By Avery Youth Field Staff Team Captain Aaron Hitchins
Back Row (L-R)- Jay Von Bank (MN), Nick Bury (ND), Joe Fladeland (ND), Cody Gillette (UT), Cody Frazier (TN), Ryan Vande Griend (MI)
Front Row (L-R)- Isaac White (KS), Parker Sharpe (VA), Eric Bragg (TX), Aaron Hitchins (ON), Colton Lynch (KS), Garret Dietz (KS)
Passing on the waterfowling tradition to our youth" is a common saying heard at shows, in magazines, and on television hunting programs. To put that saying into practice Avery Pro-Staffers and a crew of Avery Youth field Staffers put together an all Avery Youth Field Staff hunt in central Kansas. Pro-Staffers Zach White, Sean Evans, and Derek Rambo along with Avery Youth Field Staff Captain Aaron Hitchins were the organizers. Zach had the places in central Kansas, Sean and Derek put together all the logistics, and Aaron put together a list of 14 AYFSers that could attend this awesome opportunity. After months of planning it all came together. The first night had 14 AYFSers buzzing with excitement as they picked "roommates" at the lodge, had a short meeting to make some announcements, thanked the people who needed to be thanked, and picked the hunting "teams" for the first day. To top that off goodies were passed out to each youth compliments of Rob Jepson and Avery Outdoors. Few slept with the uncertainty and wonder of what a freshly snowed on Kansas field would bring them. Two days prior they were dreaming of Christmas presents and tonight it was geese. (Derek Rambo / Avery Pro-Staff)
The Last Migration...A Tribute to Jocelyn "Josh" Leger
By Mathieu Bouthillette & Hugues Leblond
For the past 25 years, Josh Leger had lived one migration at a time. It started as a 15 year old when a friend and his friend's father took them hunting and as so often happens after one's first experience with waterfowling; Josh became hooked right away. He got a duck boat before he even could afford a car to tow it around. Since then, he has been out fishing and hunting at every opportunity. Being a man of passion, Josh would not leave it at simple outings. Waterfowl hunting soon became a way of life and filled every aspect of his daily existence. Before long, he wanted to share what he had learned in the field with the people around him, and that group of people grew larger everyday.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 11, 2006- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today released its preliminary report on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. Overall, duck populations increased14 percent since last year with an estimated 41.2 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. As a result of winter snowfall and good precipitation, habitat conditions are similar or slightly improved compared to conditions in 2006.
Garry Mason, Founder and CEO of the "Legends of the Outdoors" National Hall of Fame, announced early Friday morning that Alex Rutledge of Hunter's Specialties, Larry Weishuhn of Thompson Center Arms, Tommy Akin, Public Relations Director for Avery and Strike King, Pamela Martin-Wells, leading money winner of the Women's BASS Tour, Larry Nixon, 1983 Bassmaster Classic winner, Steve McCadams, Outdoor Writer/Professional hunting and fishing Guide and Marion McCollum, Owner of Macks Prairie Wings will be inducted into the "Legends of the Outdoors" National Hall of Fame during the Annual Induction Ceremony to be held on August 17, 2007 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
(L-R) Avery Pro-Staffers Greg Owens, Ryan Barthel & Levi Fry
Just a few short months ago, with a group of Pro-Staffer's was together for the 2nd annual Honker Stomp in Fergus Falls, MN, Brad Fontaine asked if anyone would be interested in hunting turkeys in South Dakota. It didn't take long to form a list of volunteers, and the plans were in the making for another Pro-Staff adventure. South Dakota is abundant with wildlife of all types, but for this adventure we had one specific species on our minds...Turkeys. Our group consisted of Brad Fontaine, Brad Hanson, Rick Frisch, Jon Lee, Nick Lisec, Brett Beinke, Greg Owens, Ryan Barthel, Levi Fry and South Dakota native Jeremiah Johnson.
(L-R) Avery Pro-Staffers Field Hudnall, Michael Hungle, Rusty Hallock, Rob Jepson, Tyson Keller, Tony Vandemore, Fred Zink, & Clay Hudnall
Four gadwalls dive bombed through the branches of some tall cypress trees. As they did so, it was amazing to see how acrobatic they can be. A large tree trunk caused two birds to twist and swerve off to my right and out of sight. The other two birds, which were drakes, quickly navigated through the branches and were fast approaching the wide open hole in the middle of the timber swamp..........
Ryan Barthel, Levi Fry, Rick Frisch, Rick Turch, Nich Lisec,
Brad Fontaine
It was the summer of 2005 when Avery Pro-staffer Brad Hanson came up with the idea of a "small gathering" of Avery Pro-Staff from our region to get together in the Minnesota late season for a little shooting action. I had heard stories from Brad, and his long time friend Brad Fontaine about the late season hunts in the Fergus Falls area, and I was pumped! Opening weekend of 2005 was brutal. Snow and wind pounded our little group of diehards, and you didn't leave your blind for fear of it sliding down the hill in the snow when it filled with air from the wind! Still, we hammered geese despite the weather, so when Brad mentioned the hunt this year, we were pretty excited at the chance.
"Avery® Congratulates" 2006 World Duck Calling Champion
Jim Ronquest
Reproduced with permission of The Stuttgart Daily Leader
“Damn good,” is how it feels to win the 2006 World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest according to the winner of Saturday’s competition, Jim Ronquest, of Holly Grove, who beat out 67 fierce competitors.
All duck hunters listen to the stories; but the greatest stories come from just a few select places. Those few places that every water-fowler must visit before his place in the big blind in the sky is secure.
Every duck hunter has heard tales about groups of 200 falling through the Arkansas pin oaks, or green wings in groups of 40 buzzing into the Cameron Parish marshes of south Louisiana. Don't forget about the storied gunning tradition of the eastern shore and its massive flocks of Canada's and black ducks. These places are wrapped with tradition, and most who have visited have an incredible story to tell.
"RAISING THE STAKES" An added dimension to water set-ups
By Jim Thompson, Jr.
It's 6:30 a.m. mid-August, I slowly make my way across a small lake that I frequently hunt during the waterfowl season. Sweat pours down my face burning, my eyes. Mosquitoes attempt to close in but the heavy dose of muskol holds them at bay. My mission, to check on the condition of several shore blinds after their nine month abandonment and make necessary touch-ups. My 10' Jon boat serves as both a walking stabilizer and small barge hauling wood, real grass panels and tools.
DECOY SNOWS IN CLOSE Field tests prove that mega-spreads of full-body decoys are deadly on hard-to-hunt snows and blues
By Gary Koehler
What began as a grand experiment to discover a more effective means of harvesting snow geese yielded huge dividends this spring during the course of the annual conservation order hunting season. Think full-body decoys. Think mammoth spreads. Now think huge numbers of feet-down adult snows and blues hovering over well-concealed layout blinds. Think consistently, as in day in and day out, from central Missouri north into South Dakota. Think incredible results. And you would be right on the money.
RNT Calls Inc. PO Box 1026
Stuttgart AR, 72160
888-768-2255 www.rntcalls.com
RNT Calls, Inc. the World leader in custom waterfowl calls is proud to announce the debut into Outdoor Television... RNT-V.
RNT-V is a reality based TV show featuring the lifestyles of the RNT family and their friends. RNT-V is presented by Mack's Prairie Wings, and sponsored by Avery Outdoors, Greenhead Gear, Natural Gear Camouflage, War Eagle Boats, Beretta, Hevi-Shot and PatternMaster. RNT-V is produced by RNT Calls, Inc. Stuttgart, Arkansas in conjunction with Power House Promotions of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
With exciting hunts, life on the road, building and designing cutting edge waterfowl calls and winning championships; RNT-V will have something for everybody.
Beginning Friday June 30th, RNT-V will air twice a week on the Men's Channel, (218 on Dish Network) Fridays at 12:00 Noon est. and Sundays at 3:00 pm est. with a new episode every Friday.
For more information contact Jim Ronquest or John Stephens at RNT Calls Inc.
The Super Retriever Series at
The Oregon Waterfowl Festival
Gervais, Oregon
August 10 - 13, 2006
The Super Retriever Series is finally headed west, northwest to be exact. The Oregon Waterfowl Festival and the city of Gervais, Oregon are set to host the first SRS of the 2006/2007 Season.
Dick Rhode Claims 2nd Ward World Carving Championship By Bill Cooksey May 4 , 2006
Dick Rhode
Competing in championships was far from Dick Rhode's mind when, as a child, he watched his father carving cedar telephone poles into decoys with hand tools and an old Sears band saw. In fact he really never gave much thought to carving decoys himself, and he continued to use those cedar decoys after his dad passed away when Dick was a senior in high school.
Our Little Girl By Stacey West
Fowl Creek Kennels
Team Waterdog April 17 , 2006
Having had the opportunity to stand on the line beside many incredible animals it didn't take me long to realize that Rankin was something special. The next few years however proved that she was special in ways that I could never have imagined. As one of two pups out of HRCH Reesee and my first Grand dog GRHRCH Scout, Rankin was supposed to be my next competitor. In the end I donated her to the Rocky Mount Ducks Unlimited Chapter for their banquet where she was purchased by Brad House.
Stuttgart Has Been Good to Me! By Scott Greer
Sur-Shot Retrievers
Team Waterdog March 30 , 2006
Little did I know seven years ago that my newly acquired dog Liza would lead me on the ride of my life. By the time she was two Liza was already a Hunting Retriever Champion, and her accomplishments brought an invitation from Justin Tackett to enter the first SRS event in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Stuttgart SRS Rundown By Justin Tackett March 30 , 2006
Dogs: Amazing set of animals. This field was stronger than the Hutto group overall. I thought we would have 10 dogs actually have to "pick-up" in the first series, and at least 15 more with very nigh scores. The dogs saw through the bag of tricks the judges laid out there. A white coated triple poison with double retired guns.
DEREK RANDLE WINS 2nd SRS TITLE By Bill Cooksey, Avery® Media Relations Director March 14 , 2006
Congratulations to Team Waterdog member Derek Randle of War Eagle Retrievers on his recent victory in the Super Retriever Series in Hutto, TX at the home grounds of Team Waterdog member and Triple Crown Retriever's Head Trainer Rody Best. Derek handled GMHR-GRHRCH Tennessee Hunter's Midnight Star (known to most as Stella) to the win despite inclement weather which led to many dogs being picked up.
FIELD & STREAM ANNOUNCES 8TH ANNUAL BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS December 15 , 2005
Number One Outdoor Magazine Names Top Outdoor Products
New York, NY- November 8, 2005-Field & Stream magazine awarded top honors to the world's best new outdoor products today, announcing twenty-two winners in the magazine's annual "Best of the Best" round-up. Winning products ranging from binoculars and boats to reels and rifles were battle tested by the magazine's editors to ensure they're up to snuff. "Best of the Best" winners will be featured in Field & Stream's December/January issue, on newsstands November 21, 2006.
John Stephens Wins Third World Title By Bill Cooksey, Avery® Media Relations Director December 6 , 2005
After leaving the stage the first order of business is to call Butch Richenback. Butch is the founder of Rich-N-Tone.
After three frustrating years of being the bride's maid by onlyone point at the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest John Stephens of Rich-N-Tone Duck Calls made history as only the sixth person to win three World Championships. In winninghis third title, Stephens beat 66 of the world's best callers, including several past World Champions.
Callers Flock to Easton, Maryland
For 2005 World Goose Calling Contest By Rob Jepson, Avery® Pro-Staff Relations Manager November 12, 2005
Countless hours of dedicated practice and calling contest competitions for many talented callers culminated this past weekend at the 2005 World Goose Calling Contest. Held in conjunction with the Waterfowl Festival in the Eastern Shore town of Easton, MD, callers descend upon the town every second week in November in the same fashion as the Canada Geese on their southward migration.
Every waterfowl hunter loves retrievers. They have personalities that will turn a slow day in the blind into a lasting memory, and a well trained dog has the ability to transform a good day into a story you will tell your grandchildren. The guys at Avery® are no exception in loving our retrievers. More pups have probably been socialized in the Avery® office than in many professional kennels, and while we have always made great products for sporting dogs we realized we were missing something.
The weekend of August 26-28 witnessed two Team Waterdog™ events hosted simultaneously at the Cabela's stores in Fort Worth, Texas and Kansas City, Kansas. The Fort Worth event was billed as Cabela's Youth Retriever day and was attended by Team Waterdog™ member Rody Best and Avery® Pro-Staff member Derek Rambo. Details of the Fort Worth event can be found here.
Avery® Pro-Staffer Mark Hoke Addresses
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
By Rob Jepson, Avery® Pro-Staff Relations Manager
April 7, 2005
As turkey season approaches, turkey hunters are gearing up to retreat to the solitude of the forest. Healthy, abundant and accessible forest habitat is essential for the sportsman but so is hunting gear. Avery® Pro-Staffer and veteran spring gobbler hunter Mark Hoke, was one of several invited speakers at the April Breakfast Meeting of the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation, in the Russell Senate Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate gear and tactics for pursuing gobblers.
Inaugural World Retriever Championship now Retriever History
March 28, 2005 By Christopher D. Atkinson, COO, World Retriever Championship, Inc.
“Coolwater’s Ready to Go," owned and handled by Alexandra Washburn made retriever history on March 19, 2005. Alex and Ready claimed $25,000, the largest purse in competitive retriever history, and the title: “World Retriever Champion."
DVD/Video Drive Wrap Up: Mission Accomplished
March 7, 2005 By Jeff Lewis, President, Dynamic Decoys
The recent DVD/Video Drive solicting donations of hunting DVDs and videos for our troops deployed overseas was an overwhelming success and far exceeded our expectations. Hunters and companies within the waterfowl industry gave more than 1000 videos and over 500 DVDs and the donations continue to arive. We received hunting videos focused on waterfowl, turkey, big game, and predators.
Tight Scoring Makes for Tight Stomachs on Colorado’s Front Range
Loveland Colorado, January 16, 2005 By Bill Cooksey, Media Relations Director
Kelley Powers, Champion (top), Field Hudnall, 1st Runner-up (left) and Rusty Heron, 2nd Runner-up show off their trophies.
The 2005 Avery® WorldWide Goose Calling Championship is in the books, and the WorldWide Champion is $15,000 richer. After researching past game calling contests of all kinds, it was determined that no calling contest had ever awarded over $12,500 to the winning contestant, and helped us decide on the pot. Most calling contests require that the caller show up, pay an entry fee and call well in order to win, but the Avery® WorldWide was different.
The callers who lined up against each other on Saturday night have been slugging it out across the country for the last year. Some only wanted to qualify for the Avery® WorldWide, but many were interested in being named the 2005 Greenhead Gear® Cup Champion for amassing the highest point total in the past 12 months.
Avery® Pro-Staff members claim 2004 World Duck and World Goose Calling Championships By Bill Cooksey, Media Relations Director
Field Hudnall
Avery® Pro-Staff Members Field Hudnall, Bernie Boyle and Sean Hammock topped an incredible field of callers to top the 2004 World Goose and World Duck Calling Championships.
[Full Story]
Post-Season "Shooting"
Eastern South Dakota, January 12, 2005 By Jim Thompson, Avery® Pro-Staffer
To fulfill my post-season yearning for cupped-winged fowl, I grab my camera and head out in an attempt to grab that one shot, the photo you'll never tire of looking at. I approach my photo shoots with the same drive and enthusiasm as if chasing my quarry with a gun.
[FULL STORY]
Custom Painting Your Full Body Decoys
Troy, Ohio By Bret Ayers, Avery® Pro-Staffer
When Greenhead Gear® full body Canada goose decoys were introduced to the goose hunting world in 2003, many goose hunters felt that these were the most life like decoys ever produced. From the life-size appearance to the exact feather detail, finally a decoy that looks like a goose. The one thing that impressed me most about Greenhead Gear® decoys was the paint.
[FULL STORY]
We've added Field Khaki™ Layout Blind Covers to the Finisher®, Power Hunter® and Migrator® lines of layout blinds. These solid color blind covers were developed to give hunters the most cost effective ground blinds ever while offering them the ability to create the camouflage background that is perfect for their individual needs. [FULL STORY]
Avery® Advertising Campaigns
Be sure to look for additional Avery® ads this summer and fall in the following publications: Ducks Unlimited Magazine, Wildfowl, Waterfowl Hunter, and Cabela's Outfitter Journal.
Avery® Pro-Staff members claim 2004 World Duck and World Goose Calling Championships
DVD/Video Drive Wrap Up: Mission Accomplished
Post-Season "Shooting"
To fulfill my post-season yearning for cupped-winged fowl, I grab my camera and head out in an attempt to grab that one shot, the photo you'll never tire of looking at. I approach my photo shoots with the same drive and enthusiasm as if chasing my quarry with a gun.
Custom Painting Your Full Body Decoys
When Greenhead Gear® full body Canada goose decoys were introduced to the goose hunting world in 2003, many goose hunters felt that these were the most life like decoys ever produced. From the life-size appearance to the exact feather detail, finally a decoy that looks like a goose. The one thing that impressed me most about Greenhead Gear® decoys was the paint.
[FULL STORY]
