WASHINGTON — The only thing stranger than Sen. Charles E. Schumer winning an award from hunting enthusiasts may be who he's sharing the award with — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Mr. Schumer, D-N.Y., received a "Hero of the Year" award from Field and Stream magazine for his efforts, with Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., to provide federal grants to property owners who make their land available for hunting and fishing.

"Hunting and fishing are not just recreational activities - they're vital parts of the economy," said Mr. Schumer, who built much of his congressional career fighting for strict gun controls, in a press release. "And this bill is a win-win that helps provide desperately needed access to land for our hunters and puts cold, hard cash into the hands of our hardworking farmers."

He said sharing the award with Mrs. Palin, whose hunting credentials are well known, makes for an "odd couple." His office touted the pairing, as it did the "Villain of the Year" award given to "tough guy" California Gov. Arnold Schwar-zenegger, who was panned for cutting funds to restore salmon and steelhead and proposing closings of recreational areas.

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