Framework for Conservation Title agreed upon, details expected early next week

– May 2, 2008 – Late last night, congressional leaders reached a framework agreement on the 2008 Farm Bill's Conservation Title. Lawmakers are still ironing out other titles to complete the new Farm Bill. Full conservation program specifics will not be publicly released until early next week, but the new Farm Bill appears to be moving forward with the possibility of floor votes in both the Senate and House next week.

PIERRE, S.D.—South Dakota’s hunting heritage has traditionally been passed from one generation to the next. Recognizing that linage, and wanting to help it along, the S.D. Legislature approved a bill this year that allows children as young as 10 years of age to take part in mentored hunting opportunities.

“Having youngsters in the field is nothing new in South Dakota,” said Tony Leif, director of the Wildlife Division of the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “Many South Dakotans learned about hunting and the outdoors well before they were old enough to hunt.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Each year, conservation-minded Americans celebrate National Arbor Day by joining forces on the last Friday in April to plant an estimated 18 million tree seedlings.

However, to improve wildlife habitat and the environment, tree-planting efforts must span much further than Arbor Day celebrations. Through the National Wild Turkey Federation's initiatives, private landowners and volunteers work year-round to rejuvenate forests by managing habitat and planting trees.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Congressionally appointed celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation set for Sept. 27, welcomes Outdoor Channel as an official sponsor for 2008.

DOUBLE SPRINGS, Ala. — Ask any wildlife biologist what it takes to keep wildlife healthy, happy and close to home, and they'll tell you it's all about having good habitat.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Outdoor television star Michael Waddell has been selected as honorary chairman for this year's National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 27.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Woolrich, a perennial supporter of National Hunting and Fishing Day, has again come aboard as a major sponsor of the annual commemoration set for Sept. 27.

New hunters are taking to the field, thanks to laws that remove unnecessary restrictions. Since 2004, more than 87,000 apprentice hunting licenses have been sold.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A long-time supporter of the sporting heritage, Cabela's has again signed on to sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 27.

(Colorado Springs, CO, Jan. 24)-The USA SHOOTING SAFETY COALITION has completed a "Basics of Firearm Safety" video that incorporates the best practices of member training organizations. In contrast to previous efforts by a variety of sources, this video is fast paced, interesting and fun to watch. The pacing, music, video sequences and transitions will hold the interest of students and creates easy to remember safety points.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Wonders of Wildlife museum, official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day, has announced a major sponsorship from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to kickoff the 2008 celebration of the annual holiday, set for Sept. 27.

Over the years, manufacturers and sportsmen have helped raise well over $500,000 for the future of hunting in America through the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show's annual firearm and knife auction. The 2008 auction promises to be another exciting one. The items include a highly embellished Ruger rifle with a historic serial number, an elegant Pennsylvania longrifle and a finely crafted, expertly engraved folding knife.

Bill Stevens is closing the books on 42-years as Federal's conservation program manager. He finished on a strong note with Field & Stream Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award-presented to him in September as part of the Heroes of Conservation banquet in New York City.

Quail Forever (QF) announces the hiring of Sara Lauren Bales as the wildlife biologist servicing Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Bales joins QF after working for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) as their quail habitat biologist. She is also a member of the Southeast Quail Study Group.

With the school year well under way, many teens are busy with football, soccer, cross-country or another "traditional" sport.  Twin brothers Trent and Eric Pribil, seniors at Edmond North High School, are polishing up their rifles and shotguns for another year of participating in shooting sports.

Reprinted with Permission from the NRA Club Connection--The Virginia Friends of NRA received a State Friend of Extension Award as part of the Virginia Extension Service Association's annual meeting held in Richmond, May 24. The award was presented by the Alpha gamma chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Extension honorary organization. Accepting the award were NRA Field Representative Macey White of Middlesex County, State Fund Committee Chairman John Ritenour of Rockingham County, and State Fund Committee Assistant Mindy Deviers.

Recognizing the need to promote the safe handling, storage and transportation of firearms, USA Shooting announced during the recent Orlando Shot Show that leading firearm instruction and sports shooting organizations are joining with them to form the USA Shooting Safety Coalition.

The National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation is joining a newly formed coalition of organizations to promote the safe and responsible storage and use of firearms. National 4-H will join the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and USA Shooting, to work together on a new initiative to enhance the education and training of the nation’s firearms
instructors and their work with hunters and competitive shooters. Child Guard, LLC, will serve as an official Supporting Partner of these organizations, providing technical expertise, financial support and products in support of the program.

Pheasants Forever (PF) announces a new partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game to improve upland wildlife habitat in the state. Through the partnership, Craig Holmberg will become an employee of both organizations. Holmberg’s duties will focus on establishing pheasant and quail habitat in Nez Perce and Latah Counties.

It's quail hunting season, but where are the birds? Loss of habitat for the northern bobwhite quail — the nation's most popular game bird — is blamed for its sharp decline in the Southeast, according to a University of Florida wildlife conservationist, who says improved land management practices will help restore the species.