On the strength of a record-setting convention footprint, attendance and fundraising total, the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) last weekend positioned itself for new benchmarks in support of conservation, education and hunter advocacy programs in 2011.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies has released a white paper Benefits of Outdoor Skills to Health, Learning and Lifestyle: A Literature Review documenting the contributions of outdoor skills and wildlife-related outdoor education to health, learning and lifestyle in general and fishing and hunting participation in particular.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking proposals from states and U.S. territories interested in obtaining federal financial assistance to acquire land or conduct planning efforts for endangered species conservation.

The Pope and Young Club has announced its Conservation Program Grants for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

To help federally licensed firearms retailers (FFLs) keep up with the latest regulations and changes related to their businesses, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System jointly sponsor an annual series of Retailer Education Seminars. To date, over 8,000 FFLs have attended more than 70 seminars held nationwide.

New online instructor training developed by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) makes learning how to share our hunting heritage more effective, accessible and convenient. Developed in partnership with the Remington Outdoor Foundation, the curriculum features lessons designed to enhance teaching skills using animation, photos, video and narration offering expert advice.

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced that it has awarded three new education grants to youth-focused boating, fishing and conservation organizations that reach kids and families across the country.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will hold its first ever Texas Wildlife Short Course August 20-21, 2010 at the Brazos County Exposition Center. Following the conclusion of the Texas Wildlife Short Course, the Texas Wildlife Association's Regions 5, 6, 7 (Post Oak Savannah, Pineywoods, and Coastal Prairies) will be holding the annual Texas Big Game Awards Sportsmen's Celebration.

Texas is a mighty big place, but its borders aren't nearly big enough to contain its residents' passion for wildlife, hunting and conservation. Over the past year, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supporters across the state have raised enough money to grant substantial funding for elk habitat initiatives nationwide, plus keep some dollars at home for important conservation education efforts in 12 Texas counties.

Bass Pro Shops has renewed its annual sponsorship of a special "federal holiday" created to acknowledge hunters, anglers and conservation-National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Saturday, September 25, 2010.