Perdido man competing in the "Field and Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge"

Bonnier Corporation, publisher of the world’s most popular outdoor titles, including Field & Stream and Outdoor Life, and Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, announced the season premiere and return of “Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge.”

The original reality program, co-hosted by country music star Craig Morgan and Field & Stream Editor-at-Large T. Edward Nickens, follows the tough, competitive road to the naming of the Total Outdoorsman champion. The new season debuted Wednesday, Oct. 3. New episodes will air every Wednesday, for a total of 13 half-hour episodes appearing exclusively on Outdoor Channel throughout the fall. Episodes will repeat every Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the season.

Local Perdido resident Tom Boatwright is one of this year’s 14 finalists, and a contender in this nationally televised competition.  He stopped by Studio10 to discuss his appearance on the show.

Now in its ninth year as a nationwide event and its fourth year on Outdoor Channel, “Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge” has grown to become one of the most popular outdoor events in the country. The original reality series highlights the dramatic journey of outdoor enthusiasts from across the country battling for recognition as the nation’s most all-around skilled outdoorsman. The contenders will go through several rounds of head-to-head challenges to test their outdoor skills, including fly fishing, bass fishing, rifle, shotgun, endurance, archery, ATV handling, and more.

As previously announced, “Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge” is expanding from a four-part special to 13 half-hour episodes as a result of its growing success and media accolades, offering viewers a more in-depth look at the personalities behind the 14 finalists in the ultimate outdoor competition. There will be some returning outdoorsmen from last season battling this season’s rookies to be named the 2012 Total Outdoorsman. The Total Outdoorsman champion will win more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

“Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge” is organized by Blue 3 Productions, Inc. and produced by Warren Miller Entertainment – a division of Bonnier Mountain Group, which is a part of Bonnier Corporation. Mobil 1 is the title partner and BassPro Shops is the retail partner. Other major sponsors include: Beretta, Big Cedar Lodge, BowTech, CMA Music Festival 2012, Dogwood Canyon, Kahr Arms, Magellan, Magnum Research Inc., Sako, Stryker, Toyota, Tracker Boats and Yamaha ATV.

Check local listings or log on to www.OutdoorChannel.com for detailed show schedules. To find out how to get Outdoor Channel in your area, go to www.OutdoorChannel.com/channelfinder . For more “Field & Stream’s Total Outdoorsman Challenge” details, go to: http://toc.fieldandstream.com/ .