Outdoor Channel Turns Up the Heat With the Launch of Its Summer Line-Up

TEMECULA, Calif., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel, America's Leader in Outdoor TV, today announced the launch of its third quarter (Q3) programming line-up, produced in 100 percent high definition (HD). A total of ten shows will make their network debut, with 73 popular programs set to return with all new episodes.

In addition to its ever-popular roster of outdoor industry talent, Outdoor Channel has attracted celebrities from the entertainment, music and sporting worlds in Q3. Actor and gun enthusiast Joe Mantegna will host the first season of "MidwayUSA's Gun Stories," and the biggest names in NASCAR, like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick, will appear in the first season of "Realtree's NASCAR Outdoors." The Network is also premiering other new shows, including "Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures," featuring WWE Legend and Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, and "Mudslingers Presented by Sta-Bil," staring musician Colt Ford and comedian Marc Ryan. Also, producer and film and TV actor Tim Abell adds host of "Grateful Nation" to his credits.

"Season after season, Outdoor Channel continues to add the top names in entertainment to our programming roster. From television and country music stars to racing and wrestling legends, these celebrities have proven that the outdoor lifestyle attracts people of all walks of life and demonstrates Outdoor Channel's mass-appeal," said Tom Hornish, COO, Outdoor Channel. "We look forward to bringing our newly bolstered line-up, available in 100% high-definition, to the anglers, hunters and outdoorsmen all across the U.S. this summer."

Outdoor Channel is continuing to reel in the angling community with the return of "Spanish Fly," along with "Bassmasters." "Spanish Fly" chronicles the sport fishing adventures of renowned Captain Jose Wejebe as he travels to the world's most beautiful and sought-after saltwater angling spots. "Bassmasters," hosted by Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona, offers fishing fanatics the most comprehensive how-to and where-to information about ways in which the Bassmaster Elite tackle a body of water.

Also, returning with brand new episodes are the Network's smash hits, "Benelli Presents Duck Commander," "Bone Collector," "Buck Commander Protected by Under Armour," "Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors," "Jim Shockey's The Professionals," "The Crush with Lee & Tiffany" and "Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell." Actor and pro-hunter Huntley Ritter ("We Are Marshall," "Bring It On") takes on hosting duties for "Ducks Unlimited presented by MidwayUSA."

Outdoor Channel's category-leading outdoor lifestyle content is designed to entertain America's 150 million outdoor enthusiasts. Each season, the Network holds true to its title as "America's Leader in Outdoor TV" by taking its viewers on the best adventures, to the most incredible destinations, with the most engaging personalities.

Series Debuting in Q3:

Realtree's NASCAR Outdoors – Debuts Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 9:30 p.m. ET

The biggest NASCAR stars meet the top names in hunting in Outdoor Channel, Realtree and NASCAR's "Realtree's NASCAR Outdoors." From the late Dale Earnhardt and Davey Allison to current celebrities like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bobby Labonte, some of NASCAR's best have always been passionate about hunting. The show presents a behind-the-scenes look at the men and women that spend their lives on the track and in the pits of America's hottest racing league, as they pursue their outdoor interests in the field. Featured drivers this season include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Newman, Jeff Hammond, Clint Bowyer, Richard Childress and grandson, Ty Dillon, Bobby Labonte and Elliott Sadler.

Realtree Outdoors – Debuts Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. ET

"Realtree Outdoors," the longest running hunting show of the Realtree series, is now exclusively on Outdoor Channel! Join hosts Bill and Tyler Jordan and David Blanton as they welcome celebrity guests, like Jeff Foxworthy, and together pursue some of the best game in the world. This season, watch as the Realtree gang travel to some of the most beautiful locations in search of waterfowl, turkey, deer, elk and bear.

MidwayUSA's Gun Stories – Debuts Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. ET

Hosted by actor and gun enthusiast Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds," "The Godfather: Part III"), the show takes viewers through a history of firearms, from the heart of the design through its use on the range. Using state-of-the-art, high-speed photography, "MidwayUSA's Gun Stories" looks at the operation and performance of each weapon, from classics like the Mauser bolt-action to cutting-edge firearms like the Adaptive Combat Rifle. Commentary from historians, shooters, trainers and industry experts make this must-see-TV for gun nuts.

Mudslingers Presented by Sta-Bil – Debuts Monday, June 27, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. ET

Offering a rare glimpse into the underground world of mudslinging, this show promises to be a guilty pleasure for every high octane adventure seeker. Go inside the thriving community with Colt Ford and Marc Ryan where campground fun is combined with action-packed obstacle courses, mud-bogging pits, trail rides and rock climbing, and learn how these masters create the most awesome custom 4x4 trucks in the world. Buckle up and prepare to be floored!

Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures – Debuts Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 11:30 p.m. ET

Join Shawn Michaels, WWE Legend and Hall of Famer, and Keith Mark, owner and operator of the original MacMillan River Adventures camp in Yukon, Canada, as they hunt their way across the globe for the largest big-game animals in some of the most exciting settings ever filmed. Tune in to see Michaels bring his appetite for excitement from the ring to the field!

Grateful Nation – Debuts Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. ET

As one of Outdoor Channel's most compelling new shows, "Grateful Nation" goes behind the scenes and into the hunting fields with America's disabled veterans. This original unscripted program takes viewers inside the minds of wounded combat veterans with the majority of the narrative for each episode coming from the organic conversation between the featured vet and host Tim Abell, a former Army Airborne Ranger and actor ("Soldier of God," "Miracle at Sage Creek"). Viewers are sure to be captivated by these brave soldiers as they return to their traditional American hunting heritage.

Headhunters TV – Debuts Sunday July 3, 2011 at 4:00 pm. ET

Think you know what goes into making Outdoor Channel's hit shows? Think again! Follow hosts Randy Birdsong and Troy Ruiz as they set out to show viewers what happens behind the scenes of Outdoor Channel's industry leading programming. Shot in 1080i high definition, watch as these talented outdoor producers suffer through the scorching heat and bitter cold to catch all of the action on film. One thing's for sure: you will never look at outdoor television the same way again.

Moltrie's The Hit List – Debuts Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. ET

What happens when you equip four avid, not to mention livid, hunters with the latest in game management technology? This reality-based hunting show is based around a set of hunters or "hit squads," who are driven to pin-point trophy deer by using the latest technology. Watch these unique personalities as they endure the headaches, the heartbreaks, the strategies and the strategies – all in the name of the ultimate reward!

ScentBlocker Most Wanted – Debuts Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. ET

An outdoor all-star team, including veteran outdoor hosts Larry Woodward and Bob Richardson; Scott Shultz, President of ScentBlocker; and outdoorswoman Lauren Thomas, come together for this reality-based "crime scene investigation" show. So grab your Infra-red cameras and watch as this group, together with the use of trail cams, signs and clues, go after North America's Most Wanted Big Game!

Primitive Instinct – Debuts Monday, June 27, 2011 at 8:30 p.m. ET

"Primitive Instinct" with Gregg Ritz ushers in a dynamic new genre of hardcore outdoor television. Offering amazing wildlife footage and gripping over-the-shoulder hunting scenes, the series transports viewers on location with Gregg as he gives up the comforts of home to conquer Mother Nature on her terms in places where blisters and backaches are the norm, and going home early is never an option. Watch Gregg in dramatic real-life situations as he must face his fears and rely solely on his instincts, wits and stamina to not just enjoy success, but to make it home…alive.

Team Elk – Debuts Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. ET

Presented by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), this debut series follows a group of charismatic hunters while capturing the essence of what makes elk the pinnacle of North American big game hunting. Watch as these outdoorsmen travel from the traditional aspen wrapped meadows of the Colorado Rockies to the glowing hardwoods of Kentucky and from the high deserts of New Mexico to the classic Big Sky Country of Montana, all in pursuit of the biggest game. The hunters come from a wide range of backgrounds, experience and knowledge, but quickly find a strong bond thanks to their elk hunting connection and love of the RMEF.

Outdoor Channel is adding six new programming blocks in Q3 that bring the Network's top shows together in early fringe and primetime throughout the week. They include: Horton Hunt Masters Mondays (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET); Nosler's Tuesday Night Trophy Room (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET); Prime Thursday in the Field (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET); Jack Link's Friday Night Fishing (7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. ET); In Season Saturdays presented by Sportsman's Guide (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) and Carbon Express Spotlight Sundays (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET).

For the full Q3 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. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented 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 http://www.outdoorchannel.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel

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