'Taxidermy Trails' Takes Viewers Down a New, Exciting Path - Two Pennsylvania Men Launch Outdoor TV Show Nationwide.

Sports Editors/Business Editors/Education Writers

JOHNSTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2003

Never before has there been an outdoor program like "Taxidermy Trails."

Beginning Jan. 3 at 4:30 p.m. on The Outdoor Channel, "Taxidermy Trails" will take viewers on exciting hunting and fishing adventures -- but with a new twist. After bagging the trophy buck and landing the big catch, the program's host, will demonstrate what it takes to preserve the prize for years -- and decades -- to come.

"To my knowledge, this is the first sportsmen's show ever to go that extra step, from the hunting and fishing experience to the ultimate mounting of the trophy," said Wade Sherman, senior vice president of The Outdoor Channel. "There has been considerable interest from viewers on this topic and we're pleased to see a quality show, like "Taxidermy Trails," addressing the subject. The host, Dan Bantley, has developed unique experience, as president of The Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy (PIT), and I believe the show will have tremendous credibility with our audience. I truly look forward to seeing this ground-breaking series hit the air."

Bantley, founder of PIT, teams with Joe Workosky, nationally acclaimed outdoor writer/videographer, to take viewers on a series of breathtaking excursions. The Pennsylvania men have produced 13 shows including hunts for black bear on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska; bull elk in the mountains of Idaho; and fly fishing for trout on Kettle Creek in Pennsylvania.

"This isn't your usual outdoor show," Bantley said. "Often I've been taken aback by the poor, and often-amateurish taxidermy that many sportsmen have had to endure. We thought it was time to educate hunters and anglers about the fine art of modern taxidermy."

A segment of each show will address trends in the industry and the latest products. The show also features interviews with taxidermists from around the globe with their award-winning displays.

While "Taxidermy Trails" premiers in the United States on Jan. 3, it will also be viewed by U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Craig Minnick, of Johnstown, Pa. told Bantley soldiers there are looking for green hills and blue waters in contrast from their harsh desert conditions. "When the major asked if we'd share our program with members of the 220th Military Police Brigade we were honored and happy to oblige," Bantley said.

"Taxidermy Trails" also has a listing on eBay. The show is attracting partnership opportunities for TV commercials by using the popular electronic auction system.

For more information: http://www.taxidermytrails.com.

For PRESS Use Only: http://www.taxidermytrails.com/pressinfo.htm