Bass Pro Shops Fall Hunting Classic: Experience the world's greatest hunting show and sale

Bass Pro Shops free event helps hunters prepare for upcoming seasons

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Fall Hunting Classic, held at 72 Bass Pro Shops stores throughout the U.S. and Canada*, is set for August 21- 30, 2015. This annual event offers free seminars led by nationally recognized professional hunters, free Hunting University at the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis, special offers, and a chance to win a hunting trip to Argentina with RedHead Pro Hunting Team member and competitive shooter, Doug Koenig.  

"The Fall Hunting Classic is a popular and beloved tradition at Bass Pro Shops," said Jerry Martin, captain of the RedHead Pro Hunting team. "For 28 years, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts have attended this free event to learn how they can be more successful in the field while staying safe and comfortable with appropriate clothing and gear. Hunters also love to get a firsthand look at all the latest products."

Many sportsmen and women look forward to the event all year long. This 10-day event is expected to draw more than 100,000 people to each store.

During the Fall Hunting Classic, nationally recognized professional hunters will be hosting a free Hunting University at the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee store.

Free Hunting University sessions at the Memphis Pyramid include**:
Friday, August 21 meet and greet 6-8 p.m.:

• David Blanton- Team Realtree
• Chuck Belmore- Host of "The Habit" TV show.
• John Paul Morris- Founder of the U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship, host of "The Habit" TV show and RedHead Pro Hunting team member.
• Jon Justice- Host of "The Habit" TV show.
• Don and Kandi Kisky- Hosts of "Whitetail Freaks" TV show.
• Ryan Klesko- Co-host of "Campfire Stories" TV show on the Pursuit Channel.
• Buck Gardner- Founder of Buck Gardner calls.
• Rob Keck- RedHead Pro Hunting team member and host of "Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World" radio show.
• Sean Mann- World Goose Calling Champion of Champions.
  

Saturday, August 22, Q&A sessions and seminars:

• 10 a.m.- Sean Mann
• 11 a m. - Don and Kandi Kisky
• Noon - Fred Zink, owner of Zink Calls and Avian-X Decoys
• 1 p.m. - Cuz Strickland, Mossy OAK SP Vice President of Media Services.  
• 2 p.m.- Chuck Belmore, John Paul Morris, Jon Justice
• 3 p.m.- John Stephens, three-time duck calling world champion
• 5 p.m.- David Blanton

Sunday, August 23, Q&A sessions and seminars:

• Noon - Cuz Strickland
• 2 p.m.- Ryan Klesko
• 3 p.m.- David Blanton
• 4p.m.- Fred Zink

In addition,  Bass Pro Shops Sportsman's Center in Memphis Tennessee will host nationally recognized professional hunters, local pros and outdoorsmen and women will conduct seminars at the store and answer hunters' questions.

Free seminars at Bass Pro Shops Sportsman's Center include:

August 21
7 p.m.: Advanced game camera strategies for year-round scouting 
 
August 22 & 23
1 p.m.: Archery tune-up: Prepare your gear for the hunt
2 p.m.: Get close: Scent control and scent products that give you the edge
3 p.m.: Boots 101: Choosing the right footwear for your outing experience
4 p.m.: Knives and tools to guide your hunt from field to freezer
 
Other special events include:

• August 21 – 30 – Game camera, hunting boot, and riflescope trade in.  Hunters with game cameras, boots, and/or riflescopes that don't get a lot of action can trade them in at a participating Bass Pro Shops store during the Fall Hunting Classic. This trade-in event allows hunters to trade in game cameras and riflescopes for a coupon worth up to $100 off the purchase price of a new game camera or riflescope. Hunters can trade in hunting or rubber boots for a coupon worth up to $40 off the purchase of new hunting boots. The game cameras, boots, and riflescopes will be given to local nonprofit organizations to help with their outdoor education programs. See a store associate for details on all trade-in offers.
• August 29 – Women's Hunting Workshop 3 p.m. - Women are invited to a free seminar to learn hunting tips and how-to information on outdoor cooking and more. The first 25 women, ages 18 or older, will receive a free Bass Pro Shops tumbler.
• August 29  & 30  – Next Generation Weekend- Kids are invited to come to their local Bass Pro Shops store Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. for Bass Pro Shops Next Generation Weekend. This family-friendly, free event includes free a craft, workshop, giveaway, and activities. Check local store listings for more information on Next Generation activities.

In addition to free seminars and great deals on hunting gear, customers can also enter a sweepstakes to win a hunting trip to Argentina with RedHead Pro Hunting team member and competitive shooter, Doug Koenig. The grand prize, valued at over $10,000, includes a seven-night stay at Poitahue Hunting Ranch, all equipment for Dove and Red Stag hunts, and more. Plus, one winner in every store will win a Plano Pro-Max PillarLock gun case,  Leupold 10x25 Rogue Binoculars, and boxes Hornady American Whitetail .308 rifle ammo with a total value of $250.Visit http://www.basspro.com/classic for more information on how to enter.***

It is vitally important that today's youth get involved in the outdoors so they can become the stewards and conservationists of tomorrow to insure the maintenance and well-being of our natural resources. Bass Pro Shops is proud to take part in inspiring the next generation of conservationists by providing easy, fun, accessible ways for families to discover and enjoy the outdoors.
Hunters have always been and continue to be the largest contributors to wildlife conservation through the hunting licenses, tags and stamps they buy. Another important  source of funding for state wildlife conservation efforts are the excise taxes sportsmen and women pay on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program (WSFR). In 2014, WSFR provided $1.1 billion through the sale of hunting and fishing equipment to support habitat conservation and outdoor recreation. Since the program's inception 78 years ago, more than $17 billion have been distributed to states for this great work. Those dollars, combined with hunting license fees, provide more than 75 percent of the funding for most state fish and wildlife agencies. Sportsmen and women contribute nearly $8 million to conservation every day through license fees, stamps, permits, excise taxes, and contributions to conservation groups.

The Fall Hunting Classic is just one of many free family events that Bass Pro Shops stores offer throughout the year. The Spring Fishing Classic, "Go Outdoors," Halloween and Easter events along with special nostalgic events such as "Santa's Wonderland" and "Family Summer Camp" offer families a way to reconnect with life's simpler times and create new traditions and memories.

For more information about the free Bass Pro Shops Fall Hunting Classic, go to http://www.basspro.com/classic or visit your local Bass Pro Shops store.

* Store not participating in this event include location Islamorada, Florida.
** Appearances subject to change.
***Contest rules: Customers may also enter to win online at http://www.basspro.com.  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 or District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 21 years of age or older at time of entry.  Void where prohibited.  ***Dates may vary. Check local store listings for specific time and dates. Appearances, times and topics are subject to change.

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