BHA taps Ryan "Cal" Callahan as new President/CEO of BHA

[kansasdad]

Email news about Callahan being tapped as new CEO/President of BHA. The news release states that he will also continue with the weekly podcast with MeatEater, and consult for FirstLite as well.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2025 Contact:​ [email protected] Ryan “Cal” Callaghan of MeatEater Named Incoming President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers​ 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.”​

 

[Nameless Range]

I have always thought Cal was someone who "gets it". That doesn't necessarily equate to growing and maintaining a huge organization, but he's a great voice for hunters/anglers.

 

[NR_Hunter]

Seems like a great way for Ol Cal to funnel all the newly recruited hunters towards ME sponsors/products.

I know that’s cynical, idc.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Cal is a solid guy. I think he will do well for them.

Congrats to BHA and to Cal!

 

[Forkyfinder]

That doesn't necessarily equate to growing and maintaining a huge organization.

I feel like a big splash hire is great for BHA.

Seems like a great way for Ol Cal to funnel all the newly recruited hunters towards ME sponsors/products.

I know that’s cynical, idc.

Seems the reverse to me.

 

[Irrelevant]

IDK where I stand on this, Cal seems like a good dude the few times I've chatted with him, but maintaining your old job too? That seems less than ideal. I have to believe running and trying to grow a large NP is a full-time job, or this is just for the optics.

 

[brymoore]

Seems like a great way for Ol Cal to funnel all the newly recruited hunters towards ME sponsors/products.

I know that’s cynical, idc.

Wow.

 

[Gellar]

The previous CEO after Tawney wasn’t with BHA long. Any word on why?

Listening to Cal’s stances on the roadless rule, ambler road and the 100 mile border buffer lately has painted Cal as more of a middle of the road guy to me. He had some statements in his podcasts that suggested to me he wasn’t all or none, but perhaps case by case. Maybe BHA is realizing they are stepping very left foot forward and need to get back in stride?

I do hope they make him wear real shoes. Hes always wearing flip flops and his feet are pretty ludicrous.

 

[NR_Hunter]

I feel like a big splash hire is great for BHA.

Seems the reverse to me.

So you think Ol Cal is going to be turning members of the non-profit he runs away from the company that’s owned by a private equity firm he still plans to work for?

 

[Forkyfinder]

So you think Ol Cal is going to be turning members of the non-profit he runs away from the company that’s owned by a private equity firm he still plans to work for?

Turning them away? I guess i dont see the value?

 

[NR_Hunter]

The previous CEO after Tawney wasn’t with BHA long. Any word on why?

Listening to Cal’s stances on the roadless rule, ambler road and the 100 mile border buffer lately has painted Cal as more of a middle of the road guy to me. He had some statements in his podcasts that suggested to me he wasn’t all or none, but perhaps case by case. Maybe BHA is realizing they are stepping very left foot forward and need to get back in stride?

I do hope they make him wear real shoes. Hes always wearing flip flops and his feet are pretty ludicrous.

Pure speculation, but burnout if I had to guess. Seems like being the CEO of a large non-profit could be stressful

 

[NR_Hunter]

Turning them away? I guess i dont see the value?

I guess I’m confused as what you meant by it seems to be the reverse.

 

[Irrelevant]

The previous CEO after Tawney wasn’t with BHA long. Any word on why?

Listening to Cal’s stances on the roadless rule, ambler road and the 100 mile border buffer lately has painted Cal as more of a middle of the road guy to me. He had some statements in his podcasts that suggested to me he wasn’t all or none, but perhaps case by case. Maybe BHA is realizing they are stepping very left foot forward and need to get back in stride?

I do hope they make him wear real shoes. Hes always wearing flip flops and his feet are pretty ludicrous.

Did they even announce his departure?

 

[Forkyfinder]

I guess I’m confused as what you meant by it seems to be the reverse.

I would say that BHA benefits more from ME in that situation than the reverse.

 

[Gellar]

Did they even announce his departure?

I dont follow their day to day actions that closely, but when Land Tawney left they dang near had a ticker tape parade for him.

Pure speculation, but burnout if I had to guess. Seems like being the CEO of a large non-profit could be stressful

Maybe the new CEO was there longer than I recall but most people are still overwhelmed, learning and moving at a fast pace after just a couple years on the new job.

 

[NR_Hunter]

I would say that BHA benefits more from ME in that situation than the reverse.

Gotcha. Yeah that certainly could be true as well.

 

[brymoore]

Did they even announce his departure?

Tawney’s been gone for almost two years. He’s created a quasi public land conservation company.

Pat Berry was CEO for 18 months but stepped aside in July. I didn’t know about this until today.

 

[birdseye]

I've never seen/read meateater, in fact, sounds like a porn link to me. I find that my outdoor pursuits are just fine without checking in with influencer types and then validating it all through the in the mom's basement masses.

Never heard of the guy and he surely has his fanboys here but anyway, I'm not a supporter of this dual role that this Cal character is jumping into. Like the Oak Ridge Boys say, "trying to please two women is like a ball and chain"

 

[rogerthat]

Cal is far and away the best of the ME clan. He will do great I believe

 

[Saranac84]

I’ve been a BHA member for years but hiring Callaghan as CEO seems like an odd move. How is it possible that BHA was unable to find somebody with executive experience in the conservation/hunting world?

Being an influencer, Meateater’s Director of Conservation and a BHA board member doesn’t prepare one for the demands of running a nonprofit. I have no doubt about his passion for the role but this is going to be a challenging transition.