With chapters across North America, BHA brings together hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to ensure future generations have the same opportunities to experience the outdoors as we do today.
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