More Americans are planning vacations this summer, approximately 86 percent (three percent higher than 2010) according to a recent TripAdvisory survey, with the nation's waterways serving as prime destinations.

Following an unprecedented and robust midterm NSSF Voter Education campaign, including the establishment of an NSSF Political Action Committee, the 2010 elections proved to be exceptionally strong for pro-industry candidates at both the federal and state levels. In the election, Republicans took back control of the House of Representatives while picking up six seats in the Senate and 10 governorships.

According to USA Today, 37 million Americans (one in eight) received emergency food aid in 2009--up 46% from 2005. In view of these dire statistics, SCIF Humanitarian Services once again sends a big “thank you!” to all the SCI chapters and individuals who helped make the 2009 season a great success for the Sportsmen Against HungerTM program. Total reported poundage as of publication deadline was 415,039 pounds, representing 1,660,156 meals.

The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) briefed members of Congress yesterday on two simultaneous disasters impacting recreational fishing caused by the effects of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the total closure of substantial ocean fisheries by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

As part of the on going issues in the Gulf of Mexico related to the Deep Horizon oil spill The Fisherman's Handbook will be doing expanded television coverage in the months of July, August and September.

A new firearm training set produced by Remington Outdoor Foundation and the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) allows instructors to provide students with training that is hands-on and safe.

High school students who write and submit an essay that answers the question, "How has the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) changed my life?" can walk away with $3,000 in winnings.

A controversy has erupted in the sport fishing community over a new federal management plan for oceans and Great Lakes waters. Recent opinion pieces circulating on the internet and reported on numerous radio stations have stoked the flames through revelations that the policy, if implemented, would prohibit recreational fishing within vast areas of public water.

Costa has been one of Bass Champs leading sponsors for the past four years, and we're excited that the company is bringing innovative marketing strategies to Bass Champs, adding incentives for our tournament anglers to experience the Costa advantage while on the water,? says Chad Potts, President of Bass Champs.