Just some of the people and things I was covering at the DUCK UNLIMITED GREAT OUTDOOR FESTIVAL  MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 2002, MAY 31 - JUNE 2ND Thanks for checking in. Please sign our guest book

THE GREAT OUTDOORS FAMILY

What is the first thing that comes to mind after attending the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoor Festival in Memphis, Tennessee. “FAMILY” – That is the bottom line of what this event is all about. Families from every state in the region were enjoying great outdoor activities together. No one event across the United States shows how strong families and the great outdoors are woven together.

With great outdoor activities for every member of the family to see and take part in and in such great quantity it would amazing to hear that anyone person could attend all the events at this great outdoor festival in one day.

To give you a short list of what was at the Great Outdoor Festival this year: 

Shooting Sports Village – Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol, Air Rifle Ranges and Exhibition Shooting area.

Archery Village – Youth and Adult 3D archery range, and Exhibition Shooting area.

Fishing Village – Fly Fishing classes, and canoe and kayak areas.

Biking & Camping Village – Climbing walls, and off road bike track.

Hunting Dog Village – Handler demonstrations, and Retrieval training classes.

ATV Village – Fishing pool for kids along with test-drive ATV’s for adults and kids.

4x4 Village – Test-drive and see the latest sport utility vehicles and 4x4 trucks, and some you did not even know they existed.

Conservation Village – Local, regional, national conservation efforts and agencies and youth activity center.

Exhibitors – With hundreds of new and favorite companies to show their new and existing products, available to buy and/or see first hand for every type of outdoor activity.

That is the short list of activities that I was able to see and my family was able to participate in at the festival for two days and still did not see and do everything I wanted.

EVERYTHING OUTDOORS

Don’t let the Ducks Unlimited throw you off, even with everything for the waterfowl hunter under the sun on hand. This is just not an event for the waterfowl hunter either. At the Great Outdoors Festival they had events, products, activities and organizations for the deer hunter, turkey hunter, or any type of hunter, fisherman, trapper, or what ever you do in the woods or on the water on hand for you to see or try out first hand. 

WHY GO?

Why Not!Like I said before, with everything under the sun to do and see. Well, I was just like you, I had never been to one until last year and that was a last minute plan with just a few friends. But, after that first year I planned for my family to attend. This year both the wife and my son had a great time even with the temperature reaching into the 90’s they had areas to cool off and to take break when needed. Along with the friends from last year brought there families also and even commenting that this event was better than going to Six Flags for a day. Makes for a great 3-day vacation.

Well we got a little later start than we wanted to but that is the way typical family is headed out for a weekend. If you do attend there is a ton of parking but you need to get there early to avoid the main heat of the day and to get a little closer parking spot. People from across the country had driven in and flew in for this event. Nothing you can imagine can prepare you for a show like this unless you have been before and you and your family will want to go back next year.

WHO DO YOU KNOW AT THE SHOW?

Well I am not going to list every manufacturer, supplier or outdoor personalities at the show that would be impossible, but I will list a several so you get an idea. Bill Jordan’s Realtree, Stampede Products, Primos Hunting Calls, Outland Sports, Crockett Creek Beef Jerkey, Suzuki, Chevy, Nissan, Duck Commander, Creative Pet Products, Fortress Safes, CamoClad, CamoMat, Eukanuba, Marshall’s Outdoor Products, The Single Action Shooting Society, Insta Tree Stands, Scentleaf, Camoshades, Rhino Linings, Marshall Outdoor Products, Wildrose Kennels, Arctic Shield and Light’n Sights.

For the outdoor personalities, it had to be the place to be of the hunting world for individuals to meet your favorite. Butch Jordan and Scott Hughes with Realtree, Jimmie Primos and Duke Turnage with Primos Hunting Calls, Bill Dance host of Bill Dance Outdoors, Tom Knapp world famous Exhibition Shooter, Phil Robertson – The Duck Commander, Michael Stewart – Wildrose Kennel Team, Billy Adams – Lohman Game Calls part of Outland Sports Gold Staff, and Eli Haydel – Haydel Game Calls. You can honestly say the pro-staff and manufacture representatives for almost every company was on hand to answer questions. 

TheNO. 1outdoor personalities that were on hand for this event were the hundreds of Great Outdoors Festivals Volunteers. By far you could take away the rest of the outdoor personalities on hand at this event and still have a great time. But the VOLUNTEERS that work throughout the heat for all three days, there would be no event at all. They deserve more credit than anyone could ever give them and are the true stars at this event and the reason the outdoors will always be a strong. I would like to thank them ALL for everything they did.

The only thing I regret when I was leaving the show not attending the show for all three days. The main reason I did not get to talk to everyone or get to see every single new product now out. You just can not do it in one or even two days. But will take what I can get.

GOING TO MISS IT AGAIN?

With events like this, I will say that the heritage of hunting and the great outdoors may be under attack. But, it is strong in tradition, families, and companies trying to keep it alive! Just in case you want to get a head start for next year. Go to www.dugof.com and bookmark that page and find out when the next year will come around.

I am glad that I was able to take my family and friends to such an event like this and hope I will again. 

Hope to see you in the woods or on the water and even at the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoor Festival next year. Horntagger. 

PICTURES FROM THE SHOW.

4x4 Village goes On and On.	Getting some fishing tips from Bill Dance, boy don't I need them.
Bill Jordan's Signature Series Truck was on hand.	Bill Jordan's Signature Series Truck, and they would not let me take it for a spin.
Kids of all ages learning to shoot a bow for the first time.	ArcheryExhibition Shooting Area
Kids are waiting for the ranger master to say it is safe.	Ducks Unlimited Volunteers show the kids how to shoot.

Step by Step Instruction goes along way.	Range Master handing out arrows.
This is just not a Waterfowl Festival State and World Record Mule Deer	State Record Whitetails.
No. 2 Non-Typical of All Time in the world was on hand - Hole in the Horn	No. 1 Typical by a hunter - Milo Hanson - Could not be a deer show without this one.

How do they get that big in just a summer?????	This many big bucks in one place almost makes you weak in the knees.
Would not be an outdoor show without Coleman on hand.	Did not need the heaters on this day.
But the coolers cam in hand when it got to 90 degrees.	Michael Stewart – Wildrose Kennel Team was showing us how it was done.
Michael Stewart – Wildrose Kennel Team what a professional is all about.	The dog's are stealing the show.

Michael Stewart - Wildrose Kennel Team and his dogs are the best in the field.	Don't forget the world class elk on hand, what a monster.
Catching his first fish is what it is all about.	For us older one we can learn to fly fish.
If you can't catch them at least you can learn how to tie  a fly.	The Experts show how it is done.

Kids watch on as they cast.	The women are equal when it comes to fly fishing, ok maybe a little ahead of us guys.
Primos Pro Staff on hand to answer question, THE WORLD FAMOUS - DUKE TURNAGE and  JIMMY PRIMOS.	Pups get there first lesson at the Festival also. What a great looking breed!!
Kids are checking out the Realtree Truck	While the adults are checking out the boats.
Tons of people visited the Advantage and Realtree Area and check out the new trucks.	You go GIRL!!!
Boys are just getting started.	American Flags, Rock Climbing and Youth in the Outdoors how more American can you get.
Almost to the top and he gets a free DU Shirt.	Made to the top and now on the way down.
Single Action Shooting Society was on hand.	They really show you how to handle a gun.
They are packing at all times.	They put on one of the best shows at the Festival.
Scott Hughes from Realtree make sure VIP room is in order for the DU show.	Women are also taking some lessons on the shooting range.
Men need more lesson on shooting than women.	Ducks Unlimited Volunteers keep up the great work even when the temperature reaches 98 degrees.
Kids are getting there first lessons with a shotgun also.	Butch Jordan and my wife getting out of the sun and into the shade.

For the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoor Festival in Memphis – I hope to show you some different companies you need to take a look at this year. These are just some of the products at the show that struck my interest and might benefit you the hunter in the next season. You will have to decide for your self if these products are what you are missing.
Keep checking back as I go through my list. Allen “horntagger” Morris

 I saw them first at the AMO show in Nashville, but with temperature in the 90’s in Memphis this is one of the hottest products out for hunters this coming season. Check Out ArcticShield – Glo Mitts and Boot Covers – I already have and used a pair of Glo Mitts during late bow season and they worked great, now they have them in camouflage.

They have a thin shooters gloves and outer glove system sold together now. That is a bow hunters cats meow. They also have boot cover that will be easy to pack to the stand during those long cold winter days.

I will have my new pair of gloves and boot covers before next winter. You will have to check them out for yourself.

ArcticShield, Inc.
P. O. Box 83
Haskell, OK 74436
877-974-4353
www.arcticshield.com

Something the whole family can enjoy or for a snack for the deer stand or duck blind. For you duck hunters you need to try the BLAZIN CAJUN, you will need all that water around you to put out the fire. But for you deer hunters and just for those family outings try the Original, Peppered or Teriyaki. If you want to go at it on your own, try the Jerky Marinade and spices.

This premium beef jerky has been specially marinated and carefully smoked with real hickory hardwoods for a great tasting snack you can pack away in your tackle box or hunting pouch and enjoy eating anytime and anywhere.

Also be sure and check out their on-line recipes for your favorite dish using Crockett Creek marinated and spices.

Crockett Beef Jerky Creek.
2134 Hwy. 411 S.,
Maryville, TN. 37801
1-800-775-4495
www.crockettcreek.com

Spring turkey season may be over and you might have missed this year but check out Light’n Sights BeardBuster Combo with RingOFire rear sight, that might just do the trick for you before fall gets here or before the next spring season. This has to be great for target eye acquisition. For you guys that are getting ready to take kids out hunting or already have you might want to look at this. It is bound to be great for teaching kids or anyone for that matter on how to shoot using sights, and might even be better to teach or use than a scope so you don’t have to worry about eye relief.

Light’n Sights
P.O. Box 889
Henrietta, NY 14467
1-585-334-4480
www.lightnsights.com

Do you want to set out your truck from the rest of the crowd with style. Check out Stampede Products, you won’t believe how great your truck can actually look until you put all these accessories to work for you, with your favorite camouflage pattern.

From hood protectors, sidewind deflectors, extended cab covers, taillight covers, fender flares, running boards, tonneau covers and mirror caps. Next time you go to your local dealer ask about these truck accessories or check them out for yourself.

Stampede Products
1924 S Washington Blvd.
Camanche, IA. 52730
1-800-858-5634
www.stampedeproducts.com
 

TonneauCovers	TaillightCovers
Fender Flares	Running Boards
Mirror Caps	Hood Protectors
TonneauCovers	SidewindDeflectors & Extended Cab Covers
You look good from the side.	You look good from the front.
Stampede Products	In Your Favorite Camouflage Pattern

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Bill Jordan’s Realtree Outdoors

Realtree Outdoor Productions videos are the No.1 sellers in the outdoor industry. The loyal following of the All- Monster Bucks deer series of videos continues to grow each year. Just like to "Realtree Outdoors" television show, Realtree Outdoor Productions videos transport viewers into the field and show them the absolute effectiveness of Realtree camouflage patterns and products. Realtree videos also show viewers how to become better, safer hunters, with instruction from the nation's best callers and hunters. Each video also carries messages on conservation and ethics - important topics for the future of hunting.

This year is no different leading the way with the new MONSTER BUCKS IX in DVD with different options on the menu once you get in. So put a new spin on your DVD player this year. You can’t change the ending but you will still have fun with and put to good use the great quality picture with great quality hunts.

Check out for yourself.

Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd.,
1390 Box Circle
Columbus, GA 31907
www.realtree.com

With news calls and quality calls there is almost to much to list for Primos Hunting Calls, but check out the latest duck call and the bigger can call this year. Along with and with out exception one of the most sitting around the campfire style hunting videos on the market. THE TRUTH 10 – 2 VIDEOS – 3 HOURS – 30 HUNTS.

And of course all the excitement and energy the Primos Team, that no other hunting team could bring about the TRUTH in hunting.

PRIMOS HUNTING CALLS
604 First Street
Flora, MS 39071
1-800-523-2395
www.primos.com

Military hits the deer woods with a nuke. You have to check out and see what you think about this new stand from Auto Lift Treestands. This telescoping ladder stand will have to turn the industry on its head. Just set the platform on the ladder and grab the ladder and raise it at 1 foot increments until you get to the height you desire and then tie off like a regular ladder stand. Don’t leave it in the woods like other ladder stand just pull the release for easy breakdown or just move it to a little better location. This has be one of the easiest one I have seen. Check it out and see what you think.

Auto Lift Treestands
1151 Delanglade Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
1-920-759-0314
www.autolifttreestands.com
 

What ever height you need and quick	Easy to carry and move.
Gun hunting or bow hunting.	Takes down just as quick.

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ScentLeaf

Don’t do it in the woods, don’t do it in the dark, don’t get it on your hands, and don’t get it on your clothes. The newest way to use deer scents. Clean, compact, easy, and effective. Load the scent before you leave the cabin with your favorite scent. Close the ScentLeaf and put it in your until your to your hunting location. With its O-ring seal, it’s designed to keep the mess and scent off your hands and clothes.

Then when open you can just hang it on a limb, plus the colors allow you to us it as yardage markers for bowhunting. Check them out before the season get here and it’s too late. Don’t miss the big buck this year.

Edgefield Outdoor Products
P.O. Box 7259
Spanish Fort, Al. 36577
1-866-308-9383
www.scentleaf.com
 

Brings in the big bucks

Great for the bow hunter or gun hunters.

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Don’t go to the field with you best friend without this. FIRST AID KIT FOR DOGS “Sporting Dog & Sporting Dog II” may be what it take for that unseen mishap in the field or give you just the time you need to get your favorite hunting dog to the veterinarian.

Also for you deer hunters or for that matter any hunters check out the GRIPPER hand and arm protection. With everything going on with potential risk of catching something while cleaning your game. Why take the risk, and get to hunt another day.

Creative Pet Products
PO Box 39
Spring Valley, WI 54767
1-877-269-6911
www.petfirstaidkits.com
 

First Aid for you hunting partner.

Why take the chance without it.

Just because your are indoors does not mean you can’t bring inside. Check out the Ceiling Fans, Fan Blades, Pull Chains, Wall Plates, and your favorite Toilet Seat. This will bring style and the outdoors to the favorite  room in the house or the cabin. Almost forgot check out the Truck Mirror hanger.All of these are great for the duck, deer, or turkey hunter.

Marshall’s Outdoor Products
P.O. Box 46105
Baton Rouge, LA. 70895
1-225-612-3100
www.marshalls-op.com
 
 

Don’t let your favorite hunting picture sit in a drawer, glove box or picture book. Get them on the wall with your favorite camouflage pattern. Check out these high class hand crafted picture frames matted with authentic camouflage fabric. Back easily removes to insert your standard 4x6 photographs. Made for hunters by hunters. They will do custom order also.

Camo Mat Company
Collierville, TN
1-901-861-3946
www.camomat.com
 
 

Camo Clad

Want to protect your vehicle and drive around in style, or maybe you need a new paint job and you can not afford it. Check out CamoClad Camouflage System today, You can accent that new truck or completely cover it which ever you choose, or maybe you need to get that ATV camouflage before next season. Will turn the heads of people driving by and comes in your favorite camouflage. Check it out for yourself.

Camoclad Inc
5624 N. Marmora
Chicago, IL. 60646
www.camoclad.com

Accent Panels Kits	ATV Kits
Whole Truck Kits

Fortress Safes

Want to protecting your guns is a responsibility no one should put off. Check out these gun safes by Fortress Safe Company. I really like the Braun because of the granite like finish won’t show fingerprints. Also be sure and check out the warranties these gun safes. You owe it to yourself.

Fortress Safe Company
P.O. Box 349
Grace, Idaho 83241
1-800-515-7233

I first say them at the AMO show and you tree climbers still need to check the Green’s Tree Saddle from Trophyline. If you are in area that you can’t cut limbs or no way to get a stand in without bumping that big buck this may be your solution. If nothing else one won’t walk behind you without getting caught this time.

Features are:

Hunt out of forked trees, leaning trees, or even trees with a lot of limbs.
Use limbs as natural camouflage and steps.
Utilize a Multitude of positions quietly and easily.
Shoot 360 degrees at any angle.

Look for yourself and decide.
Trophyline, Inc.
1904 Philadelphia Road
Jasper, Georgia, 30143
1-866-444-4868
www.TrophylineUsa.com
 
 

No ladders or limbs needed

No more coming up behind you.

Sun to bright, check out Camo shades sportsman’seyewear or are you looking for a your favorite camouflagepattern for your mobile phone. They have them and they look great. Not counting all your other products you might ever want to wear in your favorite camouflage. See for yourself.

Camo Shades
1374 Cordova Cv. Suite 201
Germantown, TN. 38138
1-901-752-5703
www.camoshades.com
 
 

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