NEWTOWN, Conn. -- For many hunters, that 300-mile drive to deer camp may be put on hold this year. Unwilling -- or unable -- to spend more on gasoline than licenses and lodging, many hunters are checking out their options closer to home.

A variety of resources are available at www.nhfday.org for media members covering National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Congressionally appointed annual commemoration of hunters, anglers and conservation.  This year's celebration is set for Sept. 27.

The Northcoast Limbhangers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is hosting a Women in the Outdoors fishing event Saturday, August 16, at Grand River Marina in Grand River, Ohio.  Women can enjoy a half-day of perch fishing from a charter boat on Lake Erie and register for their choice of two classes. Alluring jewelry making, basic fishing techniques, fishing gear selection and filleting and cooking are just a few of the classes being offered.

The Wisconsin Sports Fest attracts more than 30,000 attendees each year, and the sixth edition, at the Sunnyview Exposition Center in Oshkosh, should be another crowd-pleasing festival. In addition to live musical entertainment, outdoor personalities will be on hand to speak and sign autographs.

As the National Wild Turkey Federation celebrates its 35th year of promoting wildlife conservation and the preservation of North America's hunting heritage, the organization is reflecting on its rich history and honoring the man who started it all.  Tom Rodgers, of Edgefield, S.C., founder of the NWTF, received a one-of-a-kind Founder's Award during a ceremony at NWTF headquarters, Saturday, Aug. 9.

Michael Waddell, the outdoor industry's charismatic television show host, has agreed to become the official spokesman for the National Wild Turkey Federation.  In this new role, Waddell will represent the NWTF as host of its television series, "Turkey Call," which airs on Outdoor Channel. In addition, Waddell will assume emcee duties at the organization's national convention, which will be held Feb. 19 to 22, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn. Members also will be treated to personal appearances by Waddell at many other NWTF events.

There's nothing quite like a day at the shooting range to strengthen a marriage and make new friends - at least that's the case for Jeff and Lynn Montjoy of Greenwood, S.C.  Jeff Montjoy, an avid hunter and longtime member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, introduced his wife to sporting clay shooting after learning about the sport from a friend. What began as a hobby quickly turned into an obsession the couple credits with helping them meet new friends and make their 20-year marriage better than ever.

Grand slams are usually reserved for the baseball diamond, but this week on Pheasants Forever Television, you'll see how wildlife artist John House stroked one out of the park. The episode airs on Outdoor Channel on Thursday, Aug. 7th at 10PM CDT / 11PM EDT. The episode will also air on Friday, Aug. 8th at 10AM CDT / 11AM EDT and again on Saturday, Aug. 9th at 5:30PM CDT / 6:30PM EDT.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has launched a public awareness campaign to inform Washington, D.C., residents—particularly those now considering purchasing a handgun—about the many educational resources it makes available to firearms owners. The campaign follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision (Washington, D.C., et. al. vs. Heller) reaffirming the Second Amendment as an individual right and ruling the district’s ban on handguns unconstitutional.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) continues to make restoring the longleaf pine - one of America's most endangered ecosystems - a priority.  The NWTF recently signed a conservation agreement with the Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF) Partnership for Longleaf Pine Restoration to help restore the longleaf pine to areas in and near Fort Stewart in southeastern Georgia.

In addition to their regular business, Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners will get a history lesson when they conduct their August meeting at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park. The commission's agenda for the one-day meeting on Aug. 7 includes a tour of the park, located 10 miles southwest of Lake City. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) reported an excellent wild turkey hunting season this spring, with a record harvest totaling 10,994 gobblers.  During the past 30 years, wild turkeys have flourished across the North Star State due to the efforts of the MDNR, the Minnesota State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and other partners.

During the last five years, volunteers from the National Wild Turkey Federation's 62 New York chapters have raised and spent more than $490,000 through Hunting Heritage fundraising banquets. These dollars have helped fund habitat enhancement projects, outreach and education programs and research within the state.

Shooters from throughout the industry stepped to the firing line at the 6th Annual Shooting Industry Masters July 26 to blast clays and ring steel, all in support of NSSF’s Step Outside program.  More than 150 shooters, including company CEOs, sales reps and factory craftsman, competed in the three-gun competition at the Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, Conn. Produced by FMG Publications, the event’s raffle raised $16,500 for the Step Outside program, which introduces newcomers to shooting.

Glenn Sapir, of Putnam Valley, N.Y., was recognized as the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2008 Communicator of the Year recipient during a Professional Outdoor Media Association conference luncheon Saturday, Aug. 2, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Shooters from around the country are chomping at the bit to shatter clay targets at the National Wild Turkey Federation's 15th annual Turkey Shoot, held Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2008 at The Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Ga.

The National Wild Turkey Federation's recently renewed agreement with Bank of America will help more than 500,000 NWTF volunteers and staff to continue to improve wildlife habitat and preserve our nation's hunting traditions.