ADWA - American Deer and Wildlife Alliance

Keith Warren Gets Exotic on Deer & Wildlife Stories

2012-01-03

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas � The Keith Warren's Deer & Wildlife Stories television program takes a walk on the wild side of game ranching this week with a visit to the renowned Eight Point Ranch, home to dozens of rare and exotic wildlife species.

From bongo to buffalo and wildebeests to whitetail, Eight Point Ranch is an award-winning exotic game ranch which is a proven leader in the $1.3 billion dollar wild game industry. Located in Elgin Texas, 45 minutes east of Austin, Eight Point Ranch was founded on the principle of quality breeding of exotics and whitetails, and owner Bobby Girling and ranch managers Lea and Robert Vawter have successfully brought together the highest quality genetics to produce maximum antler and horn production.

"To see these animals that are part of wildscapes in Africa and Asia thriving in Central Texas is an amazing experience,� says Keith Warren, one of the most celebrated personalities in outdoor television. "Eight Point Ranch produces incredible animals that are providing unforgettable wildlife experiences on ranches throughout Texas.�

Keith Warren's Deer & Wildlife Stories airs three times a week, Tuesdays at 1:30pm, Wednesdays at 7:30pm; and Saturdays at 4pm. Warren's other program � The High Road with Keith Warren � also airs times a week: Sundays at 8:30 p.m.; Mondays at 3 p.m. and Thursdays at 12 a.m. Both shows run on the Pursuit Channel (DirecTV 608 and Dish 240), and all times are EST.

For more information on Eight Point Ranch, visit www.EightPointRanch.com. For more information about Keith Warren, his programs or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email troy@keithwarren.net or visit www.KeithWarren.net

Based in New Braunfels, Keith Warren Outdoor Adventures produces The High Road and Deer & Wildlife Stories programs, airing on The Pursuit Channel. Keith Warren productions are designed to encourage others to become actively involved in the outdoors as the ultimate conservationists and stewards of the land. For more information on Keith Warren Outdoor Adventures, call 830.625.3474 or visit www.KeithWarren.net.

Otis Technology Announces Sokol Associates as Newest Sales Representative Group

2012-01-01

LYON FALLS, N.Y. - Otis Technology, manufacturer and industry leader in firearms cleaning systems and accessories is pleased to announce a new partnership with Sokol Associates to provide sales support for dealers, catalog customers, and distributors in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes Regions effective January 1, 2012.

Based in Oakdale, Minnesota, Sokol Associates is an award-winning sales agency that has represented premium sporting goods brands for over thirty years. The Sokol Associates team includes an active field sales staff to represent the Otis brand within the territory and will also represent Otis Technology at the store and customers' headquarter levels.

"We are excited to take our customer focus to the next level in this area of the country," says Otis' Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Len Nelson "and our partnership with Sokol Associates will allow us to best deliver the sales excellence that our customers expect from Otis. Sokol Associates' reputation for best-in-class service aligns very well with Otis' core values of quality service to all of our customers."

President of Sokol Associates, Paul Sokol commented, "We are extremely enthused with the opportunity to work with Otis Technology and their sales management team. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.�

Otis will continue to support marketing, customer service, and warranty support through their Lyons Falls, New York facility.

Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems available. The superior Breech-to-Muzzle design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice with the US Military. Otis Technology is SMART GUN CARE.

ADWA Renews Sponsorship of Deer & Wildlife Stories

2011-11-07

AUSTIN, Texas � The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is proud to announce it has renewed its sponsorship of the Keith Warren's Deer & Wildlife Stories program for the fourth consecutive year. Airing on the Pursuit Channel, Deer & Wildlife Stories gets up close and personal with whitetail deer and educates viewers about the species and the men and women who dedicate their lives to whitetail.

"We're very proud to continue our sponsorship of Keith Warren's Deer & Wildlife Stories. Creating a better understanding of wildlife management operations is a keystone to addressing important issues such as land fragmentation, deer overpopulation, habitat management and conservation,� says John Meng, president of ADWA. "Keith has been a vocal advocate for the outdoors for more than two decades and he is uniquely qualified to speak to the process of deer management and how it relates to hunting and overall habitat management.�

Deer & Wildlife Stories features some of the best and most innovative deer breeders and wildlife management operations in North America. These land owners have dedicated their property to the betterment of whitetail deer, and they are truly some of the country's best environmentalists.

Keith Warren's Deer & Wildlife Stories airs three times a week, Tuesdays at 1:30pm, Wednesdays at 7:30pm; and Saturdays at 4pm, January through June. All shows run on the Pursuit Channel (DirecTV 608 and Dish 240). Times are EST. For more information about Keith Warren or his programs, visit www.KeithWarren.net.

The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization working to promote the deer and wildlife industry and to preserve our American outdoor traditions. As a part of its public education efforts, ADWA sponsors the Points Report, a full-color quarterly newsletter providing industry news and commentary; Spikes Magazine, a quarterly youth publication distributed to summer camps and public libraries across the country; and www.iHuntAmerica.com website, a comprehensive search engine for hunting ranches, game preserves and outfitters. ADWA also sponsors Keith Warren's Deer & Wildlife Stories, a nationally broadcast television program on the Pursuit Channel, and the Outdoor Patriot (www.OutdoorPatriot.com), a monthly podcast which features commentary and industry guests.

To learn more about the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance or for membership information, visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org or call 512.778.6292. Also visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Deer-Wildlife-Alliance/141778088060

Headquartered near Austin, Texas, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the deer and wildlife industry, and to help educate consumers and the youth on the conservation issues which effect deer and wildlife as well as the industry. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance, call 512.778.6292 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

Safety In The Turkey Woods

2011-04-27

No groaning or eye rolling, please. Hunter safety is serious business. Let's start with the most basic rule in hunter safety; if all hunters observed this rule, all the time, we would have virtually no "hunter mistaken for game" incidents. If you ever had a Hunter Education course you should have this first one memorized.

1. Positively identify your target before you pull the trigger. Plain and simple if all hunters followed this one, we would have no more "I thought I saw a turkey" shootings. None of this "I thought I saw a red head", no "I thought I saw a beard", positively identify the target every time.

2. Refrain from stalking spring gobblers. The turkey that hangs up out there and refuses to move but continues to gobble can tempt us to stalk or "slip up on" him. Don't do it, you don't know who is in the area, one hunter sitting and watching and another crawling to this turkey is a recipe for a tragedy. I know, I have seen it too many times.

3. Avoid the colors red, white, and blue in your hunting attire. These are the colors on a mature gobblers head. So, no blue or red on your hat and for heavens sake you can't have that white handkerchief sticking out of a back pocket. Remember the old nemesis of the white socks, when you sit down, your pant leg will reveal the color that could get you shot. I have seen it more than once. On another note, as turkey hunters most of us flee from blaze orange like the plague. When we are walking and calling however, trying to toll up a gobbler, a blaze orange hat or vest could save your life.

4. If you arrive at your area and there are other hunters already present try going to another spot. The more hunters you put in an area the more likely you are to have an incident; it's the simple law of averages. Put the truck in gear and try that place down the road that you were saving for just this occurrence.

5. If you do encounter another hunter speak to them in a loud, clear voice. Never wave or otherwise move to alert another hunter to your presence, especially if the other hunter is stalking the sound of your calls. Let's be honest, most of the time we don't want to speak out because we are afraid of spooking the turkey we are working. No old gobbler is worth getting shot over, call out to the other hunter, try this turkey another day.

6. When you set up on a turkey select a tree, rock, or other object larger than your body to hide and protect you from the rear. Have a clear field of view in front of you. The tree or whatever you lean against while sitting should be wider and taller that you. You need some clear area in front of you to watch for the approaching gobbler, this will also allow you to watch out for those that do not follow rule #2.

7. Be cautious transporting and setting up decoys. Decoys work, which is why they have become so popular. We need to be careful about carrying them in the woods, don't let that red head stick out of your vest. When setting the decoy, think how another hunter may approach so you are not in the line of fire.

8. Calling that you suspect is another hunter may be just that. Leave the area. Again, taking the chance is not worth it. We all know that turkeys make some bad calls sometimes, but if you are just not sure about that hen out there, get up and leave.

This is not a complete list of safety tips, most of us would be well served to call our state DNR and take a Hunter Education course. If you do follow these however, you are on your way to a safer, more enjoyable season.

Hunt hard, be safe, be true to yourself and the turkeys.

--Larry Case

Larry Case has been a Conservation Officer for 32 years with the West Virginia DNR's Law Enforcement Section. He has been cursed with an addiction to turkey hunting, spring and fall, for even longer.

BoatUS: The Sky is Not Falling, But Hurricane Season Predicted to be "Active"

2011-04-20

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Keeping boaters aware of the need to make early preparations for the upcoming hurricane season is a tough job for the nation's boat owners group, BoatUS. That's because we're all human - it only takes of few years after a devastating hurricane before memories start to fade, leading to a little apathy.

With the prediction of an "active" 2011 hurricane season by the renownedColorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project just out, BoatUS says the 72% chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall should give boaters the reason to make one early preparation.

"If your hurricane plan is to have your boat hauled and maybe strapped down, talk to your marina staff now about their plans," said BoatUS Director of Damage Avoidance Bob Adriance. "It's the one simple, easy step that could lead to a big outcome - whether or not you still have a boat when the season ends on November 30. I don't want to tell people the 'sky is falling,' but the longer you wait to have that discussion the worse shape you could be in."

Doug Hillman of Sebastian River Marina and Boatyard in Sebastian, Florida, which was recently battered by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, says it simply, "I need my customers to start contacting me now, because I may be too busy to help them later."

The Colorado State team also predicts that there is a 48% chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the US East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula. The University also predicts a 47% chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the Gulf Coast from Florida Panhandle west to Brownsville, Texas.

Adriance also reminds boaters, "It doesn't take a major hurricane to damage or sink a boat, especially if you choose to do nothing."

To help boaters make preparations, BoatUS has some free online "tools" available at the BoatUS Hurricane Resource Center at www.BoatUS.com/Hurricanes.

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About BoatUS:
BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

Pushing The Importance of the Outdoors

2011-04-18

2011 Jim Range National Casting Call Elevates Conservation Programs, Gauges Future Priority Habitats

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association's keystone events landed in Washington, DC carrying the message of the importance of fishing, conservation and the fishing industry. The Jim Range National Casting Call and the Family and Youth Casting Call allow AFFTA and its many partners to have personal connections with not only government decision-makers but also the children and families that represent the future of fishing.

Now in its eleventh year, the Jim Range National Casting Call (JRNCC) brings the fly fishing industry's top priorities to congressional and government agency decision makers. For 2011, AFFTA, the American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Fish Habitat Action Plan, and Trout Unlimited, hosted a reception on Capitol Hill on the evening of April 14th for members of Congress, Administration officials and congressional staff. The reception featured casting practice in the courtyard fountain of the Rayburn House Office Building. A fishing simulator provided by Family Tyes and casting mats from the National Fishing in the Schools programs gave participants hands-on "fishing" opportunities.

The focus of the Capitol Hill reception was to honor two members of Congress with the new Jim Range Legislator of the Year awards. Congressman Mike Thompson is an avid fly fisherman - who reportedly makes it a tradition to fish on Election Day with great results - and a strong champion for fishing on Capitol Hill. Rep. Thompson has led efforts to protect salmon and steelhead in the Klamath River and has worked to advance tax credits for land conservation efforts. Senator Mike Enzi has been an active supporter of the Jim Range National Casting Call for years and is the only member of Congress to attend every Casting Call over the past decade. He also has been a friend to the fly fishing industry by championing legislation critical to small business as a member of the Senate Finance Committee.

"The sport of fly fishing and the fly fishing industry have many friends on Capitol Hill and in Washington DC and we heard a number of great fishing stories at our Fishing for the Future reception," stated Jim Klug, chairman of the AFFTA board. "We are here to thank them and to remind them that issues such as clean water, habitat and access are essential to America's 38 million active anglers and the fishing industry."

On April 15, the JRNCC moved down to Fletcher's Boathouse in the C&O Canal National Historical Park to fish during the annual shad run up the Potomac River. The goal of the event is to give members of Congress, agency officials and congressional staff the opportunity to connect the legislative work they do for fisheries conservation and fishing tackle trade issues and to see firsthand how creative conservation is making a difference for fisheries across the country.

Understanding and supporting the expansion of those types of public/private partnerships through the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) has been a focal point of the JRNCC. This year, NFHAP unveiled its 50th Waters to Watch Project as well as honoring individuals and groups for exceptional achievements through the National Fish Habitat Awards. The Action Plan also unveiled its 2010 Status of Fish Habitats Report titled; Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2010. The report is a first of its kind status of fish habitats in the United States as envisioned in the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. Through a Fish's Eye summarizes the results of the first detailed national assessment undertaken by scientists working to synthesize information on aquatic habitat at a scale and level of detail never before attempted. This report focuses on the freshwater and estuarine aquatic habitats of the 50 states, which are divided into fourteen sub-regions for discussion.

"The work that went into the assessments to write this report, were incredibly detailed and help paint the most accurate picture of what our National habitat looks like as a whole," said Kelly Hepler, Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. "Working across boundaries and in partnership was the true reason that this effort worked and help meet critical objectives for the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. Announcing the release of this report at the Casting Call events was critical to helping raise the level of awareness of this report, especially through the Capitol Hill reception that was associated with this event."

Regrettably, the final event of the weekend is the Family and Youth Casting Call (FYCC) had to be cut short due to severe weather in the Washington, DC region. Now in its fifth year, the FYCC is co-hosted by AFFTA and the National Park Service (NPS) and is intended to get kids hooked on fishing and the great outdoors and to showcase one of the great places to enjoy nature right in their backyard. The annual free event features fishing instruction, nature activities, and the National Park Service Junior Ranger program all within the city limits of our nation's capital. The C&O Canal is netted and stocked with fish donated by the District Department of the Environment who also provides anglers with a free day's fishing license for the event. Even with the rain and before the event was called off, nearly 75 children and adults tried their hands at fishing and many fish were caught.

"The rain didn't dampen these kids' spirits and there is nothing better than seeing these new, young anglers' faces when they catch a fish," commented Jim Lepage, Vice-President of Rod & Tackle for The Orvis Company. "Helping these children accomplish this goal gives them the opportunity and the confidence to enjoy the outdoors. It helps them break that barrier between their TV and their backyard."

NFWF to Announce $10 Million in Gulf of Mexico Grants

2011-04-13

WHO: Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director, NFWF
Tom Kelsch, Director of Conservation Programs, NFWF

WHAT: NFWF is announcing the recipients of $10 million in new Gulf of Mexico fish and wildlife grants following its first round of spill response grant-making in 2010. Funding comes from the Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife (ROFW) established by BP and NFWF after last year's spill, as well as contributions by other partners. The first phase of grant projects focused on sea turtles and birds and produced dramatic results. The 22 new projects to be announced Thursday continue support of turtle and bird projects and expand to address marine mammals, oysters and fish.

WHEN: Thursday, April 14th - 4 PM EDT

WHERE: Call In 1-800-311-9401, passcode 53847

CONTACT: Carol Denny, 202-595-2455 FOR RELEASE: April 12, 2011

Background
The 22 awards to be announced Thursday from NFWF's ROFW represent $6.85 million in new investments, which will be matched by a total of $3.3 million from the grantees and other contributors. NFWF's ROFW was established with proceeds from BP's share of net revenue from oil recovered from the Deepwater Horizon site. To date, BP has donated $22 million to the Fund. All BP contributions to the Fund are voluntary, and will not be used to offset any liability that BP may have for natural resource damages resulting from the Deepwater Horizon incident.

In 2010, NFWF grants in the Gulf region catalyzed the creation of more than 500,000 acres of additional habitat for millions of birds migrating through the Gulf and significantly offset impacts on the sea turtle population. The grants were funded by $8.8 million from the ROFW and an additional $2.5 commitment from Walmart. For the second round of funding, $100,000 in support is also being donated by Southern Company. A portion of the ROFW is being held in reserve for conservation needs in the Gulf in the months to come.

Story Ideas
2010 Results: NFWF and its partners responded with immediate action in the wake of the spill last year and made a big impact on the survival of wildlife. Knowing certain species faced immediate peril, NFWF assembled a portfolio of priority projects. When BP quickly made $10 million available to NFWF, the Foundation executed a strategy that injected this funding into projects to help species most at risk - namely sea turtles and birds. Learn more about the effort that unfolded on the ground as turtle nesting season began and millions of migratory birds began arriving in the Gulf by talking with NFWF staff and partners who carried these projects out.

Talk to This Year's Grantees
NFWF and its partners now move into Phase II of the response with a second slate of projects for 2011. The competition for this year's grant-making was stiff as NFWF received 120 applications requesting approximately $41 million. As you will hear Thursday, NFWF is investing in projects that are very tightly targeted on fish, wildlife and habitat projects, addressing needs of the highest priority, and reinforced by strong scientific information gathered in the wake of the spill. We are happy to connect you with NFWF staff and partners who will implement the projects we are announcing this week.

Monthly Photo Contest Gives Away BoatUS Angler Memberships

2011-03-30

ALEXANDRIA, Va.- Spring fishing season is here - and don't forget the camera. Photos of your catch could win you a BoatUS Angler membership with basic on-the-water towing and roadside assistance, a $50 Visa gift card and a fishing "prize pack" filled with fishing and BoatUS Angler gear in the "Catch of the Month" prize drawings at www.BoatUS.com/angler/contest. In addition, winning photos will appear inBoatUS Angler Magazine as well as Tacklebox, a monthly fishing e-newsletter.

The contest, which kicks off April 1 and runs monthly through October, offers both freshwater and saltwater categories and is sponsored by BoatUS Angler, a program from the nation's largest boat owners group that helps anglers spend more time on the water and less time worrying about breakdowns on the water or road.

In addition to the prize drawings, each month's winner will be automatically entered to win the grand prize in November: an upgrade to unlimited on-the-water and on-the-road towing assistance, a $50 gift certificate fromBoatNameGear, and a high-quality fish replica from Mount This! Fish Company that specializes in hand-painted fiberglass replicas. The full size mounts are hand airbrushed and can be displayed indoors or out.

BoatUS Angler is a membership program from the nation's largest association of recreational boaters that offers services and helps protect the interests of boat-owning anglers. Visit www.BoatUSAngler.com for more.

Anglers can also check out all of the photos submitted at www.BoatUS.com/angler/contest.
Contact:
D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

American Handgunner Special Editions App Now Available For iPad and iPhones

2011-03-29

San Diego, Calif. - Caught traveling without your favorite gun magazines handy? Now there's another way to get American Handgunner Special Editions from almost anywhere. Readers can download the free American Handgunner iPad and iPhone app available from the iTunes Store. With the app, enthusiasts can access the Personal Defense 2010 edition for free and purchase other Special Editions for $2.99 each.

Currently available American Handgunner Special Editions include Reality Check 2011, Personal Defense 2011 and Tactical 2011. Each issue includes features on new and classic handguns, carry options, self-defense preparation, sights, lasers, ammunition, knives and more. Readers also have access to the giant Buyer's Guide included in each issue, which makes for a great reference for current handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives, lights and other products available.

"Get all the features, all the great photography and keep the copy to archive for later to build a reference collection," said publisher Roy Huntington. "American Handgunner Special Editions are the go-to source for all things handgunning, and the new American Handgunner SE app puts even more power in your hands by giving you immediate access right from your iPhone or iPad."

To check out and download the new American Handgunner Special Editions app visit the iTunes store from your iPhone or iPad and search for the American Handgunner application.
Contact:
Sammy Reese
(858) 605-0246
sammyreese@americanhandgunner.com

Join Party For The Planet� At The Country's Top Zoos And Aquariums

2011-03-29

SILVER SPRING, Maryland- What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with the planet's amazing and diverse wildlife? More than 120 of the top zoos and aquariums across North America are throwing a Party for the Planet™, making it the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America!

Local AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are the perfect place to connect with nature and conservation in your community. Party for the Planet™ festivities feature environmental education activities, amazing animal encounters and fantastic family fun.

WHO: YOU and your AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium.

WHAT: Party for the Planet™ to celebrate Earth Day!

WHEN: April 16-24, 2011 (Earth Day is April 22)

WHERE: To find the Party for the Planet™ nearest you, please visit http://www.aza.org/party-for-the-planet/. Check back frequently for updates!

This year, Party for the Planet™ is sponsored by Disneynature's African Cats, coming to theaters Earth Day, April 22nd. To view the movie trailer or download educational materials, please visit www.disney.com/africancats.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.

About AFRICAN CATS

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, "African Cats" captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother's strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. Disneynature brings "The Lion King" to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill ("Earth"). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, "African Cats" leaps into theaters worldwide beginning on Earth Day 2011. For more information about the movie and the "See 'African Cats,' Save the Savanna" initiative, check out Disney.com/AfricanCats.
Contact:
Linda Cendes, AZA
(301) 562-0777 x236