World Hunting Association

Detroit, MI, September 06, 2006 --(PR.com)-- The World Hunting Association (WHA) — a competitive sporting organization devoted to expanding interest in hunting, wildlife conservation and habitat management — today announced the lineup of professional hunters participating in the first leg of its inaugural tour this fall.

A 14-day tournament on the 1,000-acre Lost Arrow Ranch in Gladwin, Mich., turns eight leading outdoor sportsmen from every U.S. region into woodland rivals who will match tactics, techniques and intimidation in an intense competition captured on videotape for viewing as it unfolds. Elite hunters selected for the shoot-out include entrepreneurs, sales executives, a former University of Texas football star, professional hunting guides, a veteran of the Marines and a former Navy SEAL sniper.

With the first tournament quickly approaching, enthusiasm is mounting. “I’m the only one of these guys trained by the military to bring down targets with stealth and a sharpshooter’s skills,” says Matt (“Hush Dog”) Hussion, the ex-SEAL. “So these boys better get ready to be outclassed.”
    
Following is a rundown of the eight pros from the Rockies, Gulf Coast, Midwest and Northeast who will come together at Lost Arrow Ranch next month, each planning to leave as a winner.  Additional background is on each of their MySpace pages at the links shown. 

q       Hack Albertson, 43, of Pekin, Ind. (“The Machine”): This ex-Marine lost the use of his legs in a 1994 accident, but continued harvesting trophy bucks. “It has just increased the challenge,” says the wheelchair hunter. “By the first evening, the others will realize this Marine still can shoot.”

q       Hank Anderson, 38, of Calhoun, LA. (“Hammerin’ Hank”): A part-time ranch manager and lifelong bow hunter, Anderson has logged many whitetails with a bow including a 140-class buck and 6x6 elk. “I’m coming north to show how we bag game in Louisiana,” he boasts.

q       Brett Hankins, 39, of Manassas Park, VA. (“The Dark Archer”): This Director of Quality Assurance, former molecular biologist, former bodybuilder and Professional Archer is a first-generation hunter who’s eager to popularize his sport among African Americans. He competes nationally in archery tournaments and is a whitetail guide in Illinois. 

q       Matt Hussion, 31, of Casper, WY. (“Hush Dog”): After two tours in Iraq and three years as a U.S. Navy advanced sniper instructor, this entrant brings confidence along with his Gold Tip carbon arrows and Winchester .300 Win Mag with Nightforce scope. “I’ll apply the same intensity I did as a SEAL,” he says, “so the others might as well stay in the dining lodge.” 

q       Mike Kernen, 31, of Walled Lake, MI. (“The Colonel”): With a hunting cabin about a half-hour from Lost Arrow, this veteran bow hunter claims home field advantage. “Second place is not an option,” the Detroit area sales manager declares.

q       Joey Menegatti, 29, of Walsenburg, CO. (“The Cowboy”): This fifth-generation rancher from southern Colorado began guiding at the age of 12 as part of his parents’ outfitting operation on their 40,000 acre cattle ranch.  He has brought down trophy elk, antelope and whitetail in Colorado and Texas and has helped clients harvest bear and mountain lion. Menegatti also competes in team roping with his brother.

q       Matt Trissel, 26, of Austin, TX (“Relentless”): The youngest hunter got his nickname from legendary football coach Mack Brown, who called the U-T starting fullback “Mr. Relentless.” Since graduating, Trissel has taken his lifelong hunting passion to Africa. Now he vows to “bring another championship back to Texas, where it belongs.”

q       Karl Zainitzer, 37, of Lambertville, N.J. (“The Doctor”): This entrepreneur has harvested trophy-class whitetail in six states and Canada, mainly with a compound bow. He also heads into the woods as founder of Xtreme Outdoor Productions, which makes hunting videos. “I’ve got plenty of experience capturing deer through both a viewfinder and a scope,” he says, “so I hope my rivals are ready to toast my victory on camera.”

How They’ll Compete
The tour features 14-day tournaments during which the pro hunters can take up to six deer — four does, one management buck, and one trophy buck.  A bow, rifle and a muzzleloader will be used over the course of the tournament. At least one deer must be taken with each of the three.  There is a severe penalty system for poor shots or wounding an animal that virtually takes the competitor completely out of the competition.  “Poor shot selections will not be tolerated in these tournaments.  We need to show young hunters the importance of precise shot placement,” says WHA Tournament Director Leonard Sprague.

“We’re fielding an ultra-strong, aggressive group of hunters,” says WHA Commissioner David Farbman. “This first leg of our tour takes place in four zones of the sprawling ranch, each with significantly different terrain that requires special strategies. It will be dramatic to see how these guys from notably different backgrounds and regions will adapt to the challenges.” 
           
About the World Hunting Association
The World Hunting Association (WHA) is a global competitive sporting establishment dedicated to organizing events that promote hunting and conservation to attract more participants, particularly young hunters.  The association sponsors a ground-breaking tour that spotlights professional hunters from all over the United States who will compete with cameras present at all times. WHA will incorporate several innovative technologies to enhance the viewer experience.  More information about the WHA is available at www.worldhunt.com.

Note: Biographies and high-resolution color photos of each hunter are available upon request.
Media Contact: Mark Lane or Mike Szdarek 248.855.6777

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