Outdoor Writers: Don’t Miss QDMA’s Whitetail Report Press Conference at the SHOT Show

When:
Thursday, January 15 at 10 a.m.

Where:
SHOT Show Press Conference Room; Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida.

What:
The Whitetail Report will be released at a press conference hosted by the nonprofit Quality Deer Management Association to update members of the outdoor media on the status of whitetail populations and whitetail hunting in North America. The Whitetail Report focuses on emerging issues and current challenges facing the whitetail. In addition to an audio/visual presentation, conference attendees will receive a comprehensive report for future study and reference throughout the coming year. All four of QDMA’s staff wildlife biologists who compiled the report, including CEO Brian Murphy, will be available for questions and one-on-one interviews following the conference.

Why:
The white-tailed deer is the foundation of the entire hunting industry. Of active North American hunters, 78 percent hunt whitetails, more than the combined percentages for wild turkey, pheasant, quail, waterfowl, grouse, elk, mule deer and coyotes (survey by Responsive Management and the NSSF, 2008). Yet, at the SHOT Show and other industry gatherings, little information is available on wise stewardship of the whitetail resource and protection of our deer-hunting heritage. QDMA will fill this void with the launching of the Whitetail Report, which will provide outdoor writers, editors and communicators with a yearly health report for whitetails and – by extension – the hunting industry. The Whitetail Report will include useful facts, statistics and science compiled by QDMA in its effort to check the pulse of deer populations throughout North America. The information you gather at the press conference, and the connections you make with QDMA’s expert sources, will provide you with article ideas, valuable reference material, and quotes to use throughout the coming year.

Who:
The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is a nonprofit conservation organization that works to educate and encourage hunters and landowners to practice biologically sound deer and habitat management techniques. Founded in 1988, QDMA has more than 50,000 members in 50 states, Canada and abroad. For more information, visit www.QDMA.com or call (800) 209-3337.

Texas Deer Association Addresses Professional Ag Conference

SAN ANTONIO — Texas Deer Association Executive Director Karl Kinsel was a featured speaker during the recent 79th Annual Meeting of ASFMRA (American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers), held at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel in San Antonio.

As part of the conference, nearly 200 professional farm managers and rural appraisers toured numerous sites in Southwest Texas along the Seco Creek — including the 150-foot-deep Seco Creek Sinkhole in northwestern Medina County — and welcomed a one-hour discussion led by Kinsel, who spoke on the deer industry and wildlife management.

“With so many land management professionals in attendance, this is a great opportunity for TDA to share information regarding the business of habitat and wildlife management and recreational hunting in Texas,” says Kinsel, whose family owns and operated Kinsel Cattle Company in Cotulla, Texas. “Successful agricultural land management and wildlife management are uniquely intertwined. The changing economic and demographic landscapes compel all of us to work together, share ideas and develop new strategies that will ensure we preserve our agricultural heritage.”

In his “State of the Deer Industry” address, Kinsel explained that unprecedented change in American economy and culture is creating new challenges and opportunities for land owners and managers. With domestic and global market forces, technology, alternative fuels, government policy and demographic variables, the agriculture and rural landscapes are changing at an accelerating rate.

The rise of modern game management and funding, explains Kinsel, has created a lucrative alternative in agriculture and land use options. Through professional herd management, habitat management, hunter management and herd monitoring, the deer industry is one of the fastest growing in rural America and can offer economic solutions for land managers in many parts of the country.

Founded in 1929, the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is a benchmark organization for agricultural resource valuation and farm management. The organization empowers rural and agricultural property economics professionals through technical education and networking and its members provide professional management, valuation, consulting and marketing of the world’s agricultural resources.

The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through improved habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA publishes a full-color bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, which updates TDA members on current legislative and industry news, deer genetics and game management issues.

To learn more about the Texas Deer Association or for membership information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.

MOSSY OAK NOMINATED FOR SEVEN GOLDEN MOOSE AWARDS

WEST POINT, MS - Mossy Oak Productions of West Point, Miss., has received word from Outdoor Channel they have been nominated for seven Golden Moose Awards. The awards will be presented at a reception at the 2009 SHOT Show in Orlando, Fla., in January.

Mossy Oak Productions creates five television series that are broadcast nationally on Outdoor Channel.

Three of the company’s productions received nominations for this year’s awards. Additionally, a Mossy Oak Brand commercial has been nominated.

Nominees include:
- Mossy Oak’s The Obsession Revealed, presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods:
Best Production
Best Turkey Footage
Best Educational Show
Best Graphics
- Browning The Best There Is:
Best Turkey Footage
- Mossy Oak Hunting the Country:
Best Sound Design
- Mossy Oak Brand:
Best Commercial

Mossy Oak Productions began creating outdoor television in 1994 and were one of the pioneers in developing broadcast entertainment for the outdoor enthusiast.

“The outdoor television industry has come a long way in the last 15 years,” Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland, Mossy Oak Senior Vice President of Television and Related Media, said. “When we started there were only a few television shows dedicated to the hunter and fisherman. Now there are literally hundreds of shows being produced. To receive seven nominations, the most we have ever had, for Golden Moose Awards this year is a real honor.”

# # #

Haas Outdoors Inc. is headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, Mossy Oak Interactive, LLC, Nativ Nursery and Mossy Oak Properties.

Texas Deer Association Announces All-New Youth ‘Deer Camp’

SAN ANTONIO — Strengthening its commitment to outdoor education, the Texas Deer Association has announced its support of Outdoor Texas in establishing a summer youth camp dedicated to deer education in 2009. The all-new summer ‘Deer Camp’ will teach young outdoor enthusiasts about whitetail and mule deer in Texas, and is slated to begin July 12, 2009.

The location for the seven-day 2009 Deer Camp is still to be determined, but the curriculum will include the facts, details and theories about whitetail and mule deer and showcase habitat management techniques.

“Outdoor Texas has put into place the needed ingredients to ensure a life-changing experience for many young campers, and we are proud to support and sponsor this all-new youth Deer Camp,” says Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association. “Whitetail and mule deer are the most popular big game animals in Texas and we want to help educate our young hunters about these amazing animals which have captured the hearts of sportsmen in Texas and across America.”

Based near Columbus, Texas, Outdoor Texas is a new and unique program that provides educational opportunities for young Texans to learn hunting, fresh and saltwater fishing, and other outdoor activities from experienced Texas professionals. The Outdoor Texas Camp staff are all selected on the basis of experience, expertise, communication skills, and a deep desire to work with young outdoor enthusiasts.

The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through better habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA produces a full-color bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, which updates TDA members on current industry news, deer genetics and game management issues.

For membership information about the Texas Deer Association, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.

Headquartered in San Antonio, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.

Texas Deer Association Announces Capital City Sportsman’s Banquet

SAN ANTONIO — Some say that the deer industry starts and ends in at the State Capitol, so it seems appropriate the TDA announces its newest Sportsman’s Banquet will be held in Austin, Texas. As Proud Stewards of Texas Deer, the Texas Deer Association (TDA) will host the inaugural TDA Capital City Sportsman’s Banquet at the Hill’s Cafe on Saturday, October 11, 2008.

The event will be hosted at the Hills Café, one of Austin’s most iconic establishments and one of the city’s greatest traditions. Established in 1941, Hills Cafe is today owned by Austin radio personality (KVET) and community leader Bob Cole. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will bring together TDA members, eager sportsmen and deer enthusiasts from throughout the region to network and to enjoy dinner, drinks and an exciting auction of great prizes and exclusive hunting packages.

“We are excited to welcome TDA members and sportsmen from Central Texas to a TDA Sportsman’s Banquet,” says John Meng, TDA banquet chairman. “From deer feeders and hunting rifles to some exciting hunting packages, this event has something for everybody. We hope everyone comes out, has a great time and helps us support TDA and our local charity, Children of Fallen Soldiers.”

A portion of the banquet’s proceeds will be donated to Children of Fallen Soldiers, a 501c(3) charity based in Round Rock, Texas. Children of Fallen Soldiers provides funding or financial assistance for the college education of children of Ft. Hood soldiers killed in the war on terror. There are many children who have lost a parent, killed in the line of duty, and Children of Fallen Soldiers is working to ensure they have funds in place which will assist with their college expenses.

The TDA Capital City Sportsman’s Banquet Auction will feature a wide variety of auction items such as exclusive TDA hunting packages, whitetail deer and other wildlife paintings, rifles and shotguns, metal art, custom table lamps, antler art and much more. TDA Sportsman’s Banquets are held in communities throughout Texas and offer exclusive merchandise and a great time for friends and family.

For more information or for tickets to the TDA Capital City Sportsman’s Banquet, contact John Meng at 512.930.7100 or john@texasdeerassociation.com and Annie Jones at 512.931.2023 or annie@mengassociates.com.

The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through improved habitat, modern harvest strategies and genetic improvement. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA produces a full-color bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, which updates TDA members on current legislative news, deer genetics and game management issues.

To learn more about the Texas Deer Association or for membership information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.

Skinny Moose Media Will Sponsor Boat For Maine Two-Fly Championships

The Maine Two-Fly Contest and Drift Boat Championships will be held this weekend, September 20 and 21 and Skinny Moose Media will sponsor a boat featuring to local Maine media people. The drift boat, supplied by Sun Valley Sports in Bethel, Maine, will have its oarsman, Nate Wight, a local guide. Fishing will be Steve Minich, sports anchor for the local ABC affiliate News Channel 8. The second angler will be Kevyn Fowler, a videographer from News Channel 8.

We are proud to be able to sponsor a boat for this event. I believe there is still time to enter a team if you haven’t already. I also encourage everyone to take in the event as well. Following the Two-Fly will be the Drift Boat competition which will be easily visible from several locations near town. Awards and a ceremony will also be held in conjunction with the local Harvest Fest.

The event is organized and run as a fund raising event by the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance. The UAAA is made up of a group of individuals and business owners interested in promoting the river as a valuable Maine natural resource and asset to the local economy as well as the state of Maine.

Visit the UAAA website for more information, maps and details of the event.

Attendance and Sales Boom at TDA Convention

SAN ANTONIO — Higher fuel and feed prices have worried some ‘experts’ on the continued growth of the deer industry, but there was only excitement and frenzy at the state’s largest-ever deer sale at the 10th Annual Texas Deer Association’s Convention & Trade Show. From attendance to deer sales to grand auction, the 2008 TDA convention set new records across the board and was, by all accounts, the most successful convention in the association’s history.

Held at the Westin La Cantera Resort & Hotel in San Antonio, the TDA Convention saw nearly a 30 percent increase in attendance from 2007, and the event’s 2008 Superior Genetics Whitetail Deer Auction exceeded expectations by delivering $1.4 million dollars in sales. In addition, the TDA Grand Auction nearly doubled its revenues from the previous year’s totals.

“Just as we thought, we’ve seen all there is to see, we were again surprised by the excitement, energy and growth within the Texas deer industry,” says Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association. “Last year, the convention’s Superior Genetics Whitetail Auction set a new sales record by earning more than $1.2 million. This year, we exceeded that by more $200,000. Our deer auctions continue to be an important part of our ongoing mission to improve the quality and health of Texas deer. We have a remarkable membership that have made TDA the state’s No. 1 resource for whitetail sales.”

The TDA’s single, largest event of the year showcased nearly 150 exhibitors from the hunting and deer industries including fundraising auctions that featured whitetail hunts, hunting equipment and other exciting events, such as the 2008 Superior Genetics Whitetail Deer Auction, Casino Night, ladies’ fashion show, photo and antler contests, and much more. In addition, the 10th annual event hosted numerous educational seminars which such notable speakers as: Dr. James C. Kroll (aka ‘Dr. Deer) of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research, Stephen F. Austin State University; Dr. Stanley Blend, Dr. Ray Favero of Whitetail Genetics, Dr. Brandt Cassidy, director of laboratory operations for DNA Solutions; and many other renowned industry experts.

“The 2008 August TDA Superior Genetics Auction was the best auction we have ever held,” adds Damon Thorpe, auction manager for the Texas Deer Association. “Great job to everyone who helped and particular congratulations to the TDA staff and volunteers for yet another awesome job at planning, organizing and executing the most professional and successful deer industry event in the state and surely one of the best in the country!”

Since it was established in 1999, the Texas Deer Association has successfully worked to increase quality hunting experiences for all Texas hunters and to advocate wise management practices, promote research and technology regarding improvements to deer herds through the practice of controlled breeding and genetic improvements. As ‘Proud Stewards of Texas Deer,’ the TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds and growing the deer industry.

To learn more about the Texas Deer Association or for membership information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.

QDMA Names 2008 Branch Achievement Award Winners

BOGART, GA. – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) named the recipients of its annual Branch Achievement Awards at its 2008 National Convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Branch Achievement awards are presented annually to honor QDMA Branches and their volunteer members who excelled in their dedication to QDMA’s mission and to promoting sound deer management and ethical hunting.

Branch of the Year: In 2006, the Cape Fear River Branch of North Carolina won the New Branch of the Year, followed by Educational Branch of the Year in 2007. For 2008, the Branch took home two awards: Branch of the Year and, once again, Educational Branch of the Year! Almost every day of the year, the Cape Fear River Branch is working diligently to educate hunters about Quality Deer Management, recruit and mentor youth hunters, and promote conservation in its region. Their events ranged from how-to events that taught such subjects as “How to Start a Quality Deer Management Program,” to orienting and woodsmanship.

Branch Event of the Year: The Jefferson-Lewis Branch of New York received the QDMA Branch Event of the Year Award. The Branch joined up with a local car dealership to turn their customer appreciation night into a giant learning event, with a number of QDMA-oriented modifications. They titled the event a “Whitetail Seminar” and brought in nationally-known expert Dr. Grant Woods, added media and other business coverage for the event, and ended up drawing more than 400 attendees.

Branch Sponsor Recruiter of the Year: The Midlands Branch of South Carolina received the QDMA Branch Sponsor Recruiter of the Year Award. The Branch received the award for recruiting 57 Sponsors at their banquet last July, and they have already recruited over 70 for next year.

Fundraising Branch of the Year: The Central Louisiana Branch of Louisiana received the QDMA Fundraising Branch of the Year Award. The Branch has won the award for two out of the past three years, raising more than $147,500 this year alone.

Branch Volunteer of the Year: Charlie Fiscella, the newly-elected President of the New York State Chapter of the QDMA and president of New York’s Hudson River Valley Branch, received the QDMA Branch Volunteer of the Year Award. Charlie set a course to not only see QDMA recognized in his local community and state, but to also see Quality Deer Management principles implemented through his educational and advocacy efforts. He continually works for alliances with government agencies and other conservation groups to stay attuned of issues directly affecting sportsmen.

Regional Director of the Year: Chris Blackledge of Council Grove, Kansas, received QDMA’s Regional Director of the Year Award. Chris is QDMA’s Western Regional Director and is based in Kansas. A Regional Director’s job requires a lot of travel, working at odd hours and weekends, and being on call at anytime to support Branch efforts, and Chris has excelled at the task.

About QDMA
Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with more than 50,000 members in all 50 states and Canada, and several foreign countries. Membership in QDMA is open to anyone interested in better deer and better deer hunting, and committed to ethical hunting, sound deer management and the preservation of the deer-hunting heritage. To learn more about QDMA and why it is the future of deer hunting, call (800) 209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com.

QDMA Names 2008 Conservation Award Recipients

BOGART, GA. – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) named the recipients of its annual Conservation Awards at their 2008 National in Chattanooga, Tennessee. QDMA’s Conservation Awards are presented annually to honor those who go beyond the call of duty in supporting QDMA’s mission and promoting sound deer management and ethical hunting.

• Lewis Rogers of South Carolina received the 2008 Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. As a wildlife biologist for the South Carolina Wildlife & Marine Resources Department for more than 30 years, Lewis steadfastly promoted and advocated Quality Deer Management. He also supported Joe Hamilton’s efforts to state the Quality Deer Management Association in South Carolina.

• Judge Holdford of North Carolina received the inaugural QDMA Ambassador Award, a new award intended for a QDMA member who, over the course of many years, has worked diligently on behalf of QDMA and exemplified the ethics and mission of the organization. Holdford was honored for his dedication to QDMA through member recruitment and tireless, selfless donations of time and money to the organization.

• Tommy “Tombo” Rhodes and his son Scott Rhodes of South Carolina received the Al Brothers Deer Managers of the Year Award (non-professional). This father-son team received the award for their achievements on their property, Oak Grove Plantation, which has been under Quality Deer Management guidelines since 1982.

• Dr. Grant Woods of Missouri received the Al Brothers Professional Deer Manager of the Year Award. He was honored with the award for his many years of dedicated white-tailed deer research, during which he was a pioneer in the use of trail cameras for collecting information on rub and scrape behavior. As a charter life member of QDMA, Grant has been a vital supporter and promoter of the organization throughout its 20-year history.

• The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks received the Agency of the Year Award. The award was given to Mississippi for their innovative and progressive deer management efforts, including early efforts to curb yearling-buck harvest through a statewide antler restriction. The agency has also established a network of regional deer biologists and an advanced system for tracking and managing DMAP programs around the state. The agency also maintains a cooperative relationship with Mississippi State University as well as QDMA.

• Officer Doug Clayton of Iowa received the Wildlife Officer of the Year Award. Clayton, now retired, was given the award for his 29 years of service as a conservation officer. During his career he worked diligently to curb poaching, and he worked in the local community to promote ethics and conservation. For the past 15 years he has written a weekly outdoor column for a local newspaper that promotes ethical hunting and Quality Deer Management.

• Budweiser received the 2008 Corporate Achievement Award. It was honored for its position as a QDMA corporate sponsor for the past five years, during which Budweiser consistently went above and beyond the call of duty in support of QDMA donating more than $150,000 to fund deer research through its “Help Budweiser Help the Outdoors Program.”

About QDMA
Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with more than 50,000 members in all 50 states and Canada, and several foreign countries. Membership in QDMA is open to anyone interested in better deer and better deer hunting, and committed to ethical hunting, sound deer management and the preservation of the deer-hunting heritage. To learn more about QDMA and why it is the future of deer hunting, call (800) 209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com.

Boo Weekley to Compete on the USA Ryder Cup Team

Following a strong performance at the recent 90th PGA championships held at Oakland Hills, Mossy Oak Pro Staff member Boo Weekley, of Jay, Florida, has earned a spot on the prestigious USA Ryder Cup Team.

The 2008 Ryder Cup will be held at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, September 16-21. The top U.S. players will compete against the best European players for a chance to win the coveted Ryder Cup Trophy.

“This is quite an honor to be a part of this storied event,” said Weekley after making the team for the first time. “I’m truly looking forward to the competition.”

To add to the excitement of making the team, The Ryder Cup organization has committed to a donation of $100,000 to the charity of Weekley’s choice. A major portion of the Ryder Cup contribution will be given to Camp Compass Academy (www.campcompass.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing urban middle and high school students to the outdoors. Camp Compass has been a major focus for Weekley since he was introduced to them in 2004. He actively supports the organization by hosting kids on annual hunting and fishing trips in addition to his fundraising efforts.

Everyone at Mossy Oak congratulates Weekley on making the Ryder Cup team and wishes him and the entire American team well during the competition.

To get in touch directly with Boo, contact Toggy Pace, Director of the Boo Weekley Charity Golf at 850-501-3627 or Jimmy Johnston, his agent, at 912-638-5211.
Haas Outdoors Inc. is headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, Mossy Oak Interactive, LLC, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions and Mossy Oak Properties.

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