April Update

Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame honors OWAA members

Three OWAA members and one former member are among the honorees selected by the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame Awards Committee for special recognition in 2009. An induction ceremony for the award winners will be held June 14 at the museum in Hayward, Wis.
stutinney2009 Legendary Angler: Considered are anglers who have had at least regional lasting impact benefiting freshwater sport fishing.
Stu Tinney – Tennessee
Stu Tinney, one of the 100 Living Legends of American Sport Fishing, is regarded as one of the nation’s top authorities on freshwater striped bass. A professional fishing guide, tackle designer and lecturer, he has been featured in national outdoor magazines, as well as in newspapers coast-to-coast, on television and radio shows and in numerous outdoor films. He was the founder, editor and publisher of Striper Magazine and was the chief sponsor and organizer of fishing tournaments that not only raised money for charities, but also provided scientific data used today by all fisheries managers. Tinney is a pioneer in the field of striped bass fishing. As a fishing guide on J. Percy Priest Reservoir in Nashville, Tenn., Tinney recognized an opportunity further promoting the tremendous potential of the striped bass as an economically valuable and dynamic game fish to the sport fishery for the benefit of anglers and state fishery programs nationwide.



2009 Legendary Guide: Considered are guides who have gained by their expertise and professionalism a status of credibility and immortality judged so by their customers, the region and/or their peers.
Tom Neustrom – Minnesota
Tom Neustrom grew up in Chicago, close to the Lake Michigan waterfront, but that really wasn’t where this passion for fishing began. The Northern Illinois Chain of Lakes, located near the town of Antioch was kind of a breeding ground for Neustrom. As a young boy, Neustrom and his family would drive nearly every weekend to Channel Lake and fish from dawn until dark. His dad was instrumental in Neustrom’s fishing development and its continued growth. During the summer, the family would drive 450 miles to Northern Wisconsin for fishing adventures that paved the groundwork for Neustrom’s future. The family would head north to Wisconsin every year to the Eau Claire Chain of Lakes, north of Hayward. At 12, Neustrom was on the water every day and was a student of fishing, or as Neustrom put it, “School was in everyday.” He learned how to jig fish early on and is still considered one of the best in the country by his peers. Neustrom is considered the ultimate educator by his peers and his clients.



2009 Legendary Artist: Recognizes those artists, photographers, etc., whose works are characterized by scenes, sculptures and creations that depict freshwater fishes, freshwater sport fishing, fishing tackle and equipment, and enjoyment of the sport.
Bob White – Minnesota
Bob White paints in the classic style of those who illustrated the sporting books and magazines he read as a child. A professional guide and artist for two decades, he has spent countless hours researching sportsmen and women in action – from the wilderness of Alaska and his rural Minnesota home to the wide-reaching expanses of Argentina. White has been influenced by such masters as Homer, Sargent and Fournier, and by more recent artists such as Pleissner, Jacques and Sloane. He works in watercolors, oils, pencil and ink, grasping the essence of a scene in a brief sketch. His ability to capture a fleeting moment through the eyes of the sportsman has won him worldwide acclaim. His work hangs in the private and corporate collections of sportsmen on six continents. White was awarded Guide of the Year in 1988 by Fly Rod & Reel Magazine. As the 1994 Artist of the Year for the Alaska State Parks Foundation, White produced and donated the artwork for the first Alaska State Parks Foundation print.

2009 Legendary Communicator: Recognizes people who developed a unique communication means or avenue, which was instrumental in introducing fishing to the public or in maintaining public interest or awareness.
Don Wallace – Oklahoma
Don Wallace had a 40-year career in broadcasting, both in radio and television. Radio first, then he started the “Wallace Wildlife Show” in 1965 on WKY-TV in Oklahoma City, while he was still working full time on radio station WKY. After six years of doing both radio and TV (15-minute weekend show), he began full time on the “Wallace Wildlife Show” as a weekly 30-minute prime-time or prime-time access show on Channel 4 in Oklahoma City. The show lasted another 17 years until his retirement in 1989. His show ran for a total of 23 years and was syndicated in parts of five states.
Wallace wore many hats; he would film, edit, produce, sell, host and syndicate for the show. He produced 40 new shows a year for a total of 929 shows and shot 800,000 feet of film in 23 years, having started out with an old Bell and Howell wind-up 16mm camera with one lens. Wallace won awards from OWAA, the Sooner Outdoor Writers Association and the Oklahoma Broadcasters Association.
For more information visit www.freshwater-fishing.org.

Hook up with Catch Magazine online


catch-magazine-coverBrian O’Keefe invites fellow OWAA members to flip through Catch Magazine, his new online fly-fishing magazine, at www.catchmagazine.net.Catch Magazine is the Journal of Fly Fishing Photography, Video and Film. Subscriptions to Catch Magazine are free and each issue is sent via e-mail on the first day of every odd-numbered month. The next issue will arrive May 1. Catch is viewed in more than 105 countries and is an example of what O’Keefe calls “the magazines of the future.”

Beath unveils new salmon news Web site



John Beath has launched a new Web site, www.salmonnews.net, designed to be a salmon “super site” full of salmon-related news stories from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, Alaska and the Great Lakes. Outdoor communicators as well as sports anglers now have a Web site that is easy to search and contains up-to-date salmon news from all regions. Visitors to the site are able to check updated salmon seasons and salmon news stories, and post their own salmon stories or salmon events such as salmon derbies or salmon enhancement projects. Beath’s team is putting the final touches on the site and is posting all salmon news stories from Jan. 1, 2009. The site will be updated several times a week. Beath also recently launched www.alaskafishingreports.net. His other Web sites include www.halibut.net, www.squidlures.com, www.outdoorbooks.net, www.sportshrimping.com and www.dartjigs.com.

N.Y. journalist tapped for Hall of Fame slot


Journalist and outdoorsman Dennis Aprill will be among this year’s inductees into the New York State Outdoorsmen’s Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, located in New Hartford, N.Y., honors New Yorkers who have made significant contributions to New York’s outdoor heritage. Aprill’s nomination was sponsored by the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Aprill has been the Plattsburgh Press-Republican outdoors columnist for the past 19 years. During that time he has garnered numerous awards for writing and photography. He is a member of the SUNY Plattsburgh faculty and is the author of four books. He is an avid hunter, angler and snowshoer. Steve Dubrey, president of the Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited said, “Aprill’s interests and his ability to write and photograph them reflect his understanding and concern for New York’s natural environment.” The induction ceremony will be held April 25 in Canastota, N.Y.

‘Great American Outdoor Trails’ adds another station to the Outdoor Trails Network


The “Great American Outdoor Trails Radio Magazine” has added KDKD 95.3 FM in Clinton, Mo., to its Outdoor Trails Network. KDKD 95.3FM is a 14,500-watt station featuring Today’s New Hit Country format. The following communities in Missouri will now be able to hear the “Great American Outdoor Trails Radio Magazine”: Clinton, Warsaw, Butler, Warrensburg, El Dorado Springs, and southwest Kansas City, MO. The program will air at 5 a.m. CDT Fridays beginning April 3. KDKD 95.3 FM is part of Good Radio.TV, a newly formed broadcasting company that owns and operates 24 stations in Missouri and Iowa, according to Outdoor Trails Network host Jim Ferguson. OTN now has 83 radio stations in 13 states broadcasting to a projected audience of more than 4 million. To view the fully interactive illustrated program, “Watch What You Hear,” go to www.outdoortrailsnetwork.com.

Abrams enters 25th season of ‘Outdoor Wisconsin’

Jack Abrams
Award-winning producer Jack Abrams kicked off his 25th season of “Outdoor Wisconsin” Jan. 15 on MPTV 10 & 10.1 HD. “Outdoor Wisconsin” is the longest-running locally produced MPTV production, with more than 1,125 episodes since 1984. According to Abrams, two MPTV engineers and outdoor enthusiasts had the idea for a weekly show on fish and hunting. Abrams expanded on the idea to produce a weekly magazine-style series that would appeal to a broader audience, including backyard bird enthusiasts to snow golfers, ice fisherman to deer hunters, rifle collectors to outdoor gear designers, children to senior citizens, males and females. He credits the success of the show to the variety of segments produced. Abrams has worked with host Dan Small since the show’s inception. Helping Abrams with the show is segment producers Debby Wolniak and Judy Nugent; fishing guide Tom Newbauer; and a relative newcomer to the series, behind-the-scenes producer Diane Martin. For more information: www.mptv.org/outdoor_wisconsin/index.php or call MPTV Viewer Services at 414-297-7520.

Peluso photography reaps awards


The Alaska Fly Fishers recently recognized Long Island, N.Y., resident Angelo Peluso as part of its 2008 AFF Photo Competition. Peluso received three awards: Best in Show for the image “Running Out of Room”; first place, Creative Category, for “Sushi Flies”; and honorable mention in Just the Fish Category, for “An Albie in Hand.” Peluso is a frequent contributor to various local, regional and national publications. His two most recent books, “Saltwater Flies of the Northeast” (Frank Amato Publications) and “Fly Fishing Long Island” (Norton/Countryman Press) are available at major booksellers. A new title, “Saltwater Flies of the Southeast and Gulf Coast” (Frank Amato Publications) is scheduled for release in late 2009. The Alaska Fly Fishers was founded in 1973 and is the largest fly-fishing organization in Alaska. Peluso’s work can be seen at www.angelopeluso.com.

When Al Lindner speaks, the industry listens



Al Lindner shared his sentiments and advice as the keynote speaker at the National Professional Anglers Association annual conference held in January in Milwaukee. Discussing the future of fishing and the future of tournament fishing, Lindner, a TV icon and innovative, respected multi-species expert angler said, “The sport of fishing and tournament fishing are two different, but related elements. Tournaments influence a big part of what happens in the sport.” Lindner cited the advancements in line, lures, rods, outboards, electronics, boats, electric trolling motors and gear created by tournament anglers who do things that average anglers wouldn’t consider. “Even though the economy has had a major impact on our industry, there’s no place in the world that has as much access to public waters with great fishing than all across the United States,” Lindner said. He acknowledged that budgets are being slashed throughout the industry, but after traditional media like TV and magazine advertising, more dollars are going to nontraditional marketing. “With these reductions, all companies are looking for the best bang for their bucks, and opportunities exist for pros that can help them sell,” he said. For more visit www.npaa.net.

Wilbur Stites dies at 87


Former OWAA member Wilbur Stites, 87, died March 1, 2009, in Black Earth, Wis., after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Stites was employed by the Illinois Conservation Department when he established the “Outdoors in Illinois” radio and television programs in the early 1950s. In 1956 he joined the Wisconsin Conservation Department, where for the next 20 years he produced “Wisconsin Outdoors” radio and television programs. The television program was produced with photographers Dean Tvedt and Staber Reese, and was shown on stations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The program took viewers on outdoor adventures around the state, featuring different programs of the Department of Natural Resources. Stites was a past president of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and a World War II veteran. Tim Eisele, a freelance outdoor writer and OWAA member in Madison, Wis., worked with Stites at the DNR during the 1970s. “I came to know Wilbur as a skilled outdoorsman. He was one of the best wing shots I’ve seen and one of the best duck callers I’ve hunted with,” said Eisele. “He was a student of good writing, mentored younger employees, and was a dedicated conservationist. He will be missed.”

Upgren wins Wrangler Rugged Wear essay contest


GREENSBORO, N.C. – H. Ted Upgren Jr. of Bismarck, N.D., won the monthly Wrangler Rugged Wear Adventures Essay Contest in February, earning three jeans and shirt outfits from the brand that is “Geared for the Outdoors.” Visit www.wranglerruggedwear.com to read Upgren’s vivid account of how he stayed warm and dry while North Dakota temperatures dropped to the teens and wind gusts reached 60 mph. Upgren’s winning essay, “Dressed for a Hunter’s Coup,” described how proper layering helped him stay warm but also avoid the chills that will follow if perspiration cannot escape inner layers. “I warmed to the moment when the action started, but especially when I realized I wasn’t cold. We shot nine geese that morning,” wrote Upgren, a life member and former president of OWAA. “Dressed for a Hunter’s Coup” will be retired from the remaining 2009 competition. To enter your essay recounting your favorite outdoor adventure in which clothing played a successful role, e-mail Bill AuCoin at wmaucoin@verizon.net. All members of an association of outdoor communicators in the U.S. or Canada are eligible to submit one essay of 150-200 words per year. Photo: Ted Upgren is rugged Wrangler-dressed and ready for spring fishing – but, it appears fishing season isn’t ready for him.

Nolan presents video workshop April 24-26


Producer and writer Wade Nolan will be conducting his 13th Outdoor Video Workshop April 24-26 in Emlenton, Pa. Nolan has produced more than 130 works and has sold more than 4 million of his DVDs. Nolan is an award-winning producer who has worked with all of the networks and most recently with National Geographic TV. This course has trained more than 500 producers, many of whom now work in outdoor television. This intensive hands-on workshop will cover camera operation, field producing, editing and writing for television plus important information on how to succeed and make money in outdoor video. Learn more about this workshop by going to Whitetail University at www.whitetailu.com.

Walker Agency relocates


After 19 years in its current office and two remodels, plus ever-increasing traffic in the area (now the No. 1 job provider in metro Phoenix), Mike Walker and the Walker Agency decided a new office location was long overdue. Because the agency’s new location is in an area where the current area code is unavailable, the marketing communications business will also have new phone numbers. So, effective April 1, the new address and phone numbers will be: Walker Agency, 3240 E. Union Hills Drive, Suite 137, Phoenix, AZ 85050. New phone numbers: 602-569-0340, (fax) 602-569-0350. The Web site remains www.walkeragency.com.

Linden adds radio sponsors, partners

The National Rifle Association has renewed and expanded its advertising contract with both of Scott Linden’s nationally syndicated radio shows. NRA will run commercial spots on both programs through the end of the year. Delta Waterfowl has recently been tapped as the broadcaster’s second conservation partner, alongside Pheasants Forever. Linden’s programs air on more than 450 domestic radio stations. Presenting sponsor of both shows is Safari Club International. Scott Linden Outdoors offers offer a unique and tested array of radio, TV, online and grassroots solutions to marketing and advertising problems. More information: http://scottlindenoutdoors.com/national-radio-shows/ or 541-382-1726.

Compound bows recalled by BowTech Archery

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with manufacturer BowTech Archery of Eugene, Ore., recently announced a voluntary recall of “The General” compound bows because of a defect that can cause injuries. About 8,000 bows are involved in the recall. The manufacturer has received 255 reports of the bow’s limbs breaking, including 11 reports of lacerations, abrasions, or contusions when pieces from the breaking bow struck the user. The recall involves the “The General” compound bows hunting and target models with draw weights of 60 and 70 pounds that do not have a collet in the limb. The bows measure about 31 inches long and have draw lengths of 26-30 inches. The bows have laminated wood grips engraved with the word “BowTech” and a label with “The General” on the center pivot point of the bottom limb. The bows were sold nationwide from September 2007 through July 2008 for about $800. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bows and contact the dealer to schedule a free repair. For more information, contact BowTech Archery at 888-689-1289 or visit the company’s Web site at www.bowtecharchery.com.

OU needs volunteers for conference coverage

Volunteer reporters and photographers are needed to cover sessions, workshops and events at OWAA’s 82nd annual conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 13-16, 2009. Articles and photographs will appear in subsequent issues of Outdoors Unlimited so that members who were unable to attend the conference or all the events may also benefit from the presentations. Anyone who’s available to report on, photograph or videotape portions of the conference should contact OU Editor Sarah Prodell at sprodell@owaa.org ASAP. Early birds get the plum assignments!

F+W Media offers free book download

F+W Media is offering free book downloads to new subscribers to its Writing community e-newsletter. New subscribers to the publisher’s Genealogy and Woodworking communities also receive free book downloads. F+W Media grouped its book and magazine properties into 16 online communities and launched its e-book program last year, according to Publishers Weekly, and is trying to lure new subscribers with the e-book incentive. Subscribers to the Writing Community/Writer’s Digest newsletter will receive a free download of the 128-page book “70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes” by best-selling novelist Bob Mayer. To learn more visit www.fwmedia.com/article/freebookdownloads.

Nominees sought for Jackie Pfeiffer Award

Nominations for the 2009 Jackie Pfeiffer Memorial Award are now being accepted.  Nominees must exemplify Pfeiffer’s genuine warmth, good will, helpfulness, generosity and kindness to others, especially at OWAA’s annual conference. OWAA members and spouses are eligible. Nominations should be sent to Sue Hansen at hesja@juno.com.  Deadline is April 30. The award will be presented at OWAA’s annual conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., in June.

Conference to feature science panel

The OWAA conference panel presentation “Science for the Public and the Outdoor Writer, Part 3: Ask the Experts” will explore how to be sure that an outdoor article is
scientifically accurate and answer the question, “How does the writer find the information necessary to produce an accurate yet interesting article?” The panel consists of three successful outdoor writers who are also experienced research scientists. The presentation is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at OWAA’s conference in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Wildlife Forever goes digital

Beginning March 1, conservation group Wildlife Forever officially entered a new era of e-publishing. To create more interaction with its members and to redirect expenses into more conservation work, Wildlife Forever began publishing its quarterly newsletter electronically. The e-newsletter will include monthly updates and will allow for more complete conservation information and project reporting. “By going digital, we will be able to increase our conservation work by saving money and valuable resources. This move will make our newsletter easier to access and also keep people connected to the work we are doing,” said Douglas H. Grann, president of Wildlife Forever. The decision comes at a time when the use of social networking Web sites and e-mail are at an all-time high. The e-newsletters will be posted on the Wildlife Forever Web site at www.wildlifeforever.org.
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