Albany restaurant gift certificate

Around The Nation

Marylanders Will Hunt Bears

Despite emotionally based protest from many anti-hunting groups, Maryland's first black bear hunt in 50 years will take place during its scheduled time of October 25-30, 2OO4, in Allegany County, west of Evitt's Creek, and in Garrett County. If the 3O-bear quota is not met, another bear hunt will take place December 6-11.

Wildlife officials deemed the hunt necessary to curb problems caused by burgeoning bear populations in the rural portion of the state.

"We hope it will reduce the conflicts," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox.

(Source: Washington Times)

Today's Lassie is a Labrador Retriever

After an exhaustive, CO-person, all-night search, a man finally located a 2-year-old Bethelem, Indiana, girl after following dog tracks to the edge of the Ohio River, more than a mile away from the toddler's home. When the rescuer found Daisy Smith, her family's Labrador retriever was alongside her, hesitant to allow anyone near his little friend. After some coaxing, however, the friendly-but-loyal Lab allowed the man to return the child to her home. The dog had stayed with Smith all through the night, and the family credits the Lab with her safe return. (Source: AP)

NRA Member Woos Date, Wins Contest With Venison Dinner

When New York's Albany Times Union announced a contest called "Singles Serving," where bachelors would win the approval of a single lady (Diane Woodward) by cooking her dinner, one retired Marine and NRA Benefactor member knew what he had to do. Art Macheski would enter the contest and cook his favorite venison recipe. Win or lose, he would promote hunting in a national media outlet.

"I gambled," said Macheski, a hunter-ed instructor who recently returned from an African safari. "When she came in and saw all my animal heads, she asked if we were having venison." Not knowing what to think, Art nodded the affirmative. Then she said, "Oh, 1 love venison!"

As it turned out, Diane used to go to deer camp with her father when she was a little girl and relishes the nearly forgotten flavor of deer meat. After the lovely dinner, wine, and conversation, the contest was gravy. Art Macheski bagged the first-place prize, a $75 gift certificate to a local restaurant. (Source: Albany Times Union)