Experience the Mickelson Trail on Snowshoes

PIERRE, S.D. – The Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, a trail known for hiking and biking in the warmer months, will introduce visitors to a different mode of transportation for the winter months. Trail users are invited to experience the trail by snowshoe during a series of snowshoe walks in January and February.

Hikes will be held at 1 p.m. on January 10 and 24 and February 7 and 28.  “The locations of the walks will be determined the week of the walk,” said Dana Garry, park manager for the Mickelson Trail. “It all depends on the snow conditions,” added Garry. In the event of no snow, a hike will be held.

Staff will teach basic snowshoeing skills while leading a three-mile nature walk along the trail. A limited number of snowshoes are available for participants to use; please call the Lead office at (605) 584-3896 ahead of time to reserve a pair. Participants are also asked to call the Lead office prior to the hike for information on where to meet.

“We’d also like to remind people that snowshoes are available for check-out anytime, not just during guided hikes,” said Garry. The shoes can be checked-out at the Black Hills Trails Office in Lead.

There is no cost to participate in the program, although a trail pass is required. Both day and annual trail passes will be available for purchase before the program. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather.

The Walk in the Park programs are a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. For more information on the Walk in the Park programs and for a full listing of events for 2009, visit the state parks website at http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Calendar.htm or call (605) 773-3391.

On Saturday January 10, 2009  ”Indiana On The Fly” will bring you a day of

complete fly fishing extravaganza. With great sponsors such as Wildcat Creek Outfitters, Orvis,

 Eagle Creek Kayaks and JL Waters we are able to bring  you this exciting show!  Please stop by these establishments and thank them for their support!

Mark your calendars now…..don’t miss seeing Bob Clouser, Tim Holschlag and many other fly fishing icons!

Indiana State Fairgrounds

For more information and to view the FULL color flyer click here!

Up close and personal view of sharks!!!

Jelly-fish display

Sharks in the Smokies (C)
By Lisa Metheny

 Tennessee is one of my favorite places to visit, I love the Smoky Mountains, the charm of yesteryear, the sound of bluegrass music and the taste of sweet tea and fresh cobbler are just a few things that draw me back to this region year after year.

 The Smokey Mountain National Park offers an up close and personal look at wildlife as you meander along the famous “loop” drive that provides the visitors with a chance to see the parks most famous residents, the black bears.

 The Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area attract millions of people each year with the promise of endless shopping and a bountiful supply of every type of food your taste buds desire.

 Another must-see attraction in the Ripley’s Believe or Not® Aquarium located in downtown Gatlinburg. During a recent visit I had the opportunity to tour the aquarium, I admit that I am not typically excited about “indoor” act ivies, and the thought of looking through thick glass to watch salt water fish initially did not appeal to me. After a little convincing I gave it a go, I quickly turned into a child as I found myself wishing for more time as I watched dozens of sharks and thousands of vibrant salt-water fish dart in and out of vivid coral reefs.

 The Ripley’s Believe it or Not ® Aquarium is a must-stop-and-see location for anyone that visits this area. Visit their Web site for hours of operation and admission prices. For more information on exploring the many wonders of east Tennessee visit their Web site for an online tour of the area.

Be sure and take your camera as there is plenty to see. These photos were taken on a cell phone, which explains the poor quality!

Press Release courtesy of Pass It On-Outdoor Mentors

We’re coming down to the end of a very exciting year for the Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors program.  We’d like to ask your help in making sure that next year is even better!

In addition to our efforts to give kids across the country opportunities to spend time in the outdoors that we all know and love, we have been recognized by the National Forum on Children and Nature as one of 30 programs they are endorsing as being able to improve children’s health and overall well-being, while encouraging them to rediscover America’s great outdoors.

Giving children an opportunity to go hunting or fishing or camping or hiking…to experience the outdoors that we all know and love is the focus of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors.  Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods”, put it well when he said, “As a matter of policy, the conservation services should view the child-in-nature as an endangered species of the future – because if the young are not bonding with nature now, who will care about the refuges in the future?”

This last year, we were able to give children over 1,100 days outdoors.  Given the resources we have at hand, we feel that’s not a bad number.  But when you look at the number of kids who desperately need a chance to connect with nature, it’s a very small number indeed.

Now, with the recent endorsement of the Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors program by the National Forum on Children and Nature, we are asking everyone we know to step up and make a contribution that will help us take this program to even greater heights in the coming year. Your gift is especially important at this time.  Without your gift now, we cannot grow. Without your help, we cannot give more children time outdoors.  Yes, it’s a donation, but it’s also your personal investment to insure our outdoor heritage for generations to come.

I thank you for all of your support of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors and hope that you will consider generously donating to help us as we get ready to expand our program in the coming year.

You can click here to make your tax-deductible donation securely online (via PayPal…no PayPal account is required).  Or you can send your donation to our address below.

Best Wishes for this Blessed Season!

Mike Christensen

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc.

310 E 2^nd

Wichita, KS  67202

316-290-8883

mchristensen@outdoormentors.org

http://www.outdoormentors.org

Ray Howell Joins Hunter Safety System Pro Staff

Danville, Alabama — Hunter Safety System, the industry leader is safety harnesses, is pleased to announce its pro-staff affiliation with Ray Howell, founder of Kicking Bear One-on-One. Howell, an accomplished archer, developed this youth mentoring program to expose troubled and under privileged youth to archery, the great outdoors and hunting.

“Obviously we are very pleased to have an archery ambassador that represents and gives back to the youth of our society join our elite pro-staff team,” stated David Langston, director of marketing. “Ray’s passion for hunting and his dedication to exposing youth to archery, hunting, camping and the overall outdoor experience with an emphasis on safety makes him a natural fit with Hunter Safety System’s mission.”

A resident of southwestern Minnesota, Howell has harvested a number of Pope  & Young whitetails as well as species from many other countries. However, it is his mentoring program, Kicking Bear One-on-One, that sets Ray apart from other accomplished archers

Hunter Safety System is pleased to be a sponsor of this his worthwhile organization. The Kicking Bear One-on-One program encourages sportsmen and women to get involved with today’s youth by becoming a mentor in the program. By reaching outside of their immediate family, mentors have the opportunity to work with children that would otherwise have no opportunity to experience the fun and excitement offered by archery, hunting, camping and the great outdoors.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Danville, Alabama, Hunter Safety System is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative deer hunting gear and hunting equipment for the serious hunter. For additional information you can write to The Hunter Safety System, 8237 Danville Road, Danville, AL 35619, call toll free 877-296-3528 or visit the company website at www.huntersafetysystem.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Lutto (830) 755-4308 or karen@luttopr.com

© copyrighted by Lisa Metheny

It is that time of year again, time to get out of your treestand, put down your gun and decorate the Christmas tree, attend the boring office party, make a donation to your favorite charity and hit the mall to shop for gifts for your family and friends.

If your anything like me, it can be stressful to come up with unique gift ideas that are sure to please, especially if you despise the mall like I do, the mere thought of going near one this time of year makes me break out in hives, but for the sake of my family I do it anyway.

What do you get everyone on your list? Well, my Christmas gift to you, the reader, is this helpful shopping guide. I done all the leg work for you, all you need to do is check out the Web sites, pay for them, wait for them to arrive and then wrap them. You are on your own there!

Remember the classic song Twelve Days of Christmas? Sure you do, we all know it by heart, or at least part of it. My mind tends to wander more to the thought of doves wrapped in bacon instead of the vision of two Turtle Doves, after that I am useless. So, for the first TWELVE DAYS of December, let’s look at some great gift ideas.

But before we get started, please take a minute to think beyond the lights, gifts, and baked goods to think about the true meaning of Christmas.

Let’s get started. Oh yeah! Feel free to sing along as we count down the 12 Days of Christmas.

On the 1st day
I really don’t know where you could go this time of year for a Partridge in a Pear tree, but I can point you in the direction of a really neat product that will help you protect the gun that you could use to shoot a Partridge.

Regardless of the type of firearm you have, shotgun, rifle or pistol Envelop® Gun Covers offers one of the most effective and uniquely beautiful protective cases on the market today.
This company has taken its patent-pending, five-layer protection product that was originally designed for the military and created custom gun protection products.

Unique, unmatched protection from the elements will provide you with years of tough protection for your firearms. Envelop® offers a variety of attractive, custom gun protective cases. See for yourself at www.envelopecovers.com

On the 2nd day
Give the gift that offers protection from nasty disease-carrying insects. Everyone on your list will love the ease and effectiveness of a ThermaCell ® Approximately the size of a TV remote control, this gadget works and can easily be thrown in a tackle box or strapped to a belt. This gift keeps on giving, year-round and offers hours of protection from mosquitoes, all without messy lotions or toxic repellant sprays. ThermaCell ® makes great stocking stuffers. They are available at sporting good stories nationwide. For more information, buzz on over to their Web site at www.ThermaCell.com

On the 3rd day
What does Mrs. Claus do in the off season? Well, if she is an outdoor woman, chances are she hits the area rivers to do a little fly-fishing. I am certain that Santa’s better-half will look stylish on the river in a colorful, functional, and well-made fly-fishing vest. Forget the dull colors, professional angler Char Bloom of Colorado had created superbly designed fishing vests in a variety of vibrant colors made just for women. Don’t forget Santa’s little helpers, who also enjoy fishing, Char Bloom offers children sizes as well. Char Bloom vests are available online at www.charbloom.com

On the 4th day
If you are into “calling birds” like the song says, and there is a turkey hunter on your list be sure to check out a great gift for turkey hunters. Hunt Comfort ® seat is simply the best seat in house. Lightweight, portable and designed to withstand thousands of hours of use, this seat is among the best money can buy. Surprise someone you love this Christmas with a Hunt Comfort® cushion. Hunt Comfort® can be purchased a major outdoor stores or online at www.huntcomfort.com.

On the 5th day
Imagine Christmas morning, when the gift unwrapping frenzy is at its height, you hear “Wudyaget.” No, it not a Jeff Foxworthy Redneck Dictionary CD, which would also be a great gift idea; instead it is an actual “Wudyaget” product.

You will find everything you can possibly imagine for the outdoorsmen and women on your shopping list at Wudyaget. Wudyaget offers endless gift ideas to help “Relieve the dream” from that special hunt, trophy fish or family outing. From license plates, state shaped plaques, mugs, and ceramic tiles and more, Wudyaget.com provides unlimited gift ideas. Visit them at www.Wudyaget.com

On the 6th day
We can’t help you with the actual “geese a laying” part of this song, but we can do the next best thing and that is offer you a great gift idea for cooking that goose.

For the cook on your list give the gift that keeps giving. WildCheff game seasonings created by Master Chef Denny Corriveau offer endless gift ideas.

Cooking with pheasant, goose, venison, elk, duck and other wild game does not have to be boring or labor intensive, in fact you will want to participate in the fun of cooking after you smell the inviting aromas that escape when you cook with WildCheff’s special blends. WildCheff offers products that will help the chef in your family create delicious dishes throughout the year. Check out all the WildCheff products online at www.wildcheff.com

On the 7th day
You can tell a lot about a woman by her purse, and I have found a purse designed by Poske Designs® that reflect the huntress within us all. It’s so cute that even the non-hunter will find these handbags attractive. You are sure to get a big hug when she unwraps one of these purses this Christmas. Every girl will want one and with several styles to choose from, there is something for every lady on your list. Available online at www.poskedesigns.com

On the 8th day
Whether you have eight maids a milking or just one hard working woman on your list here is a gift that will show her how much you appreciate her.
Nothing says comfort like a comfy bathrobe, especially if the robe is push and comes in a camo pattern. Imagine curling up in a cozy robe on the sofa after a hard day of hunting, or after a cold morning of milking cows.

The John Marshall Design Company offers camo robes for her or for him and for the little ones as well. Everyone loves to receive loungewear for the holidays, so why not give her a gift she will enjoy every day. JDM products are available at major retailers such as Bass Pro and Cabela’s or online at
www.johnmarshalldesign.com

On the 9th day
Even if you do have nine ladies to buy for this Christmas, do not get discouraged. I have found a place where you can buy something different for each and every one of women on your Christmas list.

Women love fashion and the two seem to go hand in hand. This Christmas Realtree ® has it covered with trendy casual clothing options. Realtree Girl ® provides endless options for casual clothing that reflects her love of the outdoors. Cute camo mini-skirts, t-shirts, Capri’s and sweats to name a few, are sure to leave the ladies on your list dancing.
Realtree Girls® are available at major retailers and www.Realtree.com

On the 10th day
“Tickle Me Elmo” this is not, but it could easily create the same buying frenzy as the little orange Sesame Street character. Bushnell® Outdoor Products offers the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list this year. The new BackTrack GPS system is the ideal gift. Unlike other GPS units that are often difficult to program and even harder to understand, the BackTrack unit is one of the simplest units available on the market.

Bushnell® created a GPS unit that is so easy to use, even a technically challenged person such as myself can figure it out. Bushnell® did away with all the unnecessary programs and features of the standard GPS unit to create one that uses only two buttons and offers an easy to read screen. This unit retails for under $70 and is about the size of a stopwatch, perfect for marking your vehicle or stand location. The Bushnell BackTrack® is a must have for every one.
For more information visit www.Bushnell.com

On the 11th day
Scrapbooking is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the US today, and people of all ages enjoy it. Now with the help of Paper’s Best ® products, scrapbookers can now relive their memories of the hunt with specially designed hunting scrapbook items. Upland, waterfowl, and deer hunting are just a few of the many designs that will delight the scrapbooker on your list.

Paper’s Best® also offer Realtree® stationary products that reflect the interest of those that love the outdoors. Check out the endless gift ideas at Paper’s Best® at www.papersbest.com

Finally, on the 12th day!
Everyone loves a great big gift under the tree and do I have a gift that every woman will love. For the ultimate Christmas gift that keeps on giving, send her on a trip of a lifetime. Regardless if the lady you’re shopping for is a seasoned huntress or just getting started, she will love what the National Rifle Association (NRA) has to offer women. The NRA offers several options for women that love adventure and are eager to gain new experiences and meet other like-minded women. The NRA Women on Target (WOT) program hosts several hunts around the country each year. From turkeys and pheasants to whitetail and elk, the NRA WOT hunts are sure to be a favorite gift this Christmas.

If you are looking to give her the absolute ultimate experience, give the gift of learning. The NRA Women’s Wilderness Escape (WWE) is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure camp designed especially for women. WWE provides hands-on experiences such as archery, tactical rifle, muzzleloader, turkey hunting, survival skills and more. Unlike any other outdoor experience the WWE not only offers training from some of the best instructors in the country, the participants get the added bonus of learning these skills at one of the country’s premier shooting facilities, the NRA’s Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico. Be sure and stand under the mistletoe when she unwraps the ultimate gift from you and the NRA. To learn more about these programs visit the NRA at www.nrahq.org/women.

National Wild Turkey Federation

Women in the Outdoors Program

Mark you calendars and send in your registration for a Ladies evening at the
range. The annual Hills Hot Hens Handgun WITO event is scheduled for Friday January 9th, 2009 in Burnsville, MN. You will have the opportunity to shoot different calibers of handguns and pistols and enjoy a poker shoot off too.
Pre-registration is required and this event fills up fast, so register
early. We hope to see you there!

Cara Madsen

NWTF Regional Director

for South Central Minnesota

Office # 952-440-5396

mailto:caramwito@integra.net> caramwito@integra.net

or visit http://www.nwtf.org

PRESS RELEASE COURTESY HOWARD COMMUNICATIONS

Howard Communications Congratulates Toxey Haas
On Being Named To Outdoor Life’s Top 25

Toxey Haas has been named one of Outdoor Life’s top 25 influential conservationists and leaders in the outdoor industry by the editors of the magazine.

“I can’t think of a person more deserving of this honor than Toxey,” says Kevin Howard, President of Howard Communications, Inc. “The goal of every man should be to leave this world a better place than they find it. Toxey Haas, his Father, Fox, and their family are achieving that goal through their work with the Mossy Oak brand of companies they developed.”

When an outdoorsman thinks of Mossy Oak, the first thing that comes to their mind is the line up of Mossy Oak camouflage patterns that have dominated the outdoor clothing and accessory lines for a number of years. The Mossy Oak patterns are available on thousands of products from clothes and other soft goods to hard goods like bows and guns. However, Mossy Oak is much more than camouflage patterns.

Toxey Haas has developed a number of other Mossy Oak Brand divisions that are helping the outdoor enthusiast enjoy their lifestyle even more while protecting and promoting these resources for generations to come.

Mossy Oak BioLogic Wild Game Products have put Haas at the forefront of the game-management movement. A new division called Nativ Nurseries is leading the way in terms of developing superior trees and plants for wildlife. Mossy Oak Properties helps provide an avenue for people looking for land to purchase for outdoor recreation to find those who have land for sale through a network of real estate offices.

“Toxey started Mossy Oak with the intent of finding a way to get closer to wildlife.” Says Howard, “That obsession has led him to develop not only great camouflage patterns, but ways to provide better habitat and wildlife management practices. His work is changing the future of both outdoor people and wildlife.”

To vote for Toxey Haas as Outdoor Life’s Person of the Year go to, Ready to vote? Click here and vote for OL 25’s Person of the Year and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Becoming an Outdoor Woman Workshops
Press Release
Courtesy of North Dakota Game and Fish

BOW Winter Workshops
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program has scheduled one-day winter workshops Jan. 17 at Crooked Lake in McLean County, and Feb. 20, 21 and 22 at Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau.

The Crooked Lake class is geared toward ice fishing and darkhouse spearfishing. All equipment will be provided.

Lake Metigoshe offers a variety of classes. A class on dog sledding is available all three days with a limit of six participants per session (this class fills very fast). Snowshoeing and tracking, and winter ecology and cross-country skiing are available Feb. 21 and 22, with each class limited to 12-15 students.

Women interested in the workshops should register immediately due to limited space available. The cost is $60 for dog sledding and $50 for the other classes. Take a class on two days and the fee is $90. Preregistration with payment is required. Equipment and snacks will be provided.

Information and registration forms can be obtained by contacting Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; 701-328-6312; or email ndgf@nd.gov.

Registration forms are also available on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, by accessing the education/outreach tab.

Press Release

Courtesy of National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

WHITETAILS UNLIMITED STARTS SHOOTING PROGRAM . . . The sportsmen/conservation organization, Whitetails Unlimited, has begun a program to encourage youths to try their hand at riflery, using either rimfire or centerfire ammunition, while following the 10 commandments of firearm safety. Youth are rewarded for shooting accuracy, in this Kids on Target program, with a “silver medal” and a personalized certificate.

For more information visit the Whitetails Unlimited Web site at www.whitetailsunlimited.com