THE ELECTION for Virginia's next gov- ernor is just a month away. Last week, we interviewed state Sen. Creigh Deeds about his positions on hunting, fishing and conservation issues. This week, we ask former Attorney General Bob McDonnell the same questions.

Do you personally hunt and/or fish? If yes, for what species and when was the last time you were in the field or on the water?

I enjoy fishing with my sons, Bobby and Sean, whenever we get the chance. My daughter, Jeanine, caught her first fish back in the early '80s when we were fishing at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

What is the most important issue facing Virginia's hunters? What would you do about it?

It is very important to me that Virginians have hunting opportunities across the commonwealth. That is why I have set a goal of preserving 400,000 acres of open space during my administration. Much of this land can be used for citizens to enjoy the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. During my time as a delegate, I co-sponsored legislation (HB2044) in 1997 that created the Open-Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund. This fund was established to be used by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation for grants to assist with costs associated with conservation easements conveyances, such as legal and appraisal costs or all or part of the value of the easements.

I have also led efforts to protect hunter's Second Amendment rights and was recently endorsed by the NRA. As attorney general, I filed an amicus brief in support of the individual right to bear arms in the case of Heller v. District of Columbia, which challenged the District of Columbia's outright ban on personal handgun ownership. I was a vocal and active supporter of this position, and was pleased to see the Supreme Court rule against the District's ban.

As governor, I will preserve 400,000 acres of open land and continue to support Second Amendment rights.

What is the most important issue facing Virginia's recreational anglers? What would you do about it?