We don't often weigh in with our opinions on political issues here at Realtree unless it’s an issue specifically tied to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. But right now, there is a provision in the federal budget bill (also called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA), currently with the U.S. Senate, that would make up to 250 million acres of public land eligible for sale, according to Field & Stream. Most of that land is in the western United States.

Image: Public_lands_Pendley

America’s public lands are a treasure, unique in the world, and Realtree fundamentally opposes any sale of them. Image by Michael Pendley.

We want to be crystal-clear about our stance on this one: We fundamentally oppose the sale of any public lands. Sen. Mike Lee, chairman of the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resource Committee, says the sales wouldn't include national parks or wilderness areas, but would instead target “isolated parcels” that could be developed for housing or infrastructure. Yet, as we all know, those overlooked, isolated parcels in the West are sometimes the best ones for hiding a secret ridge full of Merriam's turkeys or a favorite trout stream. When they're gone, they're gone.

No doubt, Sen. Lee and other supporters of the bill have felt pressure from the hunting community, as well as countless voices on both sides of the political aisle. It seems some of that pressure could be working, too. Hunter Nation shared a post from @BasedMikeLee on X yesterday evening that said: “Hunter Nation: You Spoke, and I’m Listening. I’ll be making changes in the coming days.” Let’s hope that’s true.

Whatever you think of the rest of the items in the OBBBA, hunters, anglers, and anyone who enjoys the unique treasure we have in America’s public lands should strongly oppose this. Learn more about how you can help by visiting this action link from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.