Sonia Hendrick to Headline Cabela’s Ladies’ Day Out this Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas

Cabela’s Fort Worth will celebrate the growing number of women enjoying the outdoors with Ladies Day Out, this Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. This annual event encourages ladies to try out the latest outdoor apparel, camping gear, personal firearms and other supplies.

Ladies in attendance will have an opportunity to meet local Cabela’s Pro Staff celebrity and current TV host, Sonia Hendrick. Sonia brings to the event her hunting experience and will share what it takes to be successfully in the field and being a full time mom. Sonia will be available for photos and autographs beginning at 10a.m. and host a Q & A session at 1p.m.

Hendrick has proven herself as a threat to be reckoned with on any game animal she pursues, The Texas Native and mother of 2 is part of The Sportsman’s Channels promotion for Today’s American Sportswomen

“Ladies Day Out is a celebration of women in the outdoors,” said Melissa Barry, Cabela’s marketing manager. “Cabela’s is proud to offer women not only the gear, but also to share the expert knowledge and experiences our Outfitters have that will prove crucial when pursuing their outdoor passions.”

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation Firearms Retailer Survey Report, 2011 Edition, 61 percent of retailers surveyed saw an increase in female customers in 2010 over 2009.

With more than 5 million women participating in shooting sports, an increase of 46.5 percent since 2001, this growing demographic will enjoy classes including:

Intro to Ladies Handgun and Air-soft Range
Saturday 9:00 a.m.

The Bells of Broadheads – Intro to Archery and Range Time
Saturday 10:00 a.m.

Boats, ATVs, Trailers and More – Towing 101
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.

A Texas Style BBQ for Ladies Only for the record books.
Saturday, 12:00 p.m.

From House to Huntress -Sonia Hendrick
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.

Women seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise in other areas, such as outdoor cooking, fly tying, orienteering and wilderness survival, also will be able to choose from a variety of classes.

Classes will be taught by local experts and are free of charge.

Product specialists and industry experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide recommendations while offering suggestions to help ladies make the most of their next outdoor adventure.

All ladies in attendance will be eligible to enter the Cabelas Fashion Challenge. Dress the best mannequin and take the entire outfit home.

For a complete schedule of Ladies Day Out events, call 817-337-2400. Cabela’s Fort Worth is located at 12901 Cabelas Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76177 for additional information or to shop online, visit www.Cabelas.com.

Read and join the discussion on Sonia Hendrick to Headline Cabela’s Ladies’ Day Out this Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas at OutdoorHub.com.

Arizona’s SB 1223 (License Simplification) Passes Vote of Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s legislation, Senate Bill 1223, to allow the commission to set future license structure and fees (including all licenses types, permits, tags, stamps and watercraft registrations) directly through a streamlined, customer-focused process, as opposed to the existing complex legislative and rulemaking processes, was passed unanimously by the Arizona Senate’s Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee on Feb. 6.

The bill, which is supported by numerous sportsmen’s organizations, will next receive a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee, possibly in the next two weeks.

Customers have asked for a simpler license structure. The complexity of the current structure has been identified as a barrier to hunter and angler recruitment and retention. The existing process for changing license structure is complex and time-consuming, and it prevents timely reaction to changing customer needs or conditions. Currently, the commission needs legislative approval (i.e., passage of a bill) to revise the license structure, even to offer discounts. If the bill passes, the commission then must go through a regular rulemaking process to implement the structure. All of this can take three or more years to complete.

If SB 1223 were to pass, license structure and fees would be established through a new customer-focused rulemaking process. It would not require passage of a bill through the Legislature, although the commission would still be under legislative oversight. The bill includes oversight measures and “checks and balances” on the commission’s authority to set license structure and fees under this new authority.

Benefits of SB 1223 include:

• A simpler, easier to understand license structure. More than 40 license types that currently exist could be significantly decreased in number to reduce customer confusion.
• Better products, increased value. A 365-day license could be offered rather than a calendar year license, or licenses could bundle stamp privileges.
• Flexibility. The commission could react more quickly in response to customer needs, marketing opportunities or biological factors — examples might include reduced prices for large numbers of leftover tags or temporarily discounting license fees as incentives. 
• Hunter and angler input. Direct customer access and input opportunities with the five-member Game and Fish Commission.

You can learn more about SB 1223 and view answers to frequently asked questions by visiting www.azgfd.gov/LicenseSimplification. 

Read and join the discussion on Arizona’s SB 1223 (License Simplification) Passes Vote of Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee at OutdoorHub.com.

Michigan DNR Sales System Upgrade to Affect License Sales Feb. 18-21

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is upgrading its Retail Sales System (RSS), the system it uses to sell hunting, fishing, snowmobile, off-road vehicle and a variety of other licenses. In order to complete the upgrade, the DNR will take its licensing system offline from Monday, Feb. 18, at 11: 30 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. The upgrades will take place in time for the new license year that begins on March 1, 2013.

This will affect license sales at retail stores, as well as online license sales through the DNR’s e-license website.

“While there is never an ideal time to take the system offline, we have planned this upgrade to take place during a time when it would have the least impact,” said Denise Gruben, manager of the DNR’s Licensing and Reservations. “We are at the end of the 2012 license year, and most people have already purchased their 2012 licenses, most of which are valid through March 31, 2013.”

The system upgrades include a complete change of the behind-the-scenes operating system and servers. “Changes in technology and suggestions from license agents – the businesses that sell licenses at the counter – prompted these much-needed upgrades,” said Gruben.

Those who have not yet purchased for the 2012 license year and wish to participate in hunting and fishing during the specific offline time period are encouraged to plan ahead and buy beforehand.

Customers who wish to buy snowmobile permits during the 2.5-day offline period can buy pre-printed permits at many snowmobile dealerships. The Michigan Snowmobile Association website includes a list of license agents who carry the preprinted snowmobile permits. Many of the dealerships also carry the pre-printed ORV permits. Customers may also call a DNR operation service center, field office or customer service at 517-373-1204 for help finding a nearby dealer.

Sales of 2012 items will resume at 1 pm on Feb. 21, 2013.

The scheduled down time is part of a multi-year, multi-phase system upgrade that included modernization of the retail sales equipment last year. Gruben said these system upgrades will pave the way for system enhancements that will determine how quickly and efficiently license agents sell to the sporting public. Some improvements will take place on March 1, 2013, while others are planned for the summer and for the 2014 license year.

The DNR is sending materials to the license agents to prepare for the down time and system upgrades.

For more information about the upgrades, please call DNR Customer Service during regular business hours at 517-373-1204 or send e-mail to MDNR-E-License@michigan.gov

Read and join the discussion on Michigan DNR Sales System Upgrade to Affect License Sales Feb. 18-21 at OutdoorHub.com.

International Summit Evaluates Value of Outdoors to Society

Today, all around the world, the outdoors is being challenged with pressures from every angle including; education, environment, cultural and economic. Those who work in the outdoors are all too aware of these issues. New Zealand is the mecca for the world’s outdoors adventurers. Rotorua is its Maori cultural heartland and a hotspot for the outdoors, making it the ideal location to discuss contemporary issues surrounding the value the outdoors brings to our society. It is here that members of the international outdoors community will gather at The World Outdoors Summit 2013 from 18-22 November to share, discuss and present how to resolve those challenges. The World Outdoors Summit is the best opportunity for the global outdoors community come together and ensure that lifelong recreation habits in the outdoors remain an important, relevant and valued part of our societies.

The event, hosted by Outdoors New Zealand, is expected to attract some 350 delegates from New Zealand, North America, Australia and Europe.

Outdoors New Zealand CEO Garth Dawson says that the summit is designed for the entire professional outdoors community and offers a range of workshops, panels, seminars and networking opportunities.

“The World Outdoors Summit is our opportunity to share knowledge, ideas and initiatives on resolving those challenges to ensure that lifelong recreation habits in the outdoors remain an important, relevant and valued part of our societies,” he says.

The summit’s theme “The value of the outdoors to society” follows on from the theme of The Outdoors Forum 2012, which was hosted by Outdoors New Zealand in October 2012 with a full capacity delegation.

Presentations will include:

• Strategies and tactics on how to ‘sell’ the outdoors without compromising its intrinsic value,
• Success stories around gaining public, government or commercial support, sponsorships, partnerships or funding,
• Completed research that proves the value that outdoors education, outdoors recreation and adventure tourism brings to our society.

Mr Dawson says that The World Outdoors Summit will incorporate several streams focused on the summit’s central theme. The planning committee is currently seeking presentations across all of these streams; outdoor education, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, sustainability and environment, and risk and safety management.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Ihirangi Heke – indigenous outdoor education consultant, Paora Te Hurihanganui – general manager of Te Arawa Sports Foundation and Dr Robyn Zink – researcher for the Centre for Recreation Research.

Meritorious papers may be invited to submit to a special issue of the New Zealand Journal of Outdoor Education (NZJOE).

Mr Dawson says the four-day event will include an entire day of plenary sessions dedicated to Māori and bushcraft-based content being held outdoors in the Rotorua region. There will also be an awards gala dinner held to celebrate New Zealand’s outstanding outdoors community.

He says not to forget the greater goal beyond growing our community.

“More people enjoying a quality experience in the outdoors means that we, in turn, create a healthier, wealthier and smarter international community.

“The outcomes of the overall value project will be greater than the sum of its parts. It’s an opportunity to reclaim an important stake in society and the future development of our countries.”

The call for speakers closes on 1 April 2013. Early bird registrations open May 2013 and close 18 September 2013. To submit an abstract for presentation, register as a delegate or for more info go to: www.wos2013.com

Outdoors New Zealand, a registered charity and non-profit incorporated in 1997, is the peak organisation providing leadership and support to the outdoor recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism community.

Its growing community of approximately 100 member organisations cover all aspects of the outdoors community including clubs, not-for-profit organisations, commercial organisations, as well as professional, affiliated, and standards-setting associations at national, regional and local levels.

Read and join the discussion on International Summit Evaluates Value of Outdoors to Society at OutdoorHub.com.

Primos and Polaris Introduce “Jingle Smells” Giveaway

 

Read and join the discussion on Primos and Polaris Introduce “Jingle Smells” Giveaway at OutdoorHub.com.

Law Enforcement Day at State Fair Highlights Department’s Efforts

New Mexico’s conservation officers and the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program will be out in force at this year’s New Mexico State Fair for Law Enforcement Day on Thursday, Sept. 13. Gates open at 9 a.m.

The OHV Program will display its new law enforcement tools, including the fully equipped Department law-enforcement ATV and electric motorcycles used on the roads and trails. Officers use the vehicles to make sure riders are operating on designated areas to avoid interference with hunts, respecting private property and complying with OHV laws.

“Hunting season is upon us and we want to remind OHV riders that the Department of Game and Fish will be out in the field checking them for compliance of all OHV laws to keep everyone safe,” said David Chester, OHV Program manager.

The department’s “Poach Coach” will be on display for Law Enforcement Day, presenting wildlife that has been unlawfully killed and letting the public know how to report poaching through a designated Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline: 1-800-432-GAME.

In addition, the department will have informational OHV and OGT displays inside the Natural Resources Building at Expo New Mexico that can be seen for the duration of the fair.

This year’s admission for adults (age 12-61) is $10, Seniors (age 62 and up) and children (age 6-11) is $7 and children under 5 years old are free. Parking inside Gate 1 or Gate 8 is also free.

Uniformed law enforcement officers will be admitted free on Law Enforcement Day.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Law Enforcement Day at State Fair Highlights Department’s Efforts

Kalkomey Hires Mitch Strobl as Business Development/Communications Specialist

Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., an official provider of safety education products for hunters, boaters, snowmobilers and off-road enthusiasts, named Mitch Strobl specialist of business development and communications. Strobl will work to create new business opportunities that enable state agencies to reach more enthusiasts with the information and training they need to safely enjoy the outdoors.

Strobl, a recent graduate of DePauw University, started in outdoor communications by interning with the Professional Outdoor Media Association and freelancing for several companies such as huntinglife.com.  He has worked as a writer, photographer and videographer with a focus on taking veterans with disabilities hunting and introducing youth to the outdoors.  In addition, Strobl started the DePauw Conservation Club and the DePauw Trap and Skeet Club while he was a student at that university. Currently, he is serving as co-chairman of the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s under 25 group for young professionals.

Kalkomey works with government agencies and organizations to develop state-specific safety courses for boaters, hunters, snowmobilers, and off-road vehicle operators. Kalkomey’s print and Internet training products have provided official safety certification for millions of outdoors enthusiasts. The company’s online training sites include boat-ed.com, hunter-ed.com, bowhunter-ed.com, snowmobile-ed.com, and offroad-ed.com.

Strobl can be contacted at mstrobl@kalkomey.com or 214-437-9900.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Kalkomey Hires Mitch Strobl as Business Development/Communications Specialist

Ride, Fish, Scout and Hunt

The month of May offers plenty in the outdoors. You can ride your Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side. When enjoying your four wheels, fishing and even some late-spring and summer hunting are also options. “Life isn’t a dress rehearsal,” the saying goes. Get out there and enjoy yourself.

FISH: It’s safe to say, residents of all 50 states are enjoying fishing right now.

If you’ve got kids, it’s a great time to start them angling. Choose a bobber and bait for easy introduction. Graduate to fly fishing later if the interest continues. Panfish and stocked trout provide steady opportunity as do youth fishing events.

As backcountry rides and angling go, there’s no better time to get out there. Check rules and regulations as always for trail use, plus overnight camping and fishing laws. Be safe.

SCOUT: If you’re a hardcore hunter, scouting is a year-round deal.

It might include seeking new permission from landowners. Have your longtime hunting spots been developed? Maybe you want to plot where to hang tree stands.

Waterfowl hunters might gauge how to use their spots more wisely. Blinds will be built. Plans hatched.

As pure game watching goes, you can see how the turkey hatch has been, note duck and goose broods, and even watch deer with fawns later on, and summer bucks in velvet.

For information on what hunting offers for the month of May, please visit – http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/events/dynamicevent/2/1638/yamaha_outdoors_tips_-_ride_fish_scout_and_hunt_.aspx.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Ride, Fish, Scout and Hunt

Moon Shine Attitude Attire Joins Hillman Racing’s NASCAR Team

Beavertown, PA– Moon Shine, LP, a premium designer of Moon Shine Attitude Attire, announces a new partnership with Hillman Racing, which owns and operates the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series #27 driven by Jeb and Ward Burton. Moon Shine Attitude Attire will become their official apparel company.

“We are very excited to team up with Hillman Racing to provide both Jed and Ward Burton with cutting edge designer apparel that conveys the attitude and traditional values of every generation,” stated Moon Shine LP President, Travis Mattern. “We anticipate new growth and further opportunities in the racing community with this new partnership.”

Hillman Racing is making its NASCAR debut this season, but the organization is anything but new to the sport.  Team owner Mike Hillman Sr. played a key role in the founding of Germain Racing and was the architect of the group’s two NASCAR championships in 2006 and 2010.  Hillman acquired the championship-winning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series assets following the conclusion of the 2011 season and is set to embark as the owner and general manager of Hillman Racing for the 2012 season.

“When we formed Hillman Racing in the off-season, it was our goal to attract new partners to the organization that could grow with us,” commented Hillman.  “I see that opportunity with Moon Shine Attitude Apparel. When we first saw their lineup of clothing, I knew immediately that it was something that would appeal to NASCAR fans because it was a hit in our race shop.  We look forward to expanding our relationship with Moon Shine as we continue to develop our own operation.”

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Moon Shine Attitude Attire Joins Hillman Racing’s NASCAR Team

A Mix of Good and Bad: Warm Winter Climate Effects on the Midwest

Temperatures in the Midwest and in many other parts of the United States have been unusually high and snowfall exceptionally low for the 2011/2012 winter season. Some industries are adjusting well to the unseasonably warm temperatures, while others have taken a hit, but are not suffering.

Given that so many parts of the outdoor industry are adjusting well, what is it exactly that’s being affected?

More Food and Less Predators for Michigan Upper Peninsula Deer

According to a Feb. 21, 2012 report by Jon Gaskell for the Capital News Service, the mild winter could provide more food for deer and give deer an advantage over their predators. The population could also grow, whereas in normal winters many fawns die off within their first year in extreme cold temperatures. Old and unhealthy deer that normally fall victim to severe temperatures might make it in greater numbers as well. All this could lead to an exceptional hunting season in the fall.

Hunting and Fishing Stayed the Same in Ohio, Even Though Patterns Changed

Vicki Ervin, the communications manager for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, said this year was the first time Lake Erie didn’t freeze over for fishermen. So there were no shanties on the lake with ice-fishers in them, anglers still took to the water on their boats.

As far as hunting goes, Ervin recalled one week in January where temperatures were in the 40s and 50s. She said the kill numbers went up that week as more hunters ventured out. “It doesn’t change those things,” Ervin said, referring to hunting, “it changes the patterns of those users; they adapt to it.”

Outdoor Product Sales Take a Big and a Small Hit

The final figures on outdoor product sales presented a complex result. Because of the “unusually late and tame onset of winter”, January sales rose by a slow one percent growth, according to a report by by the Outdoor Industry Association and The SportsOneSource Group. Certain outdoor products performed better than others, such as a strong sale of footwear and apparel.

Other outdoor products were not so fortunate to have grown. TMJ4 in Brookfield, Wisconsin reported that many motorsports shops are sitting on unsold snowmobile inventory. Bob VanZeist, owner of Don & Roy’s Motorsports, said, “People aren’t riding as much so service is down, parts, consumption’s down so it’s kind of hurt across the board and it’s really created more cabin fever than we’re accustomed to.”

On a side note, snowmobile registrations are down 40 percent from last year in the state of New York.

Snowmobile Fatalities Down in Wisconsin

Todd Schaller, the conservation warden for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said his department has noticed less snowmobilers and ice-fishers this year. “Three weeks ago our non-residence trail pass [for snowmobiles] was down over 30 percent,” Schaller said. On a positive note, less snowmobiles means less accidents. “We have had less snowmobile fatalities, which is reflective a little bit on the volume of use,” said Schaller.

Mountain Sports Will Survive Through the Mild Winter

Surprisingly, mountain resorts seem to be affected less than expected. Both Shanty Creek Resorts and Boyne Mountain Highlands Resort (and similarly Boyne Mountain) in Michigan reported that despite a very small Christmas-time/holiday season, which is their most important, the resorts have retained enough customers in January and February to keep the business afloat. “It will not be a record year, but it will not be our worst year,” said Steve Kershner, the director of snow sports at Shany Creek Resorts.

Boyne Mountain Highlands’ natural snowfall totaled 52 inches through February, which is 30 inches less than this time last year. Compare those numbers to the 2008-09 season when total snowfall reached a higher-than-average 157 inches. Erin Ernst, the director of communications for Boyne, said the biggest problem the ski resort has experienced is actually not the snowfall, but the warm temperatures. The resorts and ski hills at Boyne have had to put additional resources into snowmaking this season to keep surface conditions at their best.

Campers Venturing Out Early

Outside of the Midwest, campers in West Virginia are already making reservations for campsites. State Parks Chief Ken Caplinger said, “This time of year, with the temperature as mild as I can remember, more campers than usual are checking the state parks website for campsite reservation forms.”

Overall, there are ups and downs in response to the warmer weather all across the board in the outdoor industry. Some hunters and the hunted are reaping the benefits while they last, while others are keeping their fingers crossed that winter 2012/2013 won’t be so warm.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - A Mix of Good and Bad: Warm Winter Climate Effects on the Midwest

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