Thursday, the USA Shooting Team embarked on a historic path that will decide the men and women who will represent their country in London. From Kerrville, Texas, the first shots will be recorded on Sept. 23, in Men's and Women's Trap.

Wildscape, xeriscape, desertscape, water-wise, smartscape: whatever term you use, it's all Texan for resource conservation. As residents seek ways to conserve water, native plant wildscaping can be an important part of the mix, since studies show lawn care accounts for over 50 percent of a household's water usage.

Bass Pro Shops, the world's leading retailer of outdoor gear, has partnered with professional kayak angler Drew Gregory's Deep Creek Ventures to become a premier sponsor and host of 5 stops on "The 2011 River Bassin Tournament Trail."

Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV) scientists recently completed analyses demonstrating that the massive losses of coastal wetlands during the past half-century have reduced the capacity of Gulf Coast marshes to support wintering waterfowl. Potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to marsh vegetation and food production mean waterfowl may encounter even greater food shortages when they arrive on the Gulf Coast later this year.

The FLW American Fishing Series is headed to Toledo Bend June 17-19 for the third of three stops in the Texas Division series. As many as 300 pro and co-anglers will be competing for top awards of up to $25,000 plus a Ranger boat with an Evinrude or Yamaha outboard motor and up to $15,000, respectively.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife biologist Wesley Brian Littrell, 32, of Athens, was killed last Friday afternoon in a tractor-related accident on the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area in northwest Anderson County. He leaves behind an unfinished legacy of habitat conservation.

Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) President Jeff Crane, along with several members of the CSF Board of Directors, participated in last Friday's White House Conference on America's Great Outdoors.

Dallas Safari Club (DSC) has renewed a $10,000 life insurance policy for every game warden in Texas. The club has covered 100 percent of the premiums for five years.

The increasingly popular Texas Outdoor Family program is branching out to deliver adventurous programs for families who are looking for something more than an introductory how-to camping experience.