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Bass Pro Shops renewed its annual sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 25 this year. Congress formalized the annual commemoration of hunters, anglers and conservationists in 1972 and every U.S. president since has recognized the day as a reminder that conservation in America succeeds thanks to funding and leadership from hunters and anglers.

Sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops will help the Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., with educational and outreach campaigns to help build citizen understanding and appreciation of hunting and fishing. Bass Pro Shops Communications Manager Larry Whiteley said the hope is to get more people involved in the outdoors.

Wonders of Wildlife’s Denise Wagner said that the development of PSAs, games and activities and other promotions around National Hunting and Fishing Day are in the works. “We couldn’t proceed without sponsors and Bass Pro Shops has been with us for many years now. We’re grateful for their continuing sponsorship,” said Wagner in a press release.

The growing list of National Hunting and Fishing Day sponsors also includes National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman Channel Inc., Izaak Walton League of America, Realtree, Cabela’s, GunBroker.com, Yamaha and Pope and Young Club. For more about National Hunting and Fishing Day, visit www.nhfday.org. Visit Bass Pro Shops at www.basspro.com.

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The number of young hunters is on the rise, says Families Afield. The program’s latest report found that apprentice hunting licenses increased by 100,000 in 2009.

Launched in 2004 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation, the program works to reduce states’ regulatory barriers to youth hunting.

Since Family Afield’s inception, 29 states have passed legislation lowering barriers to youth hunting. The program advocates that parents, not politics, should decide at what age a child is mature enough to try hunting.

Families Afield joins licensed adult mentors with youth to safely introduce them to hunting. Proponents believe that hunting helps to get children outdoors and away from video games, while bonding families and increasing attendance in hunter education classes.

“It’s satisfying to see Families Afield fulfilling its mission to grow the ranks of hunting,” said Melissa Schilling, NSSF’s manager of recruitment and retention. “Families Afield will have a long-term, positive effect on hunting, and while the program’s numbers are impressive, we’re still in the early stages. Over time, we believe this successful program will add millions of new hunters.”

Based on 24 states reporting their license sales numbers, the Families Afield report shows more than 388,000 apprentice hunting licenses sold from 2005 through 2009. To learn more about Families Afield and about your state’s hunting regulations, go to www.familiesafield.org. ◊

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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Originally established as the Soil Conservation Service by Congress in 1935, NRCS works with landowners to ensure the conservation and restoration of the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems. NRCS works at the local level, with field offices at USDA Service Centers in nearly every county.

Contact Terry Bish in NRCS’s publicaffairs division at 202-720-5974 or terry.bish@wdc.usda.gov to learn how to partner on commemorative activities.

In celebration of the long conservation history of NRCS, the video “A Legacy of Conservation” is available for viewing at www.nrcs.usda.gov/about.

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The Sierra Club petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect the habitat of leatherback sea turtles, the world’s largest turtle, in Puerto Rico. The sandy beaches on this Caribbean island are part of the Northeast Ecological Corridor, home to 40 endemic and threatened species, and considered one of the most important leatherback nesting grounds in the United States. Puerto Rico Gov. Luis G. Fortuno removed the area’s designation as a nature reserve in October last year, rendering the area vulnerable to hotels, golf courses and other coastal construction.

“If we do not protect turtle nesting beaches throughout the Caribbean we will lose them,” said Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera, environmental scientist and planner of the Initiative of Sustainable Development, in a Sierra Club press release.

The Northeast Ecological Corridor, an area encompassing 3,200 acres of forests, wetlands, beaches, coral communities and a bioluminescent lagoon on Puerto Rico’s eastern shoreline, is one of the last American leatherback turtle nesting sites with a significant population. The Sierra Club attributes rising sea levels, shifting currents and ocean acidification to the impediment of turtle survival around the world. The warming temperatures of climate change may also lead to imbalances within leatherback populations, as the temperature of the nest determines the gender of turtle hatchlings. For more information on the Sierra Club and the Coalition for the Northeast Ecological Corridor, visit www.sierraclub.org/corridor.

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President Obama proposed $1.1 billion in appropriations for the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management in fiscal year 2011. Focusing on renewable energy development and climate change adaptation, this budget request is an $8 million increase from BLM’s fiscal year 2010 enacted funding level. The agency plans to focus primarily on the new energy frontier, climate change adaptation, treasured landscapes and youth in natural resources initiatives.

To encourage renewable energy development, the budget includes a $3 million increase from fiscal year 2010’s $16.1 million increase toward environmental studies for solar energy projects in Nevada and potential wind energy zones in Oregon and Nevada. It also includes a $2 million increase in BLM’s soil, water and air management program for air quality monitoring targeted to areas with current or anticipated intensive oil and gas development.

A $2.5 million increase from fiscal year 2010’s $15 million increase is proposed to develop strategies for the adaptation of native plants and animal communities to climate change, while a $13.1 million increase is allotted to land acquisition projects. Totaling $37.8 million, the treasured landscapes initiative funds will add federal protection to 25,679 acres of land with key species and habitat, as well as lands with historical and cultural significance.

For fiscal year 2010, BLM received a $5 million increase toward programs that engage youth in natural resource management last year. In fiscal year 2011, the agency will continue to fund the partnerships that promote stewardship, conservation and public service, while directing $1 million to support a new public-private partnership program with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Budget decreases include a reduction of $8.2 million for resource management planning; a $5 million reduction in the Oregon and California lands management program; and a $13 million reduction in the Alaska land conveyance program. For more information, visit www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2010/february/NR_02_01_2009.html. ◊

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Leading fishing tackle manufacturer Shimano American Corp. urges recreational anglers to contact their congressional representatives in regards to impending White House policy that could result in closures of sport fishing in salt and freshwater areas across America.

The Interagency Oceans Policy Task Force was created by the White House in June and charged with developing a comprehensive federal policy for all U.S. coastal, ocean and Great Lakes waters in a 90-day period. The task force could create zoning which may permanently close vast areas of fishing waters nationwide by Dec. 9, 2009.

Shimano President Dave Pfeiffer said, “In spite of extensive submissions from the recreational fishing community to the task force in person and in writing, they failed to include any mention of the over one million jobs or the 60 million anglers which may be affected by the new policies coast to coast.”

Phil Morlock, director of environmental affairs at Shimano, said, “The task force did not make any distinction between the dramatic differences between harmful commercial fishing harvest methods and recreational fishing, even though we spelled it out for then in detail.”

The report makes it clear that future authority for implementing the policy for coastal and inland waters will fall under White House jurisdiction with a new National Ocean Council comprised of more than 20 federal agencies at Cabinet Secretary or Deputy Secretary level. No reference to congressional jurisdiction is indicated.

Shimano is joining with other members of the recreational fishing industry to urge anglers to contact their members of Congress and officials  to request this process be required to adopt the economic, conservation and social contribution of recreational fishing as key elements of the policy. Maintaining congressional oversight and state jurisdiction and management is crucial.

E-letters can be sent to the administration and members of Congress by visiting www.keepamericafishing.org/.

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Riverton, Wyo. – Hi Mountain Seasonings is spicing up the Web world with the introduction of three online cookbook videos demonstrating how to cook delicious, nutritious meals step-by-step. The videos, available for viewing at himtnjerky.com and through Hi Mountain Seasonings’ blog, http://himtnrecipes.blogspot.com/, are about ten minutes long each and feature two well-known outdoor enthusiast/cooking personalities.

In the first two videos, acclaimed outdoor writer and videographer Andy Lightbody whips up seafood kebabs and smoked peppers and tomatoes, demonstrating his slicing and dicing, skewering and vegetable selection techniques. Chef Kathy Matoon, TV host of “Cookin’ on the Wild Side” takes over for the third video where she shows off her Dutch oven know-how.

Located in the heart of Wyoming, Hi Mountain Seasonings was founded in 1991.  It is the premier manufacturer of kits for homemade jerky and sausage.  More information, including Hi Mountain’s entire line of products, cooking tips and instructional recipes can be found on their Web site. ◊

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Load up the boat, pack your best rod and reel and hit the road– It is time to “Fish Virginia First”–  The Mid-Atlantic’s premier fishing trail. Some of the best fishing destinations in the country await you in Virginia. Home to picturesque and inspiring lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and reservoirs around, Virginia promises to satisfy your desire to fish, as well as your sense of adventure!

Virginia is a state rich with history and culture. Some of the most influential names in American history have called Virginia home. Ever since the first settlers stepped foot on the coast, fishing has  been an important part of life. While the purposes behind fishing may be different today, it is a tradition that not only lives on, but prospers in many areas of Virginia’s beautiful and scenic locales. From one scenic end of the state to the other, there are countless fishing destinations to lure any fisherman. Many of these fishing locales are rich with history and promise a memorable fishing experience. In the midst of its beautiful mountain ranges and deep historical roots, there are numerous fishing hotspots. No matter if you’re a young rookie or an aged expert, Virginia is the perfect place to cast your lines. “Fish Virginia First” is a program designed to help bring these great experiences together for you to enjoy.

The central, southwest and southern regions of Virginia are abundant with fisheries and tourism infrastructure that can accommodate and sustain visitation. An important part of tourism, fishing is an attraction that requires no investment. The assets of rivers, lakes and streams already exist. This multi-regional effort to promote such fisheries and other amenities such as lodging, restaurants, shopping, outfitters, etc. will become an addition to the $18.7 billion industry in Virginia. It is easy to see how “Fish Virginia First” is a great asset to this growing industry and the economic impact for each community.

For more information, visit  www.fishvirginiafirst.com.

Sportsman Channel is sporting a new and enhanced image designed to more accurately reflect the network’s core brand: providing high-quality hunting, shooting and fishing programming exclusively focused on the entertainment and information needs of the true “Sportsman.” The new image captures the channel’s revitalized programming lineup and exciting new content development, which are part of parent company InterMedia Outdoors’ ongoing strategy to establish Sportsman as the premiere television and digital company serving American sportsmen.

The new image includes a dramatically different logo and channel bug, which replaces the red-boxed logo the company has had since its inception. The new logo is a modern illustration of the channel’s singular dedication to hunting, shooting and fishing enthusiasts through three “coins.” These coins have become the main feature of the new logo and on-air channel bug, each representing a different color and icon to give the viewer an immediate point of reference and to consistently brand the network’s core programming pillars of hunt, shoot and fish.

“These coins are the essence of the new look and feel of the network,” said Willy Burkhardt, president of Sportsman Channel and executive vice president at IMO. “We can animate them, stretch them into 3-D, have them interact with the programming, you name it. We are building a viewer recognition platform around a simple shape that will yield, over time, a strong brand identification for Sportsman and our core programming offerings of hunting, shooting and fishing.”

Additionally, Sportsman has dropped “The” to become Sportsman Channel, with a graphical emphasis on “Sportsman” and the three coins.

The enhanced branding elements are supported by the “You Know You’re a Sportsman” campaign, which is running across IMO’s vast media outlets, including 15 market-leading magazines and Web sites, as well as consumer and trade media.

“This was a natural progression for Sportsman Channel,” said InterMedia Outdoors President/CEO Jeff Paro. “Since acquiring Sportsman, IMO has pursued a well-defined, strategic plan designed to make us the No. 1 channel serving American sportsmen. This year, IMO has leveraged its vast resources to fuel Sportsman with more than 115 hours of fresh, cutting-edge original programming, as well as driving a collaborative approach to promotion and ad sales. Willy and his team have created a ton of traction and have begun to redefine the category. The new logo and branding elements are a celebration of this effort and of our commitment to sportsmen everywhere.”

The rollout elements included: on-air promotional “teases” that gradually revealed the logo; staggered print image ads in InterMedia Outdoor’s market-leading magazines; an online companion campaign; and social media promotion – a first for the network – all leading ultimately to the full introduction of the new logo, on-air bug and promotional graphics on June 29.

Sportsman Channel is currently seen in more than 17 million homes. The channel has grown its distribution by 600 percent since early in 2008, when IMO began to implement a new and aggressive growth strategy.

Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering 100 percent hunting, shooting and fishing programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2007, Sportsman Channel is now a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com. ◊

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WICHITA, Kan. – From the Internet to cell phones, satellites to social networking sites, people embrace technology that allows them to stay connected with the world and one another. But long before Facebook and iPhones were the norm, Coleman was – and continues to be – a fixture wherever people gather in the glow of crackling campfires, cook meals under open skies and fall asleep to the rustle of tent fabric and leaves.

Coleman, with its products that enhance and enable the outdoor experience, just might argue that it created the first social networking site – a concept that serves as the theme for the company’s multimedia advertising campaign that began this spring.

Much like Coleman’s products address nearly every outdoor recreation need, the company’s ambitious campaign reaches out to nearly every outlet used to communicate and receive information by today’s society – merging the tradition of outdoor activities with technology in an intuitive and relevant fashion. Beginning with commercials running on some of television’s highest-rated shows and ads running in the nation’s most popular print and online publications, Coleman’s campaign takes the “original social networking” message even further with online initiatives and collaboration with the blogosphere.

Though Coleman may be responsible for the original social networking site, the company is also now a part of the Internet’s largest incarnation: Facebook. There, Coleman’s profile showcases original content, special offers and interactive elements for its fans and friends as well as information about free and easy-to-download Coleman-specific apps for iPhones. As entertaining as they are practical, these apps provide outdoors enthusiasts a connection to their favorite pastime between trips. These apps include customizable Coleman lanterns and lights that turn iPhones into a hand-held light and a collection of fun and creepy campfire stories to entertain and initiate face-to-face communication when camping or at any other time.

“Now, more than ever, people want to reconnect outdoors with friends and family,” said Jeff Willard, Coleman’s senior vice president for global marketing and new product development. “We help bring people together, whether it’s with the traditional Coleman lantern or on their iPhone.”

Hollywood actor Sam Elliott will narrate Coleman’s newest series of television ads. Utilizing his iconic and easily recognizable delivery, Elliott speaks to all generations about the allure of time spent together having fun outdoors in campsites.

See the new ads, hear the band Gomez as well as Elliott’s voice-over and get additional information at www.coleman.com. To experience the “original social networking site” campaign online and check out special offers and unique features, go to Coleman’s page on Facebook by entering “The Coleman Company” into the site’s search engine. Becoming a “fan” is as simple as clicking a link; referring others is just as easy. Facebook fans, or official friends on the site, can browse the company’s profile and get up-to-date information on exciting offers such as free apps, promotions and downloads; be the first to see new online-only features, sneak peeks of the newest television commercials and the latest must-have products to enhance the “original social networking site.”

“We know Coleman didn’t really invent social networking,” said Rob Strasberg, chief creative officer for Doner Advertising, the agency behind this new campaign for Coleman and a host of other national brands. “But it’s true that Coleman helps people get together, share experiences and do embarrassing things. Hey, wait a minute, maybe Coleman did invent social networking.”

The 109-year-old company’s re-energized efforts to introduce and reacquaint society to the benefits of spending time outdoors are significant in their timeliness and relevance. With an increasingly wired population living in an era of expanded workloads, decreased personal time and other stress factors, the restorative and economic values of outdoor activities are sometimes overlooked. With a message that is fun, accessible and rooted in the knowledge that time spent outdoors can lead to happier lives and stronger bonds with family and friends, Coleman’s new “original social networking site” campaign is a reminder that life should not be confined within four walls.

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