The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed continuation of liberal hunting season lengths for the upcoming 2009-2010 late waterfowl seasons.

Check out the most recent issue of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's fisheries magazine, Eddies at www.fws.gov/eddies for the latest conservation and fisheries news.

In the 1990s, there was a popular trivia game called Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. It was based on the concept that any performer could be connected through his or her film roles to prolific actor Kevin Bacon in less than six links. The hunting world version of that game would have to be Six Degrees of Brenda Valentine. I'd venture to guess that you - or someone you know - has seen or met the First Lady of Hunting at a Bass Pro Shop opening, a hunt, convention, conference or seminar, not to mention the TV shows she's hosted or appeared on. Though there may be less than six degrees of separation between you and her, what do you really know about Brenda?

The "golden age" of sport hunting in the American West attracted many devotees of the chase beyond the military officers, aristocrats, and foreign gentlemen-sportsmen discussed earlier. The same factors that drew the "top-shelfers" to the hunt-the still-abundant game, convenient rail transportation, and improved firearms-also stimulated a growing tide of upper- and middle-class Americans to go west in search of adventure and trophy.

1) Boost the Economy

Affordable for the Hunter- One deer can yield approximately 50 pounds of nutritious venison. Virginia's abundant wildlife provides opportunities for hunters to dine on venison, duck, goose, rabbit, turkey and more - the ultimate in organic, free-range food. For a small fee of $18, a Virginia resident can purchase a Hunting License good for one year from the day of purchase (or the ultimate investment, purchase a lifetime license with the cost depending on the age of the purchaser). This allows the individual to hunt a variety of small game such as rabbits and squirrels. For another $18, that resident can purchase a Bear, Deer and Turkey License, good from July 1 through June 30, and good for cutting the food bill.