New Year, New Shows: Outdoor Channel Kicks-Off 2012 With First Quarter Programming Line-up

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Dec 27, 2011, 08:00 ET

TEMECULA, Calif., Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel, America's Leader In Outdoor TV, today announced the launch of its first quarter (Q1) programming line-up. Starting the week of December 26th, the network will air nine brand-new shows, in addition to new episodes of its most popular series. The first quarter will feature several new personality-driven shows featuring some of the outdoor industry's favorite stars, along with a new line-up of narrative shows, reenacting real-life moments in the field. The season will also launch extended, one-hour episodes of some of Outdoor Channel's top-rated series.

Bolstering the network's roster of leading talent, Outdoor Channel welcomes big-names from the outdoors, Hollywood and professional sports. Returning favorite, "Buccaneer and Bones," lures a new cast member this quarter with Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson, who joins the existing star-studded cast that includes Tom Brokaw, Michael Keaton, angling icon Lefty Kreh and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard. The all-new show, "Gridiron Outdoors," follows current and former famed football players as they go off the playing field to tackle the challenges of the outdoors. Award-winning series, "Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Fishing," also makes a fresh comeback on the network with new fishing adventures featuring fan favorites such as Kevin VanDam and Bill Dance.

It's a family affair for veteran Outdoor Channel star Jim Shockey with special episodes of "Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures: Hal & Len Edition," which follows Jim's beloved father and father-in-law in their often unintended comedic quest to keep up with the rest of the crew in big game hunts and family banter. Jim has also been named as the brand-new host of "Nosler's Magnum TV."

"Shooting Gallery" and "Wardens" reappear with expanded one-hour episodes throughout the season. Joining the line-up of reenactment shows, such as "Wardens," the all new series, "Border Battles," launches on the network to tell the dramatic stories of the courageous men and women who patrol the nation's borders.

"Outdoor Channel continues to offer unique, quality programming that appeal to a wide-range of audiences across several genres within the outdoor lifestyle. In 2012, we are kicking-off the year with brand-new shows and revamping some of our popular series with more celebrity hosts and fresh faces," said Tom Hornish, COO, Outdoor Channel. "As the preeminent source for best-in-class outdoor programming, the network is committed to providing our avid outdoorsmen and women with exclusive content only found on Outdoor Channel."

"Outdoor Channel is not only introducing new stars, but doubling down with one-hour programs to give our audience more time with some of their favorite shows," said Jeff Wayne, EVP, Programming and Production, Outdoor Channel. "The first quarter is action-packed with great hunts, big time fishing, top celebrities and reality programs that will capture the true spirit of the outdoors."

Among the 65 returning shows this quarter, smash hunting hits, such as "Bone Collector," "The Crush with Lee & Tiffany," "Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell" and "Speargun Hunter" will reappear with brand-new episodes, in addition to popular fishing programs, like "Ford's Fishing Frontiers," "Ultimate Match Fishing Presented by Sta-Bil," "Spanish Fly" and "Zona's Awesome Fishing Show."

Series Debuting in Q1:

American Bird Hunter – Debuts Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. ET

Hosted by bird hunting veterans Randy Lack and Brad Harris, "American Birdhunter" brings the passion of bird hunting to the forefront of outdoor television. Viewers also get to meet the real stars of the show – the bird dogs that accompany Randy and Brad on their hunts. From English Pointers to Labrador Retrievers, the canine companions are what make each hunt memorable and unique. Explore the local flavor of each destination by visiting stunning locales, from the prairie pothole region of Manitoba to the southwest desert, and all points in between.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Fishing – Debuts Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. ET

This award-winning, Fan Favorite winning show, returns to the Outdoor Channel with all-new great fishing adventures with some of today's biggest names including Kevin VanDam, Bill Dance, Stacey King, Gary Parsons, Keith Kavajecz, and others bringing you new adventures every week. Species include bass, walleye, catfish and crappie, but also giant sturgeon, sharks, and muskie. Plus, Bass Pro Shops highlights conservation issues that are important to the future of fishing.

Border Battles – Debuts Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Dedicated to the men and women of Homeland Security and Border Patrol, the series explores the lives and personal stories behind the brave Americans who put their lives on the line every day to protect the U.S. Follow the stunning re-enactments and dramatic events, and hear the amazing stories of these courageous individuals who guard the hostile regions of the United States to ensure our nation's security.

Fly Rod Chronicles – Debuts Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. ET

"Fly Rod Chronicles" is a reality fly fishing show featuring Curtis Fleming and his crew, as they travel the world to learn the art of fly fishing. Not only do they educate the viewer about the cultures of each location they visits, Curtis also brings along special guests on his adventures. From fly fishing with wounded soldiers to sharing experiences with breast cancer survivors, Curtis has a passion for people and a respect for their stories. During special "Cast n' Blast" episodes in 2012, viewers will also catch the crew on the hunt for buffalo in Montana, wrestling 'gators in Florida, and pursuing monster elk in New Mexico – in between their fishing adventures.

FOXPRO FURTAKERS – Debuts Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. ET

"FOXPRO FURTAKERS" is the first and only all-predator hunting show on Outdoor Channel. Each episode features multiple hunts and non-stop action, and introduces viewers to ideal locations, tactics, and gear for predator hunting. Hosted by FOXPRO's experienced world-class predator hunters Mike Dillon, Abner Druckenmiller and Al Morris, "FOXPRO FURTAKERS" goes beyond the hunt to combine fast-paced action with award-winning videography that will make viewers feel as though they are on stand.

Gridiron Outdoors – Debuts Friday, December 30, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. ET

"Gridiron Outdoors" features current and retired NFL players who take their "A" game from the field into the wild and onto the water to experience the adventures of hunting and fishing. Get ready to watch them tackle the challenges of the great outdoors – Jerome Felton catching shark in Key West, Pro Bowler Alex Mack learning to billfish in Guatemala and Super Bowl linebacker Scott Fujita fly fishing in Idaho – all while getting an entertaining glimpse into their NFL lifestyles.

Hook N' Look – Debuts Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:30 p.m. ET

Join 27-year veteran professional angler and lead diver, Kim Stricker, and his son Danny, as they explore the lake bottom for an in-depth look into the fish's neighborhood. The award-winning program educates viewers from a fish-eye perspective and demonstrates the action and effectiveness of lures from beneath the surface. The use of an underwater communication system enables Kim and Danny to converse with the camera in real-time, as well as communicate with their high-profile guests topside. Much more than a fishing show, "Hook n' Look" is a captivating fishing experience – above and below the surface.

Outfitter's Showcase – Debuts Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. ET

"Outfitter's Showcase" puts viewers on location with the best outfitters in the country. Viewers experience their expertise, planning, and first-hand knowledge of the great outdoors. Each week, "Outfitter's Showcase" features two different outfitters in different destinations, but the outcome is always the same; plenty of fun, excitement and action. This is the opportunity to get to know the best outfitters in the industry; their history, their operation, and most of all, their skills and talent for outdoor success.

Project: Dominion – Debuts Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 1:30 a.m. ET

An action, adventure, hunting, travel, fishing, spear fishing, diving, living life to its fullest show. Starring professional MMA fighter and avid hunter Jamie Toney; professional surfer and photographer, Peter King; and Water and fishing enthusiast, Denny Deutsch, "Project: Dominion" takes a group of travelers, drops them into an environment to hunt, fish, travel and take Dominion every day.

For the full Q1 programming schedule, please visit: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx. Check local listings or log on to OutdoorChannel.com to find out how to get the network in your area.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America's Leader In Outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America's leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. also owns and operates the SkyCam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information, please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel