Here's info I've received regarding a nationwide contest coming to the Harrisburg-area:
Last chance to qualify: Field & Stream’s Total Outdoorsman Challenge coming to Harrisburg, June 21 21 anglers/hunters can compete in free qualifier before p.m. regional competition
HARRISBURG, Pa., --- Field & Stream Magazine, the largest and best known outdoor publication in the world, is looking for the best-of-the-best anglers and hunters of the U.S. -- men and women -- for its fifth annual Total Outdoorsman Challenge, presented by partner Mobil 1.
The competition includes a free morning qualifier on Saturday, June 21st at the Bass Pro Shops Harrisburg location for those who think they have what it takes as an overall outdoors-person to beat competitors on time and accuracy in bait casting, archery and air rifle skills. This is the last chance in the northeast to qualify.
“We’re looking for the person who lives for the outdoors; the kind of person who enjoys all four seasons because they enjoy fishing, hunting, camping and everything that comes with it,” said Anthony Licata, editor of Field and Stream. “The more you know about the outdoors the more fun you can have.”
Free to enter but get there early to register It’s open to the first 21 registrants at Bass Pro Shops, 3501 Paxton Street, Harrisburg beginning at 8 to 9 a.m. Competition begins at 9 till 11:30 a.m.
The event is part of the nationwide competition of 24 local qualifiers and six regional events leading up to the finale in September where the top finisher will be awarded $25,000 in cash and prizes as part of a $50,000 purse.
The top three finishers from the qualifier will advance to that afternoon’s regional to compete against other men and women from qualifiers previously held during April and May in Auburn Hills., Mich.; Cincinnati, Ohio, and Foxborough, Mass.
The regional contest at Harrisburg begins at 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a fourth skill challenge of fly-casting added to the mix for the contenders.
Harrisburg’s top two finishers will then advance to the national championship in Springfield, Mo., September 5 - 7 with 16 competitors facing off – the top two from each of the six regions, the top three finishers from the 2007 national tournament and one wild card selection made by the editors of Field & Stream.
At the finals the competitors will go head-to-head in seven outdoor skill challenges including fly-casting, bait casting, shotgun, rifle, archery, endurance skills and ATV handling. Jeremy Garnish, Clarksburg, Mass.; Jay Moore, Millbrook, N.Y.; Tom Dutcher, Rome, N.Y.; Matt Stedina, Stockbridge, Vt and Dan Powell, Saint Clairsville, Ohio advanced to the finals in Springfield, Mo. last year The five men have been extended invitations to compete in the Harrisburg regional as well.
For more information on the Harrisburg event call the Bass Pro Shop at 717-565-5200. Official rules and more can be found at www.FieldandStream.com/totaloutdoorsman .
Wild Card entry Those hopefuls who can’t make it to a local qualifier but think they have what it takes to capture the title can apply online at the same web site for the special wild card spot Field & Stream editors strongly suggest that online applications include video and/or photos. P
artners, sponsors and fun spectator activities at Harrisburg event Mobil 1 is partnering with Field & Stream for the 2008 Total Outdoorsman Challenge. S
ponsors also include: Bass Pro Shops, Toyota, Wolverine, BowTech, the 2008 CMA Music Festival, Repel Insect Repellant, Dinty Moore, and The National Shooting Sports Foundation. Harrisburg will feature a sponsor village for spectators and participants with a number of fun activities and prizes from the sponsors, including free archery lessons and archery range time at the BowTech truck, a challenging casting pool at the Wolverine exhibit, Toyota’s Ride & Drive and more.
Prizes Each local participant receives a gift bag with a $10 Bass Pro gift card and gifts from Field & Stream, Toyota, Wolverine and BowTech and more. At the regional level each competitor receives a gift bag worth more that $250 which include a free pair of Wolverine boots and fishing shirts, a Bass Pro gift card and a subscription to Field & Stream in addition to many other prizes. The top two regional finishers from Harrisburg will advance to the final and each receives a $150 travel voucher. Though it may not pay for the entire trip, all competitors at the final will receive cash prizes of at least $600 (last place). The winner will receive $25,000 in cash plus more prizes and a spread in Field & Stream magazine, extensive coverage on FieldandStream.com and the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge television show. Two-time champ Paul Thompson of Marion, N.C. was featured on the cover of the May issue. He’ll be back for more. The second place finalist receives $2,500 and third place gets $2,000. In addition at the finals all 16 competitors will receive gift bags worth more than $400 with great sponsor gear. Field & Stream, The World’s Leading Outdoor Magazine is the country’s largest special-interest title and most recognized outdoor publication. Devoted to the complete outdoor experience and lifestyle, Field & Stream (www.FieldandStream.com) gives its readers the knowledge and inspiration to pursue the sports they love. It celebrates the outdoor experience with great stories, compelling photography and sound advice, while honoring the traditions hunters and fishermen have passed down for generations. Established in 1895, Field & Stream is published 11 times per year by the Bonnier Corporation.
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