Whitetails Unlimited Deer Camp Tour Kick Off

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)-The Whitetails Unlimited Deer Camp Tour is ready to kick off January 14 and tickets for the first Deer Camps are already going fast!

Invitations for the early events have gone out the door from WTU national headquarters, and several thousand tickets have already been sold via the WTU website. New this year is the ability to print event tickets at home from the website, making the process even easier.

The first Deer Camp will be the Michigan Tri-Cities, on January 14 in Essexville, Michigan. The tour ends four months later, after 19 more events in nine states, with the Wisconsin Packerland Deer Camp in Green Bay on April 21.

There are single events in Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Texas. There are two Deer Camps in Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota, three events in Iowa, and seven Deer Camps in Wisconsin, where the events started.

A complete list of dates and locations, ticket information, and invitations in PDF format are available on the WTU website. Click here for more information. Deer Camps are held in great venues, with great food, outstanding prizes and once-in-a-lifetime hunting and fishing trips. Last year, at some Deer Camps one out of every seven people attending won a gun. Everyone attending will receive the 2012 Deer Camp Tour shirt.

Industry support of the Deer Camp Tour has been outstanding, resulting in high quality merchandise, travel destinations, and outdoor artwork being available in record numbers. There are custom-engraved firearms, art from the country’s top artists, merchandise that every deer hunter can use, and great adventure travel packages. Deer Camp sponsors are featured on the WTU website and on the Deer Camp invitations.

Twenty events, nine states, one great time. Attending a Deer Camp is a great way to cure the mid-winter blues!

Deer Camp dates and locations:

• Tri-Cities (Michigan) Deer Camp, January 14, Essexville, Michigan
• Western Iowa Deer Camp, January 21, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Wisconsin Northeast Deer Camp, January 28, Kimberly, Wisconsin
• Minnesota Southeast Deer Camp, February 4, Red Wing, Minnesota
• Missouri River Deer Camp, February 4, Sioux City, Iowa
• Wisconsin East Deer Camp, February 4, Germantown, Wisconsin
• Wisconsin North Deer Camp, February 4, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
• Eastern Nebraska Deer Camp, February 17, Omaha, Nebraska
• Michigan Deer Camp, February 18, Lansing, Michigan
• Wisconsin Southeast Deer Camp, February 18, Kenosha, Wisconsin
• Iowa Deer Camp, February 25, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
• Mid-Missouri Deer Camp, March 3, Columbia, Missouri
• Wisconsin West Deer Camp, March 3, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
• Minnesota Lakes Deer Camp, March 17, Alexandria, Minnesota
• Central Ohio Deer Camp, March 17, Columbus, Ohio
• Illinois Deer Camp, March 24, Peoria, Illinois
• North Texas Deer Camp, March 29, McKinney, Texas
• Big Buckeye Deer Camp, March 30, Cambridge, Ohio
• Wisconsin South Deer Camp, March 31, Madison, Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Packerland Deer Camp, April 21, Green Bay, Wisconsin

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- Whitetails Unlimited and Big Game Treestands will continue their partnership in conservation through the 2011 fiscal year, said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl.

“Big Game Treestands has renewed their sponsorship for the next 12 months, and we’re thrilled to continue our relationship with this outstanding company. These guys are hunters and understand what hunters need, and work hard to develop innovative, high-quality gear at great prices. We’re happy to have them continue as a sponsor, and we look forward to building a strong relationship with them.”

Big Game Treestands is a leading manufacturer of tree stands and associated hunting and outdoor equipment, such as ladder stands, game carts, shooting benches, box blinds, feeders, and other gear for the hunter.

“Big Game Treestands is a great company to work with. They started out supporting WTU banquets in Missouri, and they’re now in their second year as a WTU national sponsor,” said WTU Field Director Dan Vogt. “Having a quality company like Big Game Treestands as a national sponsor helps tremendously in our nationwide conservation efforts.”

“We’ve featured items from the Big Game Treestands line at select WTU events last year, and they were a big hit,” said Dave Hawkey, WTU’s vice president of field operations. “They were very popular items with our members, because of the obvious quality and innovation that Big Game puts into their entire line of outdoor gear. In addition to their product at select events, they’ve sponsored the back cover of our event folders, which will keep their marketing message in front of our audience all year long.”
“Big Game Treestands joins a long list of great companies that help us advance the mission of Whitetails Unlimited,” Gerl said.

Big Game Treestands

For more information about Big Game Treestands, visit their website at www.biggametreestands.com.

Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Travis “T-Bone” Turner will be at the Whitetails Unlimited Bucks County (Pennsylvania) Chapter Hunters Night Out events on June 3 and 4.

Whitetails Unlimited

Pennsylvania--(Ammoland.com)-So what if you scheduled a conservation fundraising event, and everyone came?

That is the problem facing Whitetails Unlimited Field Director Dennis Malloy, because his Bucks County (Pennsylvania) Chapter Hunters Night Out sold out in two days, and there were hundreds of requests for additional tickets.

So Malloy, along with his local chapter volunteers, decided to double their workload and schedule a second, identical event to accommodate the demand.

“This is going to be a unique situation, and I’ve never seen people work as hard as they have to pull this off,” said Malloy. “The committee didn’t want to shut anyone out, and everyone has pitched in to have two identical events in 24 hours. It’s amazing, and a little humbling, to be a part of this.”

The original event is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, at the New Hope Eagle Fire Company in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The additional event will be held in the same place 24 hours earlier, on Friday, June 3.

“We are going to have an identical event both nights,” said Malloy. “The same place, the same food, the same guns and prizes, and we even have T-Bone both nights. We want to make sure no one misses anything, and by adding a second night we don’t diminish any aspect of a terrific WTU banquet experience.”

The ‘T-Bone’ Malloy referenced is Travis “T-Bone” Turner, one of the stars of Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector television show.

“Since this would be such a unique weekend, we invited T-Bone to double up with us as a bonus for the membership. T-Bone jumped at the chance, and he’s going to be at both banquets, to thank everyone for their support of WTU and share stories and his unique take on hunters and hunting. T-Bone is going to be the icing on the cake for this celebration of deer and deer hunting.”

There are still tickets remaining for the bonus Friday night event – call East Coast Taxidermy at 215-799-1900, or go on the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets are $30 each, and include entry, meal, door prizes, beer and soft drinks. There will also be a free kids drawing and some of the best gun raffles in the country. The event invitation is available on the WTU website at: http://tiny.cc/qh6fr.

“This community is so dedicated, and they are focused on providing a fantastic whitetail weekend in eastern Pennsylvania for everyone who wants to attend,” said Malloy. “This is one of the best conservation events in the eastern part of the country, and doing two of them, back-to-back, is a fantastic way to top off the spring banquet season.”

Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

The Northeast Wisconsin WTU Chapter held their annual Youth Pheasant Hunt last November for hunter safety graduates from the Coleman, Gillett, Lena, Oconto, and Oconto Falls areas. The youngsters shot clay pigeons and archery before they hunted pheasants with local hunters and their dogs.

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)-Funding from Whitetails Unlimited chapters has provided more than $17.6 million for local projects in the Central Whitetail states of Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin; and despite the economic downturn, attendance at WTU events remains strong.

“After looking at our numbers at the end of FY 2010, we find that over the years WTU has been able to fund projects totaling $17,681,729 in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin,” said Whitetails Unlimited Executive Director Pete Gerl.

“Our membership remains strong in this central area of Midwest deer hunting, and we expect to continue funding projects in the same manner as in the past.”

Whitetails Unlimited conducts fundraising events to raise resources for conservation, education, and the preservation of the hunting tradition. Unique among conservation organizations, WTU returns 50 percent of net event proceeds back to local chapters, to use on local projects.

“WTU’s local chapters in Wisconsin have funded hunter safety classes, youth outdoor education events, habitat acquisition and improvement projects, handicapped and wounded warrior hunts, range improvements, scholarships, and many, many other projects,” said WTU Field Director Jamie Merckx. Wisconsin has three full-time field directors, and they all work closely with their local chapters, according to Wisconsin Field Director Jim Wiltinger.

“Each chapter has different interests and local needs, and our job is to facilitate the banquet in order to raise as much money for projects as possible.”

LeRoy Schultz, WTU field director in northern Wisconsin, said, “We’ve been able to improve habitat and do many varied local projects, and it’s just great seeing what a difference it can make in a community. It’s humbling to see that we’ve raised more than $10 million over the years in Wisconsin.”

The total for Wisconsin is $10,693,142.

Michigan has a similar history; the first WTU banquet was held in 1985, and $15,818 was raised statewide that year. Since then, $5,161,196 has been raised by Michigan chapters for local projects.

Michigan Field Director Jim Kurdziel also sees many of the same type of projects financed by his chapters as in Wisconsin. “Hunter education is big, and many chapters have, or will, provide financing to local schools so they can participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program.” Jason Maraskine, WTU’s second Michigan field director, agrees.

“Our chapters are very involved with projects that bring other people outdoors: range improvements, education projects, youth camps, and NASP are just a few examples.”

In Illinois, WTU Field Director Darel Martin covers the entire state, where $1,827,391 has been raised for local projects since 1984.

“Illinois has had an amazing string of fundraising success, starting with just three thousand dollars in 1984, but growing to almost a quarter-million dollars last year,” said Martin. The exact amounts are $3,123 in 1984, and $245,584 in 2010. “I’m really proud to represent Whitetails Unlimited in Illinois, and I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true, together we can accomplish great things.”

“Local Illinois chapters help support the Illinois DNR, 4-H Shooting Sports, Boy Scouts, youth education days, hunter education, range and habitat improvement, and many, many other projects, including NASP,” said Martin. “Local banquets are a way for just a few people to do a little extra work, and have a huge impact in their local area. It’s gratifying to look at the cumulative numbers, because when you’re working day-to-day you don’t realize how much it adds up.”

The field directors in all three states said that groups who have local projects in need of funding should call them to discuss the possibility of hosting a WTU event. “We’re always looking for people who have projects in mind to improve conservation efforts in their community, “With a good idea and a few people willing to help out, we can accomplish great things,” said Wisconsin’s Jamie Merckx. Illinois’ Darel Martin agreed, noting, “Once we get a banquet going, almost every one repeats the next year, and that establishes an avenue for funds year after year.”

Michigan Field Director Jim Kurdziel said that an excellent tool for expanding the number of events he organizes is an existing event. “People bring a friend to their local banquet and then they can understand not only how much fun everyone has, but also how much money can be returned for local projects. Then they call to organize a banquet for their own local group.”

Anyone wanting more information about a WTU event can visit the Whitetails Unlimited website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call the WTU national headquarters at 920-743-6777. LeRoy Schultz (Wisconsin) can be reached at 715-762-4340; Jamie Merckx (Wisconsin) can be reached at 920-687-1099; Jim Wiltinger (Wisconsin) can be reached at 608-689-2234; Jim Kurdziel (Michigan) can be reached at 231-894-1515; Jason Maraskine (Michigan) can be reached at 989-486-1961; and Darel Martin (Illinois) can be reached at 309-389-4988.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

The Mason County Michigan WTU Chapter supplied the Mason County Eastern Schools with the necessary equipment and training for the National Archery in the Schools Program. Principal Paul Shoup said, “I know that through your support we will reach many students and they will not only learn about archery but will learn a life skill.” The Mason County Chapter also donated archery equipment to the Mason County Central Middle School and the Upper Elementary School for their NASP. Shown are Middle School students learning how to shoot during the archery unit.

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)-A little more than six years ago Whitetails Unlimited announced its support for the National Archery in the Schools Program.

Since then over $100,000 has been donated by WTU from local grassroots activities in support of the program across the United States.

NASP is active in nearly every state, and all states with a resident WTU field director (Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin) have an active NASP program. Michigan Field Director Jim Kurdziel reflects the kind of support that WTU members and staff have for the program. “NASP is well received by educators and parents, and the students have a ball,” said Kurdziel. “And it’s not just country schools – many big city schools have incorporated the program, and it’s working fantastically every time it’s used. There are state and national tournaments now, which adds even more incentive and excitement for the kids.”

National Archery in the Schools Program is the most successful youth archery program to date, and during this school year more than 20,000 NASP certified instructors are expected to provide training for nearly 2 million young people in more than 9,000 schools. This is an amazing success story, and many local Whitetails Unlimited chapters choose to donate money to support NASP programs in their local schools.

This physical education program made its debut back on March 3, 2002, in Kentucky, and was called Archery: On Target for Life. NASP’s mission is to promote student education through participation in the sport of archery, with the focus being to provide international-style target archery training in physical education classes in grades 4 through 12. Students have an opportunity to shoot at bull’s-eye targets, which are placed in front of an arrow-resistant net in the school gymnasium. The equipment used is state-of-the-art and designed to fit every student. The core content of the program covers the history of archery, safety, shooting techniques, equipment, mental concentration, and self-improvement.

The program curriculum exceeds national physical education standards. Teachers and principals report that the archery program is extremely successful in engaging all students, and they also report improved behavior and attendance on archery days. In addition, it is noted that many students who normally don’t participate in PE class, or who don’t have success with other ‘sports’ are thrilled with archery.

National Archery in the Schools Program certified training is mandatory for all instructors. Of utmost importance to Whitetails Unlimited is the fact that NASP promotes participation in the shooting sports in a safe, educational indoor setting.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Miller High Life “Pours Back” $50,000 to Whitetails Unlimited

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- Hunting season purchases of Miller High Life and Miller High Life Light throughout Wisconsin benefited Whitetails Unlimited with a $50,000 donation, which will advance programs such as WTU’s Project POLITE, Whitetail Watch, and Comprehensive Deer Management, along with WTU’s mission of education, conservation, and the preservation of an American tradition.

MillerCoors and their Wisconsin distributors donated 50 cents for every 30-pack of the two Miller High Life brands sold at retail outlets, and a nickel for every bottle, can or glass sold in restaurants, bars and taverns during October and November.

That resulted in a $50,000 check being presented to Whitetails Unlimited by Dan Genatempo, MillerCoors commercial development manager, Great Lakes region.

The WTU program is part of a larger initiative dubbed “Every Beer Pours Back,” focusing on improving the quality of life in a state where MillerCoors makes a significant economic impact. In Wisconsin, MillerCoors and their distributors employ more than 3,000 people, with a payroll of more than $175 million. These distributors and employees support numerous charitable organizations throughout Wisconsin.

“Our partnership with Whitetails Unlimited allows us to support an important organization,” said Jim Wright, general manager of MillerCoors Wisconsin.

“We want to thank MillerCoors and their network of distributors in Wisconsin,” said Pete Gerl, WTU executive director.

“We can’t say enough about how excited we are with this partnership, and we understand the impact the MillerCoors distributors have in Wisconsin. We’ve had great positive feedback from our Wisconsin field directors, and also from our members in the state. This kind of support goes a long way in advancing our important programs that support conservation.”

Both Whitetails Unlimited and MillerCoors were gratified by the consumer support for the program, and discussions are underway as to the status of the program for the 2011 season.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Travis ‘T-Bone’ Turner Featured at Whitetails Unlimited’s Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter Banquet

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- Travis ‘T-Bone’ Turner, Realtree Outdoors pro-staffer and co-host of the top-rated television show The Bone Collector, will be the special guest at Whitetails Unlimited’s Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter banquet at the Holy Smoke Event Center in Whipple, Ohio October 23.

“T-Bone will be a great addition to a great banquet,” said WTU Ohio Field Director Denny Malloy, noting that “he’s one of the most down-to-earth celebrities you can ever meet, and he’s more entertaining in person than he is on screen.”

The Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter banquet is a fundraising event sponsored by Whitetails Unlimited, the country’s premier white-tailed deer conservation organization. The evening includes a dinner, auction, and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor-related equipment, artwork, and collectibles only available at WTU events. Doors open for a social hour at 5:00 p.m. and the prime rib and chicken dinner will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the door, but can be ordered online, or by phone at (740) 678-1436, or toll-free at WTU National headquarters at (800) 274-5471. For more information visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

T-Bone Turner brings years of experience as a championship archer, hunter, and television personality. In addition to Realtree Outdoors, he is a pro-staff member of a number of outstanding companies in the outdoor sports industry, including Hoyt, Hunter Safety System, G5 Outdoors, and Bushnell. Turner is also the celebrity archery expert to the stars, working with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Jordan, Michael Waddell, David Blanton, and several country music and major league baseball stars on their archery setups and shooting advice. Turner currently resides in Hogansville, Georgia, with his wife, Michelle, and son, Archer. For more information, please visit: www.TboneOutdoors.com, www.bonecollector.com, or www.realtree.com.

“T-Bone brings that ‘Brotherhood of the Bone Collector’ attitude to Ohio,” said Malloy, “which fits in perfectly with Buckeye sportsmen. I’m really looking forward to sharing a great night with the best deer hunters in the world. We’re in the heart of Ohio’s hunting heritage, and T-Bone is traveling a long way to share his hunting stories from years of experience with Realtree and the Bone Collector, and celebrate the American tradition of deer hunting with us.” Malloy added that,

“All hunters, sportsmen, and conservationists are invited, and for more information, to print out an invitation flyer, or order tickets, just go to the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.”

For more information about the Mid-Ohio Valley Chapter banquet or Whitetails Unlimited, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets are still available at the website, or by calling WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited welcomes a new sponsor as Big Game Treestands joins WTU as a partner in conservation.

Big Game Treestands is a leading manufacturer of tree stands and associated hunting and outdoor equipment, such as box blinds, feeders, game carts, shooting benches and other gear for the hunter.

“Big Game Treestands a great company to work with ; they’ve supported the Missouri WTU banquets for the past several years and it’s great that now they’re a national sponsor with Whitetails Unlimited,” said Dan Vogt, WTU field director for Missouri and Arkansas.

“Sponsors are an important part of WTU, and having a quality company like Big Game Treestands really helps in our conservation efforts.

“We will be featuring items from the Big Game Treestands line at select WTU events this spring,” said Dave Hawkey, WTU’s vice president of field operations. “We’re looking forward to featuring their products because of the obvious quality and innovation that Big Game puts into their entire line of outdoor gear.”

“Big Game Treestands joins a long list of great companies that help us advance the mission of Whitetails Unlimited,” said WTU Executing Director Pete Gerl. “These guys are hunters and understand what hunters need, and work hard to develop innovative, high-quality gear at great prices. We’re happy to have them as a sponsor, and we look forward to a long relationship with them.”

Big Game Treestands

For more information about Big Game Treestands, visit their website at www.biggametreestands.com.

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, or more information about WTU programs can visit the WTU website, www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or contact Kevin Devault, WTU manager of conservation funding at (920) 743-6777, ext. 102, or e-mail Kevin at kdevault@whitetailsunlimited.com.

Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Cambridge, Ohio --(AmmoLand.com)- Travis ‘T-Bone’ Turner, Realtree Outdoors pro-staffer and co-host of the top-rated television show The Bone Collector, will be the special guest at Whitetails Unlimited’s inaugural Big Buckeye Deer Camp Friday, April 2 in Cambridge, Ohio.

“This is a great way to kick off the Big Buckeye Deer Camp,” said WTU Ohio Field Director Denny Malloy.

“We’re in the heart of Ohio’s hunting heritage, and T-Bone understands that. He’s traveling a long way to share his hunting stories from years of experience with Realtree and the Bone Collector, and celebrate the American tradition of deer hunting with us.”

The Big Buckeye Deer Camp is a fundraising event sponsored by Whitetails Unlimited, the country’s premier white-tailed deer conservation organization. The evening includes a dinner, auction, and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor-related equipment, artwork, and collectibles only available at WTU events. In addition, all attendees will receive a free Columbia men’s shirt or women’s skirt, a $45 value. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the buffet dinner will start at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

T-bone brings years of experience as a championship archer, hunter, and television personality. In addition to Realtree Outdoors, he is a pro-staff member of a number of outstanding companies in the outdoor sports industry, including Hoyt, Hunter Safety System, G5 Outdoors, and Bushnell. Turner is also the celebrity archery expert to the stars, working with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Jordan, Michael Waddell, David Blanton and several country music and Major League Baseball stars on their archery setups and shooting advice. Turner currently resides in Hogansville, Georgia, with his wife, Michelle, and son, Archer. For more information, please visit: www.TboneOutdoors.com, www.bonecollector.com, or www.realtree.com.

“T-Bone brings that ‘Brotherhood of the Bone Collector’ attitude to central Ohio,” said Malloy, “which fits in perfectly with Buckeye sportsmen. I’m really looking forward to holding my first statewide Deer Camp in Cambridge, and sharing a great night with the best deer hunters in the world.” Malloy added that, “All hunters, sportsmen, and conservationists are invited, and for more information, to print out an invitation flyer, or order tickets, just go to the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.”

The Big Buckeye Deer Camp is sponsored by Out of Africa Safaris, G5 Outdoors, Cabela’s, Heater Body Suit, Winchester Ammunition, Columbia Sportswear, CanCooker, Mathews, and Peet Dryer.

For more information about the Big Buckeye Deer Camp or Whitetails Unlimited, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets are still available at the website, or by calling WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471.

Malloy said “The $25 ticket price is a heck of a bargain. For a $25 ticket everyone attending gets free beer and soft drinks, a Columbia shirt or skirt, a one-year membership to Whitetails Unlimited, a great dinner, and lots of great merchandise and activities.”

Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited welcomes a new sponsor, as Predator, Inc. joins WTU as a partner in conservation.

Predator offers a diverse line of clothing and equipment with innovative patterns to help hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts when in the woods.

Almost 10 years ago Wayne and Frank Hood set out to produce products that bowhunters could use that would be unparalleled in the ability to make the hunter disappear.

They have succeeded in that mission, and then some. Predator now produces a line of quality products that are reasonably priced, but will last through many years of rigorous hunting and outdoor activities. WTU Field Director Tim Schlater became familiar with the Predator company, and through his efforts this partnership became reality.

The Predator line of clothing and accessories features some of the finest fabrics available, from soft, durable, fade resistant 100% cottons to the high tech fabric Bucksuede™, Scent-Lok® and Predator’s exclusive Warp Knit® fabric.

Predator Camo

These fabrics combine to give the user a functional, long lasting product. Predator’s line of insulated products feature either 3M’s Thinsulate™ insulation or their new Thinsulate Ultra insulation, along with Dupont’s Comfortmax IB wind barrier to give a hunter the greatest protection against the cold. Predator offers both a dealer locator and an on-line store at their website, www.predatorcamo.com.

“We will be featuring items from the Predator line at select WTU events this spring,” said Dave Hawkey, WTU’s vice president of field operations. “We’re looking forward to featuring the Predator pants and shirts because of the obvious quality and innovation that Predator puts into all their products. We’ve worked out a process so that the lucky winner of the Predator gear will receive the correct size, no matter what their individual requirements.”

“Predator joins a long list of great companies that help us advance the mission of Whitetails Unlimited,” said Kevin Devault, WTU’s manager of conservation funding. “They are located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, which is one of the best deer areas in North America, and these guys understand deer hunting. We’re happy to have them aboard, and look forward to a long relationship.”

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, or more information about WTU programs can visit the WTU website, www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or contact Kevin Devault, WTU manager of conservation funding at (920) 743-6777, ext. 102, or e-mail Kevin at kdevault@whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

SIDNEY, Nebraska - -(AmmoLand.com)- Cabela’s, the giant outdoor retailer, continues their nearly decade-long support of Whitetails Unlimited by sponsoring four different WTU programs in 2010.

“We are grateful, and a little humbled, by Cabela’s continued support,” said Kevin Devault, WTU’s manager of conservation funding. “This long-standing relationship is a great asset for Whitetails Unlimited and our members, and we’re proud that our innovative programs attract such strong support from the outdoor industry’s most innovative retailer.”

Cabelas Shooting Sports

Cabela’s is teaming up with WTU to be a Signature Sponsor of the 2010 Deer Camp Tour, the Membership Appreciation $100,000 Giveaway, and the WTU National Event Merchandise Booklet. In addition, they provide Cabela’s gift cards for the annual drawing in WTU’s My First Deer program, which celebrates an important rite of passage for any serious hunter – the harvesting of their first white-tailed deer. Cabela’s has been generously participating in the My First Deer program since it’s inception.

“Industry support is very important to the success of our original and creative programs,” said Devault. “Even through the recent economic downturn our members have remained solid, continuing to support both local WTU chapters and national programs. We make a point to let our members know who is supporting us every chance we get.”

Additional information about WTU programs is available on the WTU website, www.whitetailsunlimited.com. For information about becoming a program sponsor, contact Kevin Devault, WTU manager of conservation funding at (920) 743-6777, ext. 102, or e-mail kdevault@whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Washington, D.C. – (Ammoland.com)- Whitetails Unlimited is once again financially supporting the Teaming With Wildlife Fly-in Day, scheduled for February 23-24, 2010.

Teaming with Wildlife is a coalition of nearly 6,000 organizations supporting increased public funding for wildlife conservation and related education and recreation. Whitetails Unlimited is a member, and has supported the Fly-in Day for the past several years. This is an opportunity for members to attend strategy sessions and visit with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

Whitetails Unlimited supports the need for necessary funding to implement the various state wildlife action plans, the country’s core program for preventing wildlife from becoming endangered in every state.

“During these tight economic times, the State Wildlife Grants Program is a prime example of how closely monitored federal dollars can be utilized to give taxpayers the biggest bang for their buck,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “These programs always have strong bipartisan support, because they are solid programs.”

It is necessary to let lawmakers hear the voices of the millions of concerned citizens that use the outdoors before they make their decisions on conservation and recreation policy. A coalition group like Teaming with Wildlife makes it easy for people in Washington to understand how many people are affected by their decisions.

For more information about Teaming with Wildlife and the Fly-in Day, visit their website at www.teaming.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Whitetails Unlimited

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- The WTU field directors across the country, along with the staff at national headquarters in Wisconsin, would like to take this moment to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This is the time of year when you can take stock of the blessings you have, and plan for new success in the new year. One of the blessings we have here at WTU are our members, partners, and volunteers, because it simply would not happen without all of you.

The New Year provides exciting opportunities, but our success depends on all of us working together toward our goals of conservation, education, and the preservation of an American tradition.

Thank you for being a friend, member, partner and supporter, and best wishes from our family to yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Whitetails Unlimited!

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit: www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited, Wisconsin’s largest organization of deer hunters, is urging the Wisconsin legislature to override Governor Doyle’s veto of Assembly Bill 138, which would make the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board responsible for appointing the DNR secretary. Doyle’s veto retains the practice of making the DNR secretary a political appointment.

“We are urging all sportsmen and women in Wisconsin to contact their state senators and representatives and let them know that they want the DNR secretary to be appointed by the NRB board, and to remove this important appointment from the political arena,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten. “Governor Doyle’s stated position for 14 years, long before he became governor, was that the DNR secretary should be selected by the Natural Resources Board, and we’re disappointed that when he had the chance to make this happen he inexplicably does an about-face.”

“The more we can remove the DNR from politics, the better off the state will be. The management of natural resources needs long-term vision. The problem is that politics has a very short-term attention span,” said Schinkten.

“Whitetails Unlimited does not have a history of becoming involved in specific legislative proposals, but this is a different matter. For 67 years the Wisconsin DNR secretary was selected by the Natural Resources Board, and this bill returns to that system. This is a structural change that makes the DNR secretary more accountable to the citizens of Wisconsin, rather that a political appointment loyal to whomever the current Governor happens to be,” said Schinkten.

“We have a window of opportunity to make a real worthwhile change,” said Schinkten, “but there is no time to waste.” Schinkten urges Wisconsin residents concerned about this issue to contact their members of the Assembly and Senate, and let them know their feelings in a short, polite, direct message. “Just tell them that you want them to override the Governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 138, and leave your name and address so they know you are one of their constituents,” said Schinkten.

Wisconsin residents can find contact information for their representatives on the Legislature’s web page, www.legis.state.wi.us.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited’s popular Membership Appreciation Giveaway is ready to enter its second full year in 2010, and both WTU members and industry partners continue to appreciate the innovative program.

“When it comes to traditional membership benefits, this program is second to none,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten. “Our industry partners are seeing their products marketed directly to our members in a variety of ways, and our members are winning with great products as a membership benefit. This is the definition of ‘Win-Win.’”

WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl noted that since virtually 100 percent of WTU members hunt deer, this program is an easy way for companies to reach passionate deer hunters.

“We work with all our sponsoring companies to make sure they can get their message in front of all of our members,” said Gerl. “We promote the program and sponsors continually on our website and in every issue of our magazine, and we can tailor other marketing campaigns to match the level of support we receive.”

“We’ve received awesome support from a wide range of outdoor companies, and we’re always excited to talk to businesses who are looking for innovative and imaginative marketing opportunities. Our members hunt deer, but they also hunt other game, fish, and enjoy the outdoors in other ways. Our members are the exact demographic outdoor companies want to reach,” said Schinkten. “Many companies are looking at innovative ways to market their products today, and partnering with Whitetails Unlimited is a method to directly reach their customers.”

“We’ve got many of the slots filled for the first few months of 2010, but there is still room for new sponsorships,” said Gerl. “While this economy has both consumers and companies being very careful with their money, smart marketers are able to adapt to new conditions, recognize new opportunities, and be in position to benefit when the economy improves.”

The Membership Appreciation Giveaway draws five lucky winners each week (Monday – Friday) through a random computerized drawing of current WTU members. Winners’ names are posted on the WTU website, along with the prize that they’ve won. The program is promoted on the WTU website and in every issue of Whitetails Unlimited Magazine.

On the date of each drawing, current members are automatically included. Memberships can be obtained online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or by phone at 1-800-274-5471. The website also provides a list of the official rules for the giveaway.

For more information on becoming a WTU sponsor, contact Kevin Devault, manager of conservation funding at (920) 743-6777 ext. 102, or Jim Satorius, advertising sales representative at (920) 427-5396.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited sent a letter today to members of Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board, opposing an expanded 16-day gun deer hunt in Wisconsin in 2010.

“There is always tension between hunters and DNR regulators, and we understand that,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “But the results of the 2009 gun deer season show that hunter numbers were down in Wisconsin, and the number of bucks killed was at a 25-year low for the second straight year. Until we can get a handle on the true deer population in Wisconsin, we need to hold off on the 16-day gun season.”

Schinkten also pointed out that car-deer accidents have had a dramatic and steady decline for the last five years, and a survey of WTU members showed a large gap between opinions of Wisconsin hunters and the opinions of DNR policymakers.

“Whitetails Unlimited has been a strong partner with DNR agencies across the country, working on programs in support of regulated hunting,” said Schinkten. “That will not change. In fact, there is an agenda item for the next NRB meeting that is a donation from our Flambeau Chapter for habitat work in the Upper Chippewa Wildlife Management Area. However, we don’t want to see the number of hunters drop, and when those numbers drop in Wisconsin, where deer hunting is a passion, we get concerned. DNR policy can have a huge effect on hunter satisfaction, and we just want a common-sense approach to wildlife management.”

*********************************************
The text of the letter to the NRB is as follows:

To: Members, Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
From: Whitetails Unlimited
Date: December 3, 2009

The Wisconsin DNR has a tremendous responsibility in managing the natural resources of the state, and it comes as no surprise that deer hunters in the state are very passionate about their sport. While there may always be tension between hunters and policymakers, the divergence of opinion in recent years has led to a level of tension that is actually damaging the sport.

After seeing the preliminary numbers of license sales and deer kills for the 2009 season, it is obvious that the hunting public is increasingly dissatisfied. This problem will get worse if the DNR continues under the existing philosophy, methods and goals.

Whitetails Unlimited is very concerned about the future of deer hunting in the state, and urges the DNR to fully evaluate all data, and to listen to deer hunters in establishing future hunting seasons and regulations.

The fact that Wisconsin has had two consecutive years of buck kills at 25-year lows, and a reduction of the total number of deer hunters this year, are troubling indications that Wisconsin hunters are joining in the decline in hunting popularity. While there can be many reasons for the decline in hunters, it is undeniable that DNR policies can be a major factor in hunter satisfaction, and that the DNR needs to be responsive to those who provide a major funding source for their operations.

Whitetails Unlimited is the nation’s largest organization of deer hunters, and we take our mission of “Preserving an American tradition” very seriously. Our national headquarters is located in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin is the state with our largest number of members. When we conducted a survey of our Wisconsin members this year, their opinion was overwhelming that they believe there are fewer deer than DNR estimates, and they oppose many DNR policies. Anecdotal opinions of WTU staff, friends, and family members, hunting all over the state, agree with our members. We are very concerned that the DNR is damaging their credibility by continuing with policies that are not believed or supported, and even actively opposed, by hunters in the state.

I am not a biologist, but it seems like a common-sense approach is needed, rather than the drastic changes in season length that have been proposed. This is based on back-to-back seasons of buck kills at 25-year lows, a steady and dramatic reduction in car/deer accidents over the last five years, and hunters refusing to go deer hunting.

We understand the difficulty of trying to estimate and manage a population of wild animals, months and months in the future, but the solid numbers of this past deer season need to be incorporated into the evaluation, and are significant enough to warrant the DNR to revisit decisions made earlier this year.

Whitetails Unlimited has a long history in working with the DNR, in Wisconsin and many other states, in projects and programs that advance regulated hunting, and this will not change. However, we cannot stand silently when we feel that actions by the DNR will result in fewer deer hunters enjoying an American tradition.

For the record, Whitetails Unlimited is opposed to lengthening the traditional nine-day gun season, based on the information detailed above. We urge the DNR to get a firm handle on the deer population numbers before making drastic changes to deer hunting regulations.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Schinkten
President, Whitetails Unlimited

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- The white-tailed deer is the most popular big-game animal in North America, and is an amazing example of an animal that adapts and perseveres.

As hunters go into the woods in pursuit of this graceful animal, here is a quiz from Whitetails Unlimited to see how much you really know about the whitetail’s biology, behavior and history.

True / False
1) Deer are strong swimmers, in part because they have a layer of hair that is hollow, providing buoyancy in the water.
2) Deer have existed for 20 million years, and have had the same basic form for the last one million years.
3) Deer can run in excess of 35 miles per hour.
4) Deer can leap over fences eight feet tall.
5) Deer can cover 30 feet in a horizontal leap.
6) Just like humans, deer have a set of “baby teeth” that fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.
7) You can tell how old a male deer is by how many points there are on his antlers.
Deer use their antlers during the winter to dig for food under the snow.
9) When antlers grow, they are covered with “velvet,” a soft, fuzzy tissue. This velvet is the only regenerating skin found in mammals.
10) Like cows, deer have four stomachs.
11) Deer can eat poison ivy without ill effect.
12) Deer are native to every state in the U.S.
13) The reason fawns are born with a pattern of white spots is so the mother can recognize her offspring.
14) Deer have extraordinary senses, including sight, hearing and smell.
15) Newborn deer have no scent, and the mother will place the fawn by itself in a secluded spot for protection against predators.

True / False Answers
1) True. The hollow hair is more important in providing insulation during the winter, but also helps when deer swim.
2) True.
3) True.
4) True.
5) True.
6) True. The permanent teeth are in place by the time the deer is 2-1/2 years old.
7) False. Rack size depends on many factors, including age, nutrition and genetics. Racks are typically largest on deer in middle age (4-6 years old) and get smaller as deer get into old age, but there are many variables.
False. Deer shed their antlers starting in January, and they are used in dueling with other males during the mating season.
9) True. Velvet is also the fastest growing tissue in mammals; some antler growth has been measured at one inch during a 24-hour period.
10) True. Deer are ruminants, swallowing food that they later bring up to chew, releasing more nutrients for further digestion.
11) True.
12) False. There are no deer native to Hawaii, but deer are native to the other 49 states, Canada and Mexico. (Introduced deer are now in Hawaii.)
13) False. The dots are a form of camouflage.
14) True.
15) True.

Multiple Choice

1) Deer are a member of the Cervidae family. What other animal is not included in this family.
a) Moose
b) Elk
c) Sheep
d) Caribou

2) The scientific name of the white-tailed deer is “Odocoileus Virginianus,” and was named in 1832. What does “Odocoileus Virginianus” mean?
a) “Ocean Virgin”
b) “Odious Vinegar”
c) “Hollow-tooth Virginia”
d) “Outdoor Vigorous”

3) Modern deer have two toes. How many toes did the deer’s ancient ancestors have?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5

4) In the wild, deer can live as long as:
a) 7 years
b) 11 years
c) 18 years
d) 24 years

5) When deer run from danger, they flip their tail up and expose the white underside. What evolutionary purpose does this serve?
a) The white color confuses the predator, since deer are usually brown to grey in color.
b) The tail alerts other deer and provides an object for fawns to follow their mother.
c) The white looks like an eye, making the predator think the deer is running the other direction.
d) When deer run, blood pressure rises causing blood vessels in the tail to inflate.

6) Under good conditions, how much food would an average adult deer eat per day?
a) 1-3 pounds
b) 5-9 pounds
c) 11-15 pounds
d) 17-21 pounds

7) Does will normally have one fawn the first year they breed. After this, how many fawns will they normally have?
a) One
b) Twins
c) Triplets
d) Quadruplets

Newborn fawns weigh about 4-6 pounds. How long does it take for them to double their weight?
a) One week
b) Two weeks
c) One month
d) Two months

9) Deer are very adaptable, and have evolved into a number of subspecies. How many subspecies are there in North America?
a) 12
b) 19
c) 24
d) 30

10) In 1900 the total population of white-tailed deer in North America was estimated to be 500,000 animals. What is the estimated population of white-tailed deer today?
a) 500,000
b) 5-10 million
c) 20-30 million
d) 75 million

Multiple Choice Answers
1) c, Sheep.
2) c, “Hollow-tooth Virginia.” Odocoileus is the Greek word for “hollow tooth,” and the scientist who named the species was working in Virginia.
3) d, 5. One toe has been completely lost through evolution, and two toes have moved into unusable dewclaws several inches above the main toes.
4) b, 11 years. In captivity deer have been known to live up to 20 years, but very few deer live longer than 10 years in the wild.
5) b, The tail flash alerts other deer to danger.
6) b, 5-9 pounds.
7) b, Twins.
b, Two weeks.
9) d, 30. There are an additional 10 subspecies living in South America.
10) c, 20-30 million.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- Millions of hunters will take to the woods this fall in pursuit of north America’s favorite big-game animal, the white-tailed deer. Whitetails Unlimited is encouraging all hunters to be smart, and be safe during the hunting season.

“Statistically, hunting is a very safe activity,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “However, every year there are some tragic accidents during deer season. The real tragedy is that in the vast majority of cases, accidents are preventable if everyone followed basic hunting and gun safety rules.”

If you are one of the millions of hunters who take to the woods in pursuit of white-tail deer this fall, take a few minutes to review basic safety information that will ensure that everyone enjoys the hunt safely.

Handle all firearms as if they were loaded, at all times.
Every year there are accidents where someone thought they were handling an unloaded firearm, and it fires and injures or kills someone. Always consider every firearm to be loaded, and treat it accordingly.

Watch where you point the muzzle of every firearm.
This takes diligence and awareness, but it is a skill that can be quickly developed. Always be aware of where other people are in relation to your muzzle, and let your hunting partners know if they are not being as careful as you are. It is easy to lose concentration when everyone is uncasing their guns at the back of the pickup, or when you are tired at the end of the day. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

Don’t rely on your firearm’s safety.
A safety is a mechanical device, and it could fail at any time. Use it religiously except when you are ready to fire, but never assume that because the safety is on, you are 100 percent safe. Unload the firearm when not in use, and leave the action open, if possible. Also, after you shoot, before you do anything else, put the safety on.

Be sure of your target, and what is in front of, and behind your target.
It is easy to get excited when you see that big buck, but first make sure that it is really a deer, and that it is safe to shoot. Make sure there are no buildings, people, or roads behind the deer that would be in danger if you miss or the bullet passes through the animal. If you are not 100 percent sure of where your hunting companions are, or if there isn’t enough light or a clear sight line to the target, pass up the shot. You will get another chance at a deer, but sending a bullet out of your barrel without being sure of your target and background is an invitation to disaster.

Take care of your firearms and ammunition, and treat them with respect.
Don’t just grab a gun and some ammo that have been stored for months as you leave the house the morning of your hunt. Spend some time to make sure your equipment is in good shape. Take it out before the hunt to check the sights or scope. Make sure the barrel is not obstructed and that the action works properly. Make sure the ammunition matches the firearm. Never horseplay with firearms, and never climb a fence, ladder, tree or tree stand, or cross difficult or slippery terrain with a loaded firearm. Also remember that you can set the example for everyone in your group, especially for younger hunters.

Be safe if you are using a tree stand.
Never climb into the stand carrying your weapon. Unload your weapon and use a line to pull your gun or bow up after you have fastened your safety harness (remember to reload after you are settled). Reverse the process when you leave the tree stand. Always unload the weapon, and always use a safety harness or belt.

Control your emotions.
After you shoot that 10-pointer, don’t turn with your loaded firearm, with the safety off, toward your friends. Don’t run to the downed animal, or chase off into someone else’s firing lane. Rehearse in your mind what safe actions will be, and always be aware of your surroundings. Show some discipline and restraint, and don’t let your emotions force you to take poor shots that may be unsafe.

Be aware of any other circumstances that may affect safety.
If the landowner tells you to stay out of an area, respect his directions. Rain, fog, snow or sleet may reduce visibility or create hazardous conditions. Use common sense, and remember that a tragic accident can be the result of taking chances.

Never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms.
The first drink of the day is the end of the hunting day, no matter what time it is. Forget the eye-opener, the flask “to keep you warm,” or the pick-me-up with lunch, and don’t tolerate drinking (or drugs) from anyone you hunt or shoot with. Alcohol and guns are a deadly combination. Before you have that beer with dinner at night, make sure all firearms are already unloaded, cleaned and cased. In addition, if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may affect your judgment or make you drowsy, anxious, or otherwise impaired, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there is an alternative.

Safety does not end when you leave the woods.
Even if you are tired, cold and hungry when you get home, safety is still the first priority. Before anything else, store your firearms and ammunition in a safe place, separate from each other and out of the reach of children. Then call your friends to come see your deer, take a hot shower, and get a decent meal. You’ve earned it.

Remember that hunting is a process, not a destination. No deer is worth risking your life or someone else’s. There are friends, family, and other people in the woods with you, and a successful hunt is not really measured in points and pounds, but in fellowship and appreciation of our natural world.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- One of the most popular educational publications produced by Whitetails Unlimited is the Deer Hunters Guidelines booklet, which has just been updated and reprinted in time for the 2009 deer season.

This 8-page booklet includes basic information about the white-tailed deer, hunting tips and techniques, and firearms safety.

“It is a great resource for beginning hunters,” said Jeff Davis, Whitetails Unlimited’s manager of communications, “but it is also useful for refreshing the memories of experienced hunters.” Davis points out that just because you are an experienced hunter, does not mean you should quit learning, or paying attention to the basics of hunting and firearms safety.

The booklet was printed in a recent edition of Whitetails Unlimited Magazine, which is delivered to every member of Whitetails Unlimited. Individual copies of the booklet are available at no charge by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

The booklet is also available on the Whitetails Unlimited website www.whitetailsunlimited.com as a PDF file that can be downloaded.

“This is one of our most popular publications, and in the past has been distributed in all 50 states,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Nahan Printing in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was very generous in sponsoring this publication, which includes updated text and new photos.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Hunting With Permission Signs

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin’s Door County - -(AmmoLand.com)- Project POLITE is Whitetails Unlimited’s long-running program to encourage cooperation and respect between hunters and landowners.

The popular program supplies bright green Hunting With Permission signs to landowners, providing potential hunters with a name and phone number to contact for permission to hunt on posted land.

The second component, the Hunter-Landowner ID Card, is an easy way to exchange names, addresses and phone numbers, greatly increasing the trust and understanding for both parties.

The program has been assisting hunters and landowners for more than 20 years.

“It’s not too late for landowners to call us and get the bright green Hunting With Permission signs before the deer season,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “This is a very simple way to manage hunters on their land, and to be able to reduce the numbers of deer that may be damaging their crops.”

The signs can help avoid the time-consuming process of trying to find out who owns a particular piece of land; and landowners who allow hunters on their land find this an easy way to have hunters contact them.

The signs are available at no charge (in limited quantities) by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

The second component of Project POLITE is the Hunting With Permission ID card, which is a wallet-sized card that hunters can simply fill in with contact information and provide to the landowner. This lets the landowner know exactly who is on their land, providing a level of confidence for the landowner. Since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago, WTU’s Project POLITE has opened tens of thousand of acres to the sport of regulated hunting.

“The ID cards are a simple, effective way to elevate the level of trust for landowners,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “For hunters, this is an easy way to build a file of possible hunting locations for the future, and also provides an easy way for the hunter to send the landowner a thank-you note later, and remember a name and phone number for future requests to hunt.”

The Hunting With Permission ID cards are also available at no charge (in limited quantities) by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited’s Gift Certificate

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited members are receiving a $10 Gift Certificate as a member incentive for the second straight year, and as hunting season approaches the number of certificates being used are increasing.

“We always get a bump in sales as hunting season approaches,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl, “and the soft economy has provided an added incentive for people looking for a bargain. Our Gift Certificate program is a nice thank you to our loyal members, and we see it as letting them know it’s ‘open season’ on WTU merchandise.”

WTU’s $10 Gift Certificates are distributed to members at their local WTU banquet, and can be redeemed for merchandise offered through the WTU website, the Marketplace section of Whitetails Unlimited Magazine, or in the gift shop of WTU headquarters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

This is the second year WTU has offered the Gift Certificate as an incentive, and it has been a popular item with the membership. The program offered a plastic card last year, but the programs details were identical.

“We switched to a paper certificate instead of the plastic card simply because there were fewer administrative costs,” said Gerl.

“Our members support us for many reasons, such as local conservation and educational programs, and our national programs; they also attend local banquets to have a good time with other deer hunters.” said Gerl. “The Gift Certificate program is a small way we can provide a bonus to our individual members.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization. Visit:  whitetailsunlimited.com

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin--(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited has been a longtime supporter of hunter donations to food pantries and has been instrumental in both financing and expanding programs in many states.

This hunting season WTU again encourages hunters to donate venison they cannot use personally to food pantries in their area.

“Being able to donate venison has never been easier,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry has a great website (www.fhfh.org) so you can easily locate programs and processing operations in your area. The NRA’s website also has a comprehensive list of food pantries across the country.

” Just visit www.nrahq.org/hunting/hungry_nat_list.asp for the list.

“These websites provide you with drop off locations, times, and information on how to handle the deer in a manner that makes it easy for the program to process. In most cases, there is no cost to the hunter to participate.”

Whitetail Deer Doe Photo: Jeff Davis of Whitetails Unlimited

Whitetails Unlimited and local WTU chapters have financially supported numerous programs over the years, and continue to expand new programs. “These programs provide a valuable service to the communities, and are an easy way for hunters to help out while they enjoy their sport,” said Gerl. Hunters who want to financially support their local, regional, or state program can make donations at any time during the year by contacting the local program office.

“This economy has made it even more important for sportsmen and women to support local food pantries,” said Gerl. “Donations of venison can really help them out.” Gerl noted that in most parts of the country, whitetail populations are at an all-time high and deer tags have never been more generous.

Harvesting an extra deer for a local food pantry makes sense when you realize you are helping both your local community and wildlife conservation.

“If you get your deer early in the season and still want to hunt, taking another deer to donate to a food pantry is a great way to continue your season,” stated Gerl.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Waco, TX --(AmmoLand.com)- Sammy Kershaw and Whitetails Unlimited are teaming up to present the Concert for Conservation at the Hog Creek Icehouse, November 28 near Waco.

This first-of-its-kind event will benefit conservation projects.

“We’re thrilled to partner with an artist like Sammy Kershaw, a huge talent who loves the outdoors, and understands the importance of conservation projects that benefit both people and wildlife,” said Whitetails Unlimited Texas Field Director Kevin Greb.

Hogcreekicehouse.com

The concert venue is the Hog Creek Icehouse, 170 Branson Trail (Off Hwy 6) in Speegleville, Texas (just outside of Waco). Opening the concert are Bo Phillips and Randy Hass, who will go on stage at 5:00 p.m., with Kershaw taking the stage at 9:00 p.m.

General admission tickets are $20.00, with reserved seating tickets in front of the stage priced at $30.00. A $50.00 ticket will get you into the VIP balcony, with bar and snacks.

Tickets are available on the WTU web site, wwwlwhitetailsunlimited.com.

More information about the Hog Creek Icehouse is available at www.hogcreekicehouse.com .

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Waco, TX --(AmmoLand.com)-A unique event will debut next June in Waco Texas – a hunting and fishing expo and a gun show in the same location. “This will be a one-stop event for anyone involved in hunting, fishing and the shooting sports,” said Whitetails Unlimited Field Director Kevin Greb.

The Sportsman’s Expo & Gun Show will be June 11-13, 2010, at the Heart of Texas Fair Complex in Waco.

Monarch Expo and Marketing Services, a Southern Deer Stands company, is partnering with Whitetails Unlimited in organizing the event. “This three-day event will feature education seminars, and youth and family activities in conjunction with the show,” said Rob Griffin, president of Monarch Expo and Marketing Services. “This is something new, it’s exciting, and it’s going to be like no other Expo you have been to before. We are customer service focused, creating an Expo with many unique benefits for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.”

According to Griffin there is still time for companies and exhibitors to book space at the Expo. More information can be found by visiting the Expo web site at www.wtuexpo.com.

“We are pretty excited to be working with Whitetails Unlimited, one of the country’s premiere conservation organization s, in this event, and we look forward to bringing a new Expo to Texas,” Said Griffin.

WTU’s Greb added that, “Southern Deer Stands and Monarch Expo and Marketing are great people to work with. This is a pretty ambitious project, but Rob’s energy, imagination, and organization are pulling all the pieces together. We are really excited about this event.”

For more information about exhibiting at the Sportsman’s Expo & Gun Show contact rob@monarchexpo.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin--(AmmoLand.com Firearms News)-Whitetails Unlimited Trail Camera Contest is back, and entries are already coming in.

“We had an overwhelming response to our trail camera contest last year,” said Whitetails Unlimited Magazine editor Jeff Davis.

“There were some amazing photos, not all of which included deer. Trial cameras provide a window into the natural world and a view that most people never see, and everyone I know loves to look at these images. This is our chance to collect and share some of the best photos out there.”

Photos must be entered via the Whitetails Unlimited website (www.whitetailsunlimited.com), and must have been produced during 2009.

There are three categories: Best Buck, Best Antlerless Deer, and Best Non-Deer Photo.

There will be first, second, and third place winners in each category. An individual may enter a total of three images in the contest, and entries can be submitted until 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2009.

Judging will take place during the first week of January. Winners will be posted on the WTU website, and also published in Whitetails Unlimited Magazine.

Complete contest details are available at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)-A hunter’s first white-tailed deer is an important part of their personal hunting heritage, and Whitetails Unlimited’s My First Deer program is ready to celebrate that rite of passage with them.

As this year’s deer seasons approach, when you (or someone you know) take that first deer, remember to go to the Whitetails Unlimited web site and join a special group of hunters.

The My First Deer program celebrates a life-long memory – a hunter’s first deer. While oriented strongly toward youth, the program acknowledges a hunter of any age entering into a very special hunting fraternity of sportsmen and women. This special group of hunters can trace its roots all the way back to the Native Americans and early European settlers in North America.

To participate, a hunter need only submit a photo of their first deer, along with a short narrative (250 word maximum) about the hunt that resulted in their first deer.

To mark the occasion, Whitetails Unlimited will provide the successful deer hunter with a personalized color certificate, suitable for framing, and a custom WTU shooter’s cap to wear with pride. In addition, everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for one of three gift cards, generously donated by Cabela’s. First prize is a $300 Cabela’s gift card, second prize is a $200 Cabela’s gift card, and third prize is a $100 Cabela’s gift card. The drawing will be held January 5, 2010, with winners posted on the WTU web site.

“This is a great way to mark this special deer hunting experience, and provide the successful hunter with a permanent reminder of that memorable day,” said Kevin Devault, WTU’s manager of conservation funding. “It’s a day and a moment in a hunter’s life that I promise they will never forget.”

Whitetails Unlimited introduced My First Deer as a pilot program in the last part of 2008, and it was an immediate success. As a result, WTU is running the program for the entire year in 2009.

“Just ask any deer hunter, young or old, about their first deer and they will relive the entire experience as if it just happened yesterday,” said Devault. “Responsible hunters today, as in the past, continue to play a vital role in determining the fate of our nation’s deer population and the sport of regulated hunting. Honest, ethical hunters are the true conservationists in today’s society.”

For complete details on the My First Deer program, visit the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited’s 2009-2010 Deer Camp Tour, a series of regional or statewide fundraising events, got a rousing start with an event in Ohio last Saturday.

“This is going to be our best series of Deer Camps yet,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl.

This year the Deer Camp Tour is being expanded to 16 events in eight states, with the next event being held on the Iowa/Nebraska border in late October, followed by the New York State Deer Camp in early November. The Deer Camp concept started more than a decade ago with a single event in northern Wisconsin.

“The money we raised last year was essential in expanding many of our nationwide programs,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl, “and we’re very excited about this year’s events. The response from our members and our industry sponsors, both regional and national, has been outstanding.”

Proceeds from WTU Deer Camps help fund some of Whitetails Unlimited’s programs that have national scope, such as Project POLITE, My First Deer, Whitetail Watch, Comprehensive Deer Management, and WTU’s Kids on Target.

Even during this time of national economic trouble, advance ticket sales for these events have been strong. In addition, support from the outdoor industry for sponsoring Deer Camps is ahead of last year, according to Dave Hawkey, WTU’s vice president of field operations.

“Having quality sponsors makes for a quality event, and sponsors are very important to the success of our Deer Camps. Keep in mind that the people who attend WTU Deer Camps are passionate deer hunters, and therefore our sponsors are able to get their message and products in front of a very targeted and motivated audience. In the end, everyone has a great time at the Deer Camp event, the sponsors get exposure to their exact target consumers, and WTU’s conservation programs ultimately benefit after the Deer Camp is over. These events are a winner for everyone,” said Hawkey.

Last year eight Deer Camps were held in four states: one each in Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan; and five in Wisconsin. Due to the successful history of WTU Deer Camp events, the schedule has been expanded to 16 Deer Camps for 2009-10, with single events in New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas; a pair of events in Iowa and Michigan; three events in Ohio; and five events in Wisconsin.

“Throughout the history of the Deer Camps, WTU has built a reputation based on quality events that support high quality conservation programs,” said Hawkey.

Gerl added that, “The hunters and conservationists who attend our Deer Camps, and the businesses that partner with us to be sponsors at these events, combine to allow us to accomplish our mission of education, conservation, and preservation of an American tradition. It may be a cliché to say that we’re nothing without our members and sponsors, but it’s true. Working together we can accomplish amazing things, and our thanks go out to everyone involved.”

Gerl said that the entire Whitetails Unlimited organization has worked hard to get everything in order to put on twice as many Deer Camps as last year, but everything is going smoothly.

“Our field directors bear the biggest load, but the national headquarters team is doing everything they can to support the efforts of the field staff. Deer Camps are a distinctive event, featuring additional merchandise and sponsored items, and even different dinner items, events and locations from our normal events. Deer Camps normally sell out, and we get great people attending. Everyone is excited about these events.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

HuntOhioFarms.com

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(AmmoLand.com)- An innovative project in Ohio, supported in part by Whitetails Unlimited, will use the internet this fall to match up hunters looking for places to hunt with farmers who want to reduce the deer population on their land.

The new program is designed as a mechanism for farmers to reduce the number of deer on their land, because the deer are damaging their crops. The plan is to have hunters fill out an online questionnaire of their hunting preferences, such as whether the hunter is willing to shoot does, which season the hunter prefers, what days of the week the hunter will hunt, and the hunter’s choice of hunting implement. The farmer will then be able to review those hunter preferences and initiate contact with specific hunters.

“The program will give hunters the chance at new hunting areas, but still enable farmers to control who is hunting on their land,” said Ohio WTU Field Director Denny Malloy. “Farmers said that they didn’t want a constant stream of calls, and the survey will give them the information they need to be able preselect hunters who will fit into their needs, such as when the hunts occur and whether the hunters will be using firearms or archery.”

A pilot program is being implemented this year in four of Ohio’s 88 counties – Harrison, Jefferson, Tuscarawas and Carroll, all of which produce impressive numbers of deer.
Hunters interested in participating can fill out the questionnaire at www.huntohiofarms.com.

The program is a joint venture of the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Farm Bureau, with additional support being provided by Whitetails Unlimited and the Quality Deer Management Association.

“This seems like a great idea,” said Malloy, “and we’re watching this program closely to see how it actually works out. This could be a model for other places in the country, and even for other game species. Anytime you can open access to land for responsible hunters it’s good not only for the hunters, but also for landowners and wildlife.”

For more information on the Hunt Ohio Farms project, visit www.huntohiofarms.com.
For more information on Whitetails Unlimited’s existing hunter-landowner Project POLITE, or other programs offered by WTU, such as Kids on Target, My First Deer, Whitetail Watch, or Comprehensive Deer Management program, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- A set of five hunting-related public service announcements are available for use by radio stations from Whitetails Unlimited. The PSAs, in both 15- and 30-second versions, are available on a CD, or for download as .wav files from the WTU website.

“Promoting safe hunting practices and encouraging more people to get out hunting are two of our central messages,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Commercial radio is a huge and very effective method of mass communication, even in this age of the internet. We appreciate those radio stations that know how many hunters they have in their audience, and take their commitment to public service seriously.”

The five PSAs include Stand Safety, Hunting Safety, Hunting Tradition With Son, Hunting Tradition With Daughter, and Take a Friend Hunting. Each is available in both 15- and 30-second versions.

Any radio station wanting a free CD mailed to them can simply email a request with their mailing address to jdavis@whitetailsunlimited.com, and it will be sent via First Class mail.

The PSAs can also be downloaded from the WTU website by going to www.whitetailsunlimited.com, and then clicking on the News button, and then Media Resources. Scroll down until you get to Radio Public Service Announcements.

The direct URL for the Media Resources page: http://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/news/media_resources/session_a3410b42627a/#radiapsa

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- Inspired by the overwhelming success of Whitetails Unlimited’s Kids on Target firearm marksmanship program, WTU is now implementing the “3 For Three” archery component for young archers.

“This is a great way to get young people involved with archery in a positive, safe and supervised manner,” said Whitetails Unlimited Executive Director Pete Gerl. “The firearm component of Kids on Target, which is sponsored in part by Rossi USA, has been an overwhelming success, and now we are able to provide encouragement for youngsters to get involved outdoors in a terrific life-long activity – archery.”

Designed for archers 18 and under, participants receive a free kit with official targets, program guidelines, and the 10 Commandments of Archery Safety. They are encouraged to practice as much as necessary, under adult supervision, at a public shooting range. When they are confident in their shooting abilities and ready to qualify, they then use an official target and must place three arrows within the 6-inch colored portion, from a minimum distance of 12 yards. Upon qualification the young successful archer will return the target with the completed witness verification form and receive a WTU Kids on Target gold medal and a personalized color certificate, suitable for framing. These awards will serve as a reminder of their accomplishment of hitting “3 For Three.”

There is no charge to individual participants for any part of the program. For clubs or organizations interested in group participation there will be a nominal fee to help offset a portion of the expense.

“We really want to get young people out of the house and involved in the shooting sports,” said Gerl, “and since the firearm branch of Kids on Target was so successful, expanding into archery was a natural second step. We’d like to get kids away from all the electronics in their lives, and get them outdoors involved in the shooting sports. Obviously, we hope some of them take up archery hunting, but even if they don’t, they will learn a fun sport and some life lessons about success and accomplishment through practice and perseverance. Receiving the medal and certificate is just the kind of outside motivation that most kids respond to in a very positive way.”

Gerl noted that WTU has a long history of recruiting and developing new hunters and participants in the shooting sports, and the Kids on Target program is a continuation of Whitetails Unlimited’s mission of preserving an American tradition.

Participating in the program requires everyone follow the 10 Commandments of Archery Safety, and young archers must be supervised by an adult. In many situations, kids that don’t have success with other sports are excited about the shooting sports.
For more details about Kids on Target, visit the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, Ohio – -(AmmoLand.com)- Fifteen of the nation’s leading conservation and sportsmen organizations sent a letter today to all U.S. Senators requesting they oppose the nomination of Cass R. Sunstein to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).

In the letter, the organizations express deep reservations about Sunstein’s views on animal rights and hunting. Sunstein has been quoted as saying, “we might ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is human recreation” as well as his discussions about offering animals the rights to sue humans.

The letter makes clear that as the head of the OIRA, a powerful federal agency with extensive authority to block rules, such views, “raise serious concerns about the agenda Mr. Sunstein will carry with him into this position if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.”

Sunstein’s controversial views on animal rights, hunting, and agriculture caused two Senators, Saxby Chambliss (R- GA) and John Cornyn (R- TX) to temporarily place “holds” on his nomination. This prevented the nomination from moving forward prior to the August recess. Though those holds were subsequently removed, there remains much concern throughout the conservation community.

The groups signing the letter include: Conservation Force, Dallas Safari Club, Fur Takers of America, Houston Safari Club, Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America, Mule Deer Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Trappers’ Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pope and Young Club, Shikar Safari Club, Texas Wildlife Association, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. and the Wild Sheep Foundation.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Whitetails Unlimited’s Comprehensive Deer Management Program Provides Alternatives

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited’s Comprehensive Deer Management program has gained tremendous interest and popularity within the deer hunting community since it was introduced in the fall of 2002. With deer season right around the corner, WTU would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of this unique program tailored to the individual landowner.

Just as when WTU spearheaded this program seven years ago, it focuses on white-tailed deer and encompasses the three most popular management strategies: traditional, quality, and trophy. WTU makes available three individual informational booklets that discuss the pros and cons of each of the three management techniques mentioned. Beyond management strategies, the booklets also provide the reader with a basic understanding of white-tailed deer ecology, plus a general overview of deer management principles.

“This has been a very popular program, and is an easy way for landowners to get started in deer management,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Landowners can get overwhelmed when they first get interested in deer management, and they don’t have to be. For those already actively working toward management goals, these booklets can provide additional information or ideas.”

Another component of this program, and probably the most visible to the general public, are the WTU custom two-color aluminum signs. Three versions are available, including Quality, Traditional and Trophy; they provide landowners with the ability to display the type of management technique they have chosen to implement on their property.
To order your free booklets or custom CDM signs ($3.75 each, plus S&H), please call 1-800-274-5471.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetail Watch – Stop Poaching

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- In an attempt to help curb poaching across the country, Whitetails Unlimited has available an anti-poaching property boundary sign that is suitable for use anywhere in the United States. The sign, part of WTU’s Whitetail Watch Program, encourages anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to their proper wildlife law enforcement agency.

In addition to the property boundary signs, other components of Whitetail Watch include wallet cards and decals. The decals and signs serve as visible reminders to poachers that local citizens are on the watch and will report any suspicious activity.

“As I have stated in the past, all true conservationists have an obligation to help fight poaching,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “It’s as simple as being conscious of what’s happening around you while in the field and reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

Poaching is a growing problem, one that occurs nationwide and takes place all year long. However, Whitetail Watch provides an avenue for concerned citizens to assist their wildlife enforcement agencies. Whitetails Unlimited experiences a rise in requests for Whitetail Watch materials in early spring, and they tend to peak in mid-fall. This time frame is when people display the most concern for poaching, but poachers are out there all year long.

“Poaching steals from all of us, destroys our natural resources, and tends to cast a negative light on the sport of regulated hunting,” Gerl said. “Wardens and law enforcement can’t be everywhere, and they need the help of all citizens to catch those who think they are above the law.”

All Whitetail Watch boundary property signs, wallet cards, and decals are available at no charge, in small quantities, by contacting WTU headquarters at 1-800-274-5471. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- For the past decade, Whitetails Unlimited has provided support for the Wisconsin DNRs Learn to Deer Hunt Program, and is the official sponsor of Sandhill’s Youth Essay Contest. This year WTU is again offering prizes for the contest, and educational materials for classroom instruction. The contest is open to youth under 16 years old who have never hunted deer.

To date, Whitetails Unlimited has provided more than $11,000 in financial support including branded merchandise and educational material for the program. Prizes have included rifles in an assortment of calibers, binoculars, knives & sheaths, and caps. The program is held at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center.

This is an ideal way to provide a great experience for a first-time deer hunter, said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. At a time when everyone in the outdoor industry is concerned about new hunter recruitment, a program like this is the perfect vehicle to ensure that new hunters are mentored in the right way.

WTU is the official sponsor of the essay contest, and is providing prizes for first through fifth place.

The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is a 9,158-acre wildlife area operated by the Wisconsin DNR in central Wisconsin. The facility offers an on-site education center, shooting ranges, trails, and a wide variety of workshops and seminars, including hunting and trapping experiences. The state acquired Sandhill in 1962, and it is one of the largest areas in North America containing an enclosed white-tailed deer herd regulated by public hunting.

The Learn to Hunt Deer Program provides an opportunity for about 200 youth and beginner adults to receive training on deer hunting, and then participate in a special hunt several weeks before the statewide gun deer season. In past years, 50 to 60 deer were harvested annually by these novice hunters on the Sandhill property.

For more information, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill/lth.htm and www.dnr.state.wi.us/Org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill/

­About:
­ Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTUs degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation¹s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited’s Project POLITE Cards

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- With hunting season just around the corner, finding places to hunt can be a chore for hunters, and a distraction for many landowners. WTU’s Project POLITE can be a simple tool for making hunter access more successful.

Project POLITE Hunter-Landowner ID Cards are an easy way to exchange names, addresses and phone numbers, greatly increasing the trust and understanding for both hunters and landowners. Supported in part by Winchester Ammunition, the paper cards are simply filled in with contact information and provided to each other.

“This is a very simple way to elevate the level of trust for landowners, allowing them to know exactly who is on their land,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “For hunters, this is an easy way to build a file of possible hunting locations for the future, and also provides an easy way for the hunter to send a thank you to the landowner.”

A set of five cards and a Tyvek® envelope are available free of charge by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777.

Since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago, WTU’s Project POLITE has opened up over one million acres to the sport of regulated hunting.

For landowners that want to make their land available to hunters, Project POLITE’s bright green Hunting With Permission signs will provide potential hunters with a name and phone number to contact for permission to hunt on posted land. The sign makes it clear that permission must first be granted by the landowner. For hunters, the sign avoids the time consuming process of trying to find out who owns a particular piece of land; and landowners who allow hunters on their land find this an easy way to have hunters contact them. This component of the program is also generously supported by Winchester Ammunition.

Quantities of the 11 x 14-inch signs are available at a reasonable cost by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777.

Companies interested in participating with WTU in a program like Project POLITE can contact Kevin Devault at WTU national headquarters (800) 274-5471.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

The dramatic climax of a traditional Door County fish boil is the fiery boil over. Shown is the fish boil at the White Gull Inn, in Fish Creek. Photo © Jeff Davis.

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin’s Door County - -(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited has the good fortune to have its national headquarters in one of the Midwest’s premier vacation destinations – Wisconsin’s Door County. A pleasant side effect of this geographical positioning is that our friends and members of the outdoor industry stop in to visit when they are vacationing on the peninsula.

“We love to have people drop in on us,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “We have a great facility here and we love to show it off. It’s always good to have members visit so we can thank them for their support, and it’s always a pleasant surprise when someone connected with the outdoor industry locates us and we find out they’re in the lobby. There is so much to do in Door County, but it’s kind of fun to talk shop for a little while with someone you meet by chance.

Whitetails Unlimited has always been headquartered in Sturgeon Bay, the largest town in Door County. This is a peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan and has more shoreline, and more lighthouses, than any other county in the U.S. There are a dozen private campgrounds, plus five state parks with hundreds of campsites and miles and miles of hiking and bike trails. One state park is accessible only by boat and does not allow any vehicles. “This is one of the worlds best fisheries, with something for everybody,” said Gerl. “There are pan fish and perch, but also incredible bass and walleye fishing, and if you have the boat and gear, or want to charter a boat, you can go after big salmon, lake trout and whitefish in the deep water of Lake Michigan.”

The county also boasts a wide variety of performing arts and music, including the oldest summer stock theater in the country, and a thriving visual arts community. There are enough golf courses to wear out an avid golfer, and a wide variety of outdoor activities are available, like kayaking, SCUBA diving, boat cruises, horseback riding and even a drive-in movie theater.

“We invite anyone who is a friend of the outdoor industry to stop in and say hello when they are in Door County on vacation,” said Gerl. “This is such a great place to live, and I’m a little embarrassed to say that it’s easy to start to overlook what we have when we live here every day. When we get visitors their enthusiasm helps remind us that we need to get out and enjoy our backyard more often.”

The Whitetails Unlimited national headquarters is located at 2100 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. More information about Door County can be found at www.doorcounty.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- Rossi USA has signed on as the Title Sponsor to Whitetails Unlimited’s Kids on Target program. The popular program was introduced as a pilot program in 2008, with a focus on encouraging our nation’s youth to get off the couch, enjoy the great outdoors, and become actively involved in the shooting sports.

“This program was an immediate success, and we’re thrilled to welcome Rossi USA as a Title Sponsor,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “This sponsorship will ensure that the program keeps expanding, and more kids will get involved in the shooting sports – safely, with adult supervision.”

“Rossi USA has been making great firearms for more than a century, and they understand the importance of getting new hunters and shooters involved in the sport,” said Kevin Devault, WTU’s manager of conservation funding. “Program sponsorship is ultimately about funding a solid program, but this is also an effective marketing tool for our sponsors. Everyone involved in Kids on Target will know that Rossi USA is helping them participate, and they will go away with a positive feeling about Rossi. We really can’t thank them enough.”

The Kids on Target program took off quickly, with requests to WTU’s headquarters coming in from California to Maryland, and Texas to Minnesota.

“It was a good-news, bad-news situation at first, with so many requests we were worried about filling all of them. But with Rossi USA’s support we’ll be able to meet the program goals,” said Gerl. “In fact, we’ve got some exciting news about a new aspect of the program that will be announced in the near future.”

Rossi USA offers a full line of firearms, and the 115-year-old company has complete information on their products at www.rossiusa.com. Companies interested in participating with a WTU program can contact Kevin Devault at WTU national headquarters (800) 274-5471.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited is a nonprofit conservation organization that takes its mission seriously. Because of that, WTU’s national headquarters is looking forward to the new fiscal year as a milestone is fast approaching – $50 million generated from WTU fundraising activities and cost-share partnerships returned to local groups and used for projects.

“Our new fiscal year started July 1,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl, “and we will soon hit the $50 million mark for cost-share dollars used for projects at grassroots level. By the end of this new fiscal year we will see a total of more than $10 million expended for educational purposes; over $17 million for habitat enhancement and acquisition; and more than $16.5 million to preserve the hunting tradition. In addition, research projects will have received more than $6.5 million.”

“Our list of projects range from A to Z,” said Dave Hawkey, vice president of field operations. “Through our events we fund thousands of individual projects every year, ranging from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. But whatever the size, all of these projects are important for those involved with them, and also important for their local communities.”

Whitetails Unlimited started in 1982 with a handful of events. This year over 400 events will involve more than 90,000 supporters, raising funds to fuel local, state, and regional projects.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited’s popular Membership Appreciation Giveaway has been extended, and now will run through all of 2010. With this time extension, the total cumulative estimated retail value of all prizes to be awarded will exceed $100,000.

WTU draws five lucky winners each week (Monday – Friday) through a random computerized drawing of current WTU members. The drawings began October 1, 2008, and with the new extension will end December 31, 2010. That’s a total of 27 months, and plenty of happy and lucky WTU members. Winners’ names are posted on the WTU website, along with the prize that they’ve won.

“The combination of strong support from the outdoor industry and excitement among our members made the decision to extend the Membership Appreciation Giveaway to the end of 2010 an easy one,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Giveaway prizes typically don’t fall below a $50 estimated retail value, and in fact, during the first six months of the drawing the average prize had an ERV of over $200.”

“When it comes to traditional membership benefits, this program is second to none,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten. “What a great way for Whitetails Unlimited to express its appreciation toward our membership for their continued support.”

On the date of each drawing, current members are automatically included. Memberships can be obtained online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or by phone at 1-800-274-5471. The website also provides a list of the official rules for the giveaway.

“We really want to put out a special ‘thank you’ to all our giveaway sponsors for making this unique Whitetails Unlimited membership incentive possible,” said Schinkten. “We’ve received awesome support from a variety of outdoor companies, and we’re always excited to talk to businesses who are looking for innovative and imaginative marketing opportunities, from sponsorships to advertising/product tradeouts, to unique ideas for new projects. One hundred percent of WTU members hunt deer, and almost all of them also hunt other game, fish, and enjoy the outdoors in other ways. Our members are the exact demographic outdoor companies want to reach,” said Schinkten.

For more information on becoming a WTU sponsor, contact Kevin Devault, manager of conservation funding at (920) 743-6777 ext. 102, or Jim Satorius, advertising sales representative at (920) 427-5396.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin - A judge’s decision in an animal cruelty case is completely outrageous, said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “This case has nothing to do with hunting, and the decision needs to be appealed and reversed, or the law that allows this loophole needs to be immediately fixed,” said Schinkten.

The case dates to January of this year, when three men were charged in a Waupaca County (Wisconsin) court with animal cruelty for running down five deer, including a fawn, with their snowmobiles. Four of the deer were dead at the scene and one was euthanized later. The judge dismissed felony charges against one defendant after his attorney argued that the defendant was hunting.

“These men were not hunting, this case has nothing to do with hunting, and to equate regulated hunting to what these men are alleged to have done is an insult and slander to all hunters,” said Schinkten. “Whitetails Unlimited members support ethical, legal hunting and are appalled by the alleged detailed in this case. For someone to escape justice by claiming they were hunting is just disgusting.”

“For a judge to equate legal hunting with running down multiple deer with a pack of snowmobiles, and leaving them to die, just defies reason,” said Schinkten. “If this stands the law needs to be changed so future criminals can’t hide behind ethical hunters. The allegations in this case show a classic case of animal cruelty, and the felony charges should be reinstated.”

Prosecutors in the case have 20 days from the date of the judge’s ruling to appeal the decision.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.