Outdoorama

Speakers & Events

Fred Abbas

Known for his humble personality and his own innovative hunting tactics, Fred is truly one of the top trophy whitetail hunters to ever come out of Michigan.  He ranks #1 all time in the state of Michigan for trophy buck entries (no small feat when you consider there are nearly 1 million whitetail hunters in Michigan).  He is the only hunter in the state of Michigan to have officially entered 4 record book whitetails in one season (1990, the last year with a 4 buck limit).  For this accomplishment and others, Fred was honored as the “Hunter Of The Decade” by Commemorative Bucks Of Michigan.  Fred has entries in the record books of P&Y, CBM, Buck Masters, and Long Hunter Society (most taken with bow).  He is known for his own developed state of the art hunting tactics that he shares in his many articles, seminars and videos.  Fred is also the inventor of the Bowgrunter Plus, the World's first and most effective “Social” deer call.

Secrets of Mock Scrapes, the Deadliest Tactic of All

Presented by Fred Abbas

Fred shares the innovative tactics that have made him truly one of the top trophy whitetail hunters to ever come out of Michigan.

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 6:00PM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 5:00PM Stage A
Sunday, February 26 1:00PM Stage A

Mark Romanack

Mark is a full-time outdoor writer and author of the acclaimed Precision Trolling Depth Guides, Fishing 411 television host, seminar leader and walleye fishing expert with more than 20 years of experience.  He will be on hand all four days of the show.

Walleye Fishing 411

Presented by Mark Romanack

The Great Lakes are home to a host of outstanding walleye fishing destinations.  Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, Little Bay de Noc and other big water fisheries harbor amazing numbers of walleye.  Catching these fish requires some specialized trolling presentations including the use of diving planers, crankbaits, spoons and spinners.  This informative multi-media seminar is a must-see presentation for anyone who wants to learn more about targeting walleye in open water.


Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 3:00PM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 2:00PM Stage B

Dog Gone Dog Training

Presented by Mark Romanack & Mason

Watching a finely tuned hunting dog is a pleasure and amazement.  Enjoy as avid bird hunter, outdoor writer and seminar leader Mark Romanack puts Mason, his four year old black lab, through his paces right on the water.  Covered in this informative demonstration are marked retrieves, blind retrieves, whistle commands, hand signals and a brief discussion on understanding dog behavior.  The goal is to show that with a little effort anyone can effectively train their own dog for waterfowl or upland hunting.

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 6:00PM Main Stage
Friday, February 24 6:00PM Main Stage
Saturday, February 25 7:00PM Main Stage
Sunday, February 26 3:00PM Main Stage

Mark Martin

There is no denying walleye are finicky fish, and fishing pro Mark Martin is no stranger to teaching others on how to catch them.  Martin has been giving seminars on the subject since his first tournament win in 1991, during the first-ever Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) Championship - which coined him the title "The Original Champ."  A life-long resident of Michigan, Martin is currently an instructor with the Fishing Vacation / Schools as well as a tournament pro with Anglers Insight Marketing (AIM).  Not to be missed, Martin will be giving seminars on catching walleye using modern-day open-water techniques and giving up his secrets to catching the most fickle of fish through the ice.

Tactics for Trophy Whitetail

Presented by Mark Martin

Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 12:00PM Stage B
Sunday, February 26 12:00PM Stage B

Consistently Catch More Walleye

Presented by Mark Martin

Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 7:00PM Stage B
Sunday, February 26 3:00PM Stage B

Mike Schultz

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, Mike has been involved in the outdoors his entire life.  During his teenage years he developed an interest in fly fishing.  The majority of his free time was consumed with fishing and tying.  After graduating from Eastern Michigan University he started guiding and working in the fly fishing industry full time.  His angling travels have taken him from Alaska to Patagonia and many places in between.  Logging 200+ days a year on the water annually, Mike has developed a vast knowledge of Midwestern waters and beyond.

Mike is the owner of Schultz Outfitters, a fly fishing guide service specializing in South Eastern Michigan warm-water angling, instruction and destination travel.


The Basics of Fly Fishing for Warm Water Species

Presented by Mike Schultz

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 8:00PM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 3:00PM Main Stage

Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Wayne has dedicated fifteen years of effort to bringing in fishing information and bait technology to anglers.  The research done over that period resulted in the development of the Combat Fishing Weekly Newsletter, No Secrets on Lake St. Clair volumes 1 and 2, No Secrets On Lake St. Clair DVD, Marked Maps Series 1 and 2, and several websites including www.combat-bassfishing.com, www.basstothefuture.com and www.fishingspotspecs.com.  Wayne has also developed a full line of tournament quality baits by Xtreme Bass Tackle.  He has been recognized as the foremost bass fishing expert on Lake St. Clair through his participation in Michigan's major fishing shows, TV and radio appearances and nationally known product development.

Smallmouth Confidential

Presented by Capt. Wayne Carpenter

Get access to guide level techniques for locating and increasing catch rates for smallmouth bass in this seminar.  Techniques are revealed for structure selection, seasonal trends, high percentage bait selection, and an inside look into the finicky behavior of our favorite catch.  Nothing is held back.  New information is covered in each seminar and brought to you by an expert who has dedicated over a decade to improving the catch rates for tournament anglers and beginners alike.  This seminar delivers graphics, underwater video, details on boat positioning, seasonal trends, techniques for big fish, and how to identify high percentage baits.

 


Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 1:00PM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 3:00PM Stage B
Sunday, February 26 1:00PM Stage B

Don Miller

Captain Don Miller has become one of Lake St. Clair's most popular charter captains.  Captain Don's first-hand knowledge of the fish's seasonal movements and their habits has spanned three decades on the lake.  He has successfully boated over 5,000 muskies, with multiple numbers in a day and size up to 40 lbs. Well-known muskie fisherman, author, educator, and seminar conductor, Miller has authored many articles, and has been a guest speaker at many fishing clubs, outfitters, and organizations throughout the Midwest.

Open Water Trolling for Muskie on Lake St. Clair

Presented by Don Miller

Don't miss this complete seminar that shows everything from fishing rod placement and types of baits, to catch-and-release.

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 7:00PM Stage B

Capt. Mike Pittiglio

Mike is a full time Muskie guide on the world renowned Lake St. Clair.  With over 20 years of Muskie fishing under his belt, he spends approximately 120 days per season on the lake fishing for Muskies.  His accomplishments include a 55 1/4", which weighed 41.45 lbs., three muskies over 56", and 39 muskies boated in one day. 

Trolling for Lake St. Clair Muskie

Presented by Mike Pittiglio

Mike's hard-core multi-media Muskie Trolling presentation will hit the highlights of last season on the lake.  He will highlight what it takes for anglers to find the best water and troll it to maximum effect.  Lake St. Clair is the best Muskie fishery in the world and Mike's presentation will make your time next season on the water more fun and more productive.

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 5:00PM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 5:00PM Stage B

Capt. Lance Valentine

As founder of Lance Valentine's Walleye 101 and the "Fishing Education Center," Lance has helped countless anglers catch more fish through seminars, workshops and educational charters.  Over 20 years of walleye fishing experience has gained Lance the knowledge needed to become known as an expert on marine electronics.  Catching more fish of all species begins with the ability to locate them and stay where they are, and Lance's seminars will teach all you need to master your electronics.

Jigging the Detroit River

Presented by Capt. Lance Valentine

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 6:00PM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 12:00PM Stage A
Sunday, February 26 3:00PM Stage A

Bob Brunner

Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Legendary Guide

Bob will show you how to make Buck Tails from scratch and different ways to change body baits to make them help you take more fish.  He will relate some of his vast experiences over the last 78 years.  Bob has fished hundreds of lakes and rivers, as well as two oceans, plus he has guided on Lake St. Clair for over 40 years.  He caught his first Bass and Pike in 1929 and his first Muskie in 1931.  He will teach you how to rig for fish, so you have the best chance to get into one.  Bob will answer any question he can about fishing and if he doesn't know, he may know where you can get an answer.


Casting Bucktails for Muskie, Pike & Bass

Presented by Bob Brunner

Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 6:00PM Stage B

Jim Bedford

He has become one of Michigan's foremost authorities on fishing Michigan Rivers with spinners and other lures.  The retired toxicologist spends over 1,000 hours a year fishing Michigan Rivers and has written three books on the subject.  His most recent book "Spinner Magic!" has been a huge hit with Michigan anglers.

River Fishing with Lures for Steelhead and Trout

Presented by Jim Bedford

This seminar will include hands-on instruction of how to use equipment to your best advantage.  Jim will teach you how to cover the most water and consistently out-produce other methods by targeting the aggressive fish in a long reach of stream.

Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 11:00AM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 4:00PM Stage B
Sunday, February 26 11:00AM Stage B

Tim Fox

Tim is a professional trainer of pointing dogs for hunting birds.  He is the co-owner and guide at Shoot the Breeze Hunt Club in Mecosta County.  Fox and his wife, Cheryl, are breeders of top-drawer Llewellin Setters.  For more information visit http://www.shootingthebreeze.org

Tips from a Professional Bird Dog Trainer

Presented by Tim Fox

Tim will explain and illustrate the legendary Rick and Ronnie Smith system of dog training.  Through video and live demonstrations, Fox will teach the basic techniques of getting your dog to heel, to come, to cast for birds, and to whoa without using verbal commands.  This "gentler" method of dog training is winning converts all over the country.  Whether you own a settler or shorthair, wiemriener or wire-haired, these techniques will help pointing dogs live up to their potential. 

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 7:00PM Main Stage
Saturday, February 25 12:00PM Main Stage
Saturday, February 25 4:00PM Main Stage
Sunday, February 26 12:00PM Main Stage

Tom Mesnard

Tom founded Total Land Management, a hunting property consulting service, in 1984.  Now with over 28 years of experience helping thousands of hunters he travels the Midwest and Canada each winter making hunting and habitat plans for hunt clubs and private land owners.  He is currently on the pro staff teams for MUZZY, TRUGLO, ROSS Archery, Jackie's Deer Lures, Vortex Optics and Antler King.  He has 28 bucks from 5 states that qualify for the P&Y Record Book. 

Total Land Management

Presented by Tom Mesnard

Tom will show you what it takes to grow, hold and harvest record-book bucks on any size hunting property.


Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 3:00PM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 11:00AM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 6:00PM Stage A

Tom Nelson

A lifelong resident of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and avid archer, Tom has been shooting a bow and arrow for almost 40 years.  He was recently recognized by the Michigan Bowhunters Association as a Master bowhunter with 35 years of experience.  During these 3 decades plus of bowhunting Tom has taken over 250 big game animals representing over thirty different species.  He has bowhunted in 21 states, 7 Canadian Provinces, Mexico, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand and Europe.  Tom brings his passion for archery and bowhunting into millions of homes each week as host of the award winning American Archer TV Show, which is aired on The Outdoor Channel.  Tom is also a regular guest on ESPN Radio and A.M. Outdoor Radio.  He writes a monthly bowhunting column for Michigan Out-Of-Doors magazine and has written numerous articles published in Bowhunter Magazine, Western Bowhunter, Hunting the West, Safari Magazine, etc.  On May 3rd 2008 Tom was presented with the Bowhunter of the Year award by the Michigan Bowhunters Association.

Become the Invisible Archer

Presented by Tom Nelson

Tom will share tips and tactics refined over a life time of bow hunting.  He will cover scent, scouting, stand placement and how to maximize your time in Michigan's deer hunting woods.


Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 5:00PM Stage A

"Doc" Paul Morrow

Paul has been featured on Michigan Out-Of-Doors TV and has been experimenting with food plots and habitat for many years.

Back-Forty Habitat Solutions

Presented by "Doc" Paul Morrow

Doc will teach you the tricks of the trade as it pertains to making your food plots the most popular place for wildlife on your hunting land.


Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 4:00PM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 1:00PM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 3:00PM Stage A

Steve Francis of Country Smoke House

Country Smoke House is known for their award-winning wild game sausage and jerky.

Deer Processing Demo

Presented by Country Smoke House

Steve Francis, owner of Country Smoke House in Almont, MI, will demonstrate how to field dress, handle, butcher and process your next whitetail deer.  Country Smoke House processes thousands of deer each year.  Steve is an expert in his field and will show you tricks of the trade and lessons learned over decades of hard work in the butchering industry.  He starts with a fresh deer and walks through every step of the process from gutting and skinning to butchering and packaging.  This is a must see for every deer hunter and venison lover!

Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 6:00PM Main Stage

Seth McCullough

Seth is the owner and founder of Bully's Wild Turkey Calls.  Seth is a contest caller, seminar speaker and avid turkey hunter.

Turkey Hunting and the Life Cycle of the Wild Turkey

Presented by Seth McCullough

Both novice and experienced hunters will enjoy this seminar.  Don't miss this opportunity to come enjoy the presentation and plenty of time will be available for questions.

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 8:00PM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 4:00PM Stage A
Sunday, February 26 2:00PM Stage A

Ed Spinazzola

Food plot expert and author of Ultimate Deer Food Plots will be on hand daily to discuss all aspects of growing food plots for deer.  Ed is passionate about educating others and helping them create a unique food plot on their own.  With thousands of hours of experience, Spinazzola has learned what to do and what not to do to guarantee year-round success.

Site Layouts Designed for Deer Movement

Presented by Ed Spinazzola

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 7:00PM Stage A
Sunday, February 26 11:00AM Stage A

Huron Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

Open Turkey Calling Competition (Saturday ONLY)

Hosted by the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, this Saturday ONLY event will feature some of Michigan's top callers as they compete for prizes and bragging rights.  Judges will include some of Michigan's best known experts.  Top finalists from the competition will be eligible to compete in the National Calling Competition.  Pre-register at the show at the Huron Valley Chapter of the NWTF booth #5814.  Pre-register prior to the show by calling Mike Orzol at (734) 283-5169 or by email at MJOrzol@yahoo.com 

Days Times Locations
Saturday, February 25 12:00PM Stage C

Team Morel Founder Theresa Maybrier

Theresa will be on hand each day of the show to share their tricks of the trade for consistently bagging more mushrooms.  Mushroom hunting is one of the top outdoor family activities in Michigan.  The team's goal is to promote and educate all enthusiasts in the proper ways of hunting and collecting morel mushrooms. 

Morel Hunting

Presented by Theresa Maybrier (Team Morel)

Days Times Locations
Thursday, February 23 4:00PM Stage B
Saturday, February 25 2:00PM Stage A
Saturday, February 25 7:00PM Stage A
Sunday, February 26 12:00PM Stage A
Sunday, February 26 2:00PM Stage B

Joe Thomas

Joe is a professional bass angler, author and outdoorsman.  He is also host of the "ANGLER ON TOUR" television show on the Outdoor Channel.  Joe also heads up the Ultimate Match Fishing Federation.  The UMF Federation gives grass roots anglers a chance to fish against the big boys.  Now you can fish against fellow UMF Federation members when you want, where you want, for a chance to qualify to fish against the top pros in the nation on the Outdoor Channel for a shot at winning the UMF Title and the $50,000 grand prize.  Joe will be on hand at the NBAA booth answering questions about the UMF program on Sunday from 2-3pm.

How to Book Your Dream Hunt of a Lifetime

Presented by Joe Thomas

Days Times Locations
Friday, February 24 5:00PM Main Stage

Modern Bass Techniques from the Tournament Trail

Presented by Joe Thomas

Days Times Locations
Friday, February 24 7:00PM Main Stage