2010 is a critical election year for conservation in Texas, and the City of Houston is a key battleground for electing candidates who stand for clean air, clean water, and open spaces.

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.

Ducks Unlimited will recognize five Texans for their individual conservation commitments in Austin, Texas May 1. The Texas Heroes of Conservation evening, including; cocktails, dinner, honors presentation and auction, will be held at the Renaissance Austin.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) will return to Lake Conroe in 2010. The tournament received tremendous support in its first year on the Houston-area lake and will be held for the second time October 1 – 3. Ticketed activities for fans, including concerts, weigh-ins and expo areas, will take place October 2 and 3 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center. The event benefits the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and its outdoor recreation programs. 

USA Archery and Hoyt announced Friday that the Utah-based bow manufacturer has renewed its long-standing association as an official sponsor and supporter of USA Archery through 2012.

This summer, industry organizations are coming together to grow the boating and fishing lifestyle and get more people out on the water. To kick off boating and fishing season, the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA), the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and several others will host "Boat. Fish. Live. At National Marina Day" on Saturday, June 12, 2010.

Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will distribute more than $76.5 million to the fish and wildlife agencies of the 50 states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia, and territories to help conserve and recover imperiled fish and wildlife through the State Wildlife Grant Program.

As the No. 1 game management software in the deer and wildlife industry, GMS® continues to demonstrate leadership with its strong support of the deer industry’s most prominent leaders. GMS announces it has received the endorsement of Dr. James C. Kroll, renowned author, instructor and expert on whitetail deer.

The Scholastic Steel Challenge (SSC) has partnered with another firearms industry leader, electronic hearing protection manufacturer EHP, to offer SSC participants significant savings on the entire EHP line of products.