FALL CLASSIC TRADITION CONTINUES
Bass Pro Shops Free Event Helps Hunters Have Success in the Field
Springfield, Missouri (July 30, 2012)—The Fall Hunting Classics are an annual tradition at Bass Pro Shops. For more than 20 years now, hunters and other outdoor sports enthusiasts have used this event to gain valuable insight into ways to have a more successful day in the field, stay comfortable and safe with appropriate clothing and gear, and get a first-hand view of the latest products.
“The Bass Pro Shops Fall Classic is a huge event (more than 100,000 people are expected to attend at each store location) and hunters and other outdoor sportsmen and -women look forward to it all year long, said Katie Mitchell, Bass Pro Shops Communications. “At this event, they’ll be able to learn the secret techniques and strategies used by professionals to gain a better advantage in the field, see all the latest products and attend workshops and seminars. And, there is a ‘ripple effect’ as other area retailers, gas stations, hotels and restaurants benefit as well from the increased traffic the Classic generates,” Mitchell added.
This 17-day event will be held August 3rd through August 19th at 54 Bass Pro Shops store locations and it’s all free. (Stores not participating in this event include locations in Miami, FL, Islamorada, FL, Branson, MO and the outlet store in Springfield, MO)
“You find that hunting is one of those family traditions that get passed down from one generation to the next,” said Mitchell. She also noted that this is important now more than ever. “It is vitally important that today’s youth get involved in the outdoors so they can become the stewards and conservationists of tomorrow to ensure the maintenance and well-being of our natural resources,” Mitchell said.
This is important because the sale of hunting licenses, tags and stamps is the primary source of funding for most state wildlife conservation efforts. Hunters and anglers have always been, and continue to be, the largest contributors to government wildlife conservation programs. Through excise taxes and license revenues, these sportsmen have contributed more than $10 billion dollars to conservation and provide more than 80% of the funding for most state fish and wildlife agencies. Just from hunters alone, nearly $200 million in hunters’ federal excise taxes are distributed to State agencies to support wildlife each year.
(All statistics are from the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation report “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors.” It can be accessed online at www.sportsmenslink.org)
During the Fall Hunting Classic nationally recognized professional hunters, local pros and outdoorsmen and -women will be at stores to give seminars and talk about their experiences. Some of the seminar topics will include using game scents and calls effectively, choosing the appropriate optics, tips for game camera placement and transporting and processing game. (Check local store listings for pros, topics, dates and times). Other special event features are listed below:
• Aug. 3-8—Bow Trade-In. Want a new bow? Now’s the time to get one! Trade in your old one and save. See store associate for details.
• Aug. 9-14—Scope Trade-In. Need a new scope? Trade in yours and save on a new one. See store associate for details.
• Aug. 11-12—ATV Test Drive. Noon to 5pm. Try out suspension and steering capabilities of ATV’s. Must show valid driver’s license prior to test drive. (Stores located in Islamorada, FL, Branson, MO, Garland, TX, Rossford, OH and the outlet store in Springfield, MO will not offer this feature.)
• Aug. 15-19 – Binocular and Rangefinder Trade-In. Trade in your old pair of binoculars and/or rangefinders and save on any new binocular and/or rangefinder purchase. See a store associate for details
• Aug. 17-19 – Next Generation Weekend. Youth can learn the basics for safe, fun and accurate Airsoft shooting and Archery. Friday 4:30pm Archery Basics; Saturday 2:30pm Airsoft Shooting Basics, 4:30pm Archery Basics; Sunday 2:30pm Archery Basics, 4:30pm Airsoft Shooting Basics. Other activities include an Airsoft Range, paintball cage and a fun turkey craft 1-4pm (while supplies last). Youth will receive a punch card to be punched when they complete the Airsoft and paintball activities. Once the card is full youth will receive a “Bass Pro Shops Next Generation” Draw Bag and dog tag (First 100 kids who get their card punched each day. While supplies last).
• Aug. 17-19 –Free Photo Download. Kids—get a free picture of yourself at our AirSoft range! Noon – 5pm all 3 days
In addition, customers will be able to register August 3rd – 19th for a sweepstakes to win a Grand Prize of a Central Utah Mule Deer or Antelope Hunt (visit www.basspro.com/classic for details) from 12:00am CT on 8/3/12 and 11:59pm CT on 8/19/12. Approximate retail value of prize is $15,000.00. Plus, one winner in every store will win a RedHead® Hunting Gear Package that includes a RedHead Epic Spotting Scope and RedHead Large Gear Bag with a retail value of $260.00 (US), $330.00 (CAD). (Contest rules: Customers may also enter to win online at www.basspro.com. 54 First Place winners will be drawn and one Grand Prize winner will be drawn nationally. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR CLAIM PRIZE. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 08/03/12 and ends 08/19/12.)
The Fall Hunting Classic is just one of many free family events Bass Pro Shops store locations offer throughout the year. The Spring Fishing Classic, “Go Outdoors”, Halloween and Easter events along with special nostalgic events like “Santa’s Wonderland” and “Family Summer Camp” offer families a way to reconnect with life’s simpler times and create new traditions and memories to treasure for a lifetime.
More than 900,000 free photos with Santa were taken at last year’s “Santa’s Wonderland”—an event, hosted by Santa himself, where children play with model trains and enjoy games, crafts and interactive activities in a very special Christmas Village.
Families can learn all the outdoor skills needed to make their next outdoor adventure a great one during “Family Summer Camp.” Activities like bird watching, animal identification, archery and hiking help kids and adults reconnect with the beauty of the great outdoors in a format where they feel comfortable.
For more information on the free Bass Pro Shops Fall Hunting Classic go to www.basspro.com/classic.
