The 30th annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas showed a regrettable lack of booth babes but, by way of compensation, lots of interesting new shotguns. Upland bird hunters should be especially pleased by the shotgun class of '08, which includes some lightweight pumps and autos as well as a little something for everyone else.

Benelli
Beretta
Franchi
Browning
H&R
Mossberg
SKB
Weatherby
Winchester
Remington

Storm surge from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita turned the Gulf coast's freshwater wetlands into brackish, oxygen-depleted dead zones. Now wildlife managers are concerned that the remaining habitat will become a breeding ground for avian disease

Founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt, the Boone and Crockett Club can boast a list of hugely significant accomplishments, among them; the protection of Yellowstone, Glacier, and Denali National Parks; the foundation of the National Forest Service, National Park Service, and National Wildlife Refuge System; the passing of the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts; and the establishment of the Federal Duck Stamp Program.

It's a long list, and it gets even longer when you consider that each trophy the club records is another validation of the system it helped build, a sign that America's wildlife conservation efforts continue to be a resounding success because of the sportsman's support.

The 40 magnificent animals shown in this gallery are proof of this. So browse through the photos, plan your next dream trip, and know that each hunt you take strengthens the foundation of hunting's future.

Dave liked this tempermental rifle enough to buy one for himself despite its quirks. Here's his review.