At all three NSSF-sponsored national Shooting Sports Summits, participants broadly acknowledged that everyone who cares about the future of the shooting sports must do everything possible to “remove the roadblocks” that make it harder to participate.

“One important link to participation is being able to find up-to-date and accurate information about hunting opportunities, seasons, licenses, tags, maps,” said Chris Chaffin, Director of Conservation Partnerships with the NSSF.

In partnership with the state wildlife management agencies, NSSF has created a new Internet Web site — www.HuntInfo.org — that the organization believes is an important step in that direction.

The easy-to-remember Web site will provide sportsmen and -women accurate and thorough information on what hunting opportunities exist in any state, and it will give hunters a direct link to each agency’s Web page for more detailed information on each state. Already, 41 states have committed to participate.

• Outdoor enthusiasts can get their gear online

With shopping on the Internet growing exponentially, a new outdoor-oriented Internet portal has emerged — outdoors.com. This new company, geared toward the outdoor enthusiast, brings quality hunting, archery and outdoor products of all types directly to the consumer via the Internet.

Outdoors.com offers convenient on-line shopping anytime, allowing consumers to purchase quality, brand-name products at prices lower than most mail-order catalogs.

In addition to the e-commerce site, outdoors.com also offers on-line hunting and guides. With more than 13,000 guides and hunting outfitters listed, consumers can easily find the hunt they desire.

• 3-D TopoQuad maps offered to sportsman

When professionals and outdoorsmen need a detailed map, they used to rely on the U.S. Geological Survey’s series of topographic 7.5-minute quadrangular maps.

“The problem with these maps was that the area of coverage needed would often overlap two or three different maps,” said Marion Welch of the Delorme Company. “This makes the information cumbersome to get and use. This problem has been solved with the release of 3-D TopoQuads from DeLorme.”

The 3-D TopoQuads provide seamless USGS maps of entire states in an easy-to-use CD-ROM format, offered by the Delorme Company, which enables users to view any region in the state in either two or three dimensions and print out customized maps of any region.

The maps are also compatible with GPS receivers and handheld computers. All 50 states should be released by early next year. For questions on how to purchase the product, call Welch at (207) 846-7000, ext. 2172, or send e-mail to marlonw@delorme.com.

• Boating safety classes scheduled in the area

Boating safety classes, sponsored by the Coast Guard and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, start on Feb. 19 at the Badin Shores Resort. Starting time is 10 a.m. Other dates and locations include: The Agg Center in Albemarle on April 1 at 10 a.m.; Badin Lake Resort on April 29th at 10 a.m.; and Agg Center Albemarle on May 8 -9, with classes starting at 6 p.m. on each day.

Classes return to Badin Shores Resort June 26-27 starting at 6 p.m. each day and back to the Agg Center in Albermarle on July 15 at 10 a.m. For more information on the boating safety classes contact John Heyer at 279-4316.

• Other activities coming up on the local scene

The newly formed High Rock Gobblers, a chapter member of the National Turkey Federation will hold their first fund raising banquet on Saturday, Feb. 12. The banquet will be held at 6 p.m. at the Rowan Shrine Club off Long Ferry Road.

The event will include: dinner, shotgun raffles, a silent auction, live auction and door prizes.

The 2000 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the 18th annual event, is scheduled for Feb. 18, 19 and 20. The events will feature 11 exhibit sites through out the Charleston, S.C., historic district. Over the past 18 years the Expo has grown into the largest, most prestigious art show in the country, with more than 40,000 visitors annually.

The Expo starts on Wednesday with a Featured Artist Reception., which is limited to patrons, benefactors, corporate sponsors and artists only at the Mills House.

On Thursday the Preview Afternoon is set for 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. and the day concludes with a Preview Night Gala and sale. Friday, the Expo opens to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Expo opens at 10 a.m. through 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.

For more information on the 18th Annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition call 843-723-4729.