The Fall Hunting Classic, held at 54 Bass Pro Shops stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, is set for Aug. 2 to Aug. 18, 2013. This annual event provides hunters with opportunities to attend free seminars led by nationally recognized professional hunters, take advantage of special offers, and enter a sweepstakes to win the “Once in a Lifetime Hunting Trip.”
“The Fall Hunting Classics are a popular tradition at Bass Pro Shops,” said Tammy Sapp, Bass Pro Shops’ communications director. “For more than 20 years now, 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 sportswomen look forward to the event all year long. This 17-day event is expected to attract more than 100,000 people to each store. Stores not participating in this event include locations in Miami, Fla., Islamorada, Fla., Branson, Mo., and the outlet store in Springfield, Mo.
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; tactics for hunting deer, waterfowl or predators; 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 events are listed below: Aug. 2-4–Bass Pro Shops Hunting University. Attend free classes taught by top pros. Aug. 2-7–Bow/Crossbow Trade-In. Trade in an old bow/crossbow and save. Aug. 8-13–Scope Trade-In. Need a new scope? Trade in the old one and save on a new one. Aug. 14-18–Binocular and Rangefinder Trade-In. Trade in an old pair of binoculars and/or rangefinders and save on any new binocular and/or rangefinder purchase. See a store associate for details on all trade-in offers. Aug. 17-18- Next Generation Weekend?Noon-5 p.m. On Target Challenge! In cooperation with Daisy, youth can learn 10 safety tips and the basics for safe, fun and accurate BB shooting at the Bass Pro Shops/Daisy BB shooting range. Seminars are Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Other activities include an archery range and coloring a wooden cutout turkey or deer craft (while supplies last). Plus, the first 100 kids to complete the activities each day receive a free collapsible water bottle (while supplies). Aug. 17-18 -Free Photo Download?Noon-5 p.m. Kids can get a free photo download and an On Target certificate for completing the BB shooting range and archery activities.
In addition, customers will be able to register Aug. 2 through Aug.18 for a sweepstakes to win the “Once in a Lifetime Hunting Trip” for themselves and seven guests to Broadfield ? a Sea Island Sporting Club and Lodge in Georgia. The prize package has an approximate $19,000.00 retail value. Visit the basspro website/classic for details**
“Hunting is an activity that brings families together and allows them to spend quality time in the outdoors. We love knowing that Bass Pro Shops plays a role in passing this family tradition down from one generation to the next,” said Sapp. “It is vitally important that today’s youth get involved in the outdoors so they can gain the knowledge needed to become the future stewards of our natural resources and support conservation.”
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 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. Through that program, sportsmen and women have contributed more than $7 billion to conservation. 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 to treasure for a lifetime.
For more information on the free Bass Pro Shops Fall Hunting Classic go to the basspro website/classic .By: Katie Mitchell / Bass Pro Shops
