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.

Every four years, the U.S. fields an Olympic shooting team known worldwide for achieving success in a most un-contemporary way-a rich and distinctly American background in traditional field sports.

Camping in Texas can be a fun family outing, but it can also be an intimidating and daunting task for those who have never been. Thanks to the Texas Outdoor Family program, families have the chance to learn the basics of camping and enjoy the great outdoors.

Today in a joint press conference held on Roosevelt Island, on the Potomac River just outside of the nation's capital, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the formation of the Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council which will serve as the advisory committee to the administration to advise on policy affecting every hunter in America. Safari Club International was present for the announcement and will seek to play a significant role on the newly formed Federal Advisory Council.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has completed a major revision of its Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan, which is now available to the public. The year-long process created 12 regional forums based on river watersheds to promote dialogue and joint planning with outside stakeholders and field staff.

Former Women's Bassmaster Tour pros Dianna Clark and Judy Wong quickly switched to the Bassmaster Central Open circuit when the WBT was discontinued this month.

Limited water resources in the Highland Lakes are driving the Lower Colorado River Authority to propose reductions in "interruptible" water, the lifeblood of rice farmers and other producers that rely on LCRA's irrigation districts in Matagorda, Colorado and Wharton counties. Ducks Unlimited (DU) representatives expressed their concern over the proposed restrictions at a public meeting on October 20 in Matagorda.

President Barack Obama has recognized the conservation spirit of hunters and anglers while officially proclaiming Saturday, September 26, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in America.

The BoatU.S. Foundation continues its mission of helping boating communities across the country by awarding its 2009 Clean Water and boating safetygrants to 19 local non-profit groups. Combined, nearly $50,000 was awarded to these groups to develop creative projects that address environmental problems on local waterways and promote safe boating.

The 2009 USA Shooting National Shotgun Championships came to a close at Ft. Carson's International Shooting Park July 18 with 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Corey Cogdell earning a national title in the trap event.