Anglers, Hunters Provide Huge Financial Boost to Local Economy

(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 10, 2009 ) Katy, Texas - According to a report by the Congressional SportsmanÂ’s Foundation if the $76 billion sportsmen spend nationally on hunting and fishing were the gross domestic product of a country, sportsmen as a nation would rank 57 out of 181 countries. Clearly, the economic impact of sportsmen is a force to be reckoned with.

In fact, in many states, sportsmen spend more money, support more jobs and pay more taxes than most industries and attractions in the state. For example, in Texas annual spending by 2.6 million hunters and anglers ($6.6 billion) is more than the combined cash receipts for the stateÂ’s cotton, greenhouse/nursery, broilers, dairy and corn production of $6.1 billion. Also, Texas sportsmen outnumber the populations of San Antonio and Dallas (2.7 million vs. 2.5 million).

That spending results in some 106,600 jobs, $3.5 billion paid in salaries and wages, $793 million in Federal taxes, and $654 million in state and local taxes. The ripple effect is calculated at $11.6 billion. (Statistics are from the Congressional SportsmanÂ’s Foundation report Â“Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors.Â” It can be accessed online at www.sportsmenslink.org)

These are big numbers. The Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic is scheduled for Feb. 27th through March 15th and some 150,000 people are expected to attend the 17 day event. Some of these same people will spend money at other Katy/Houston area merchants for hotels, gas, restaurants and other retailersÂ—all part of the ripple effect sportsmen help bring to an area.

Visitors to the store located at 5000 Katy Mills Circle will find new fishing products to browse through, live demonstrations to see, new tips and techniques to learn, music and entertainment, boat shows, kids events, and, itÂ’s all FREE! They can also register to win the Outdoor Legends Sweepstakes where you get to spend fishing time with Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance and Roland Martin, or a $500-value fishing package being given away that includes a Johnny Morris Signature Series Baitcasting Combo. (Contest rules: Customers must register to win the Outdoor Legends Sweepstakes or the $500 value First Prize. The Grand Prize of fishing time with Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance and Roland Martin on Jimmy HoustonÂ’s ranch will be awarded to one winner selected nationally and includes airfare to Dallas. Fifty first prize winners will be selected (one per store) and awarded a $500 retail value including a Johnny Morris Signature Series baitcast combo. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR CLAIM PRIZE. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 02/27/09 and ends 03/15/09.)

Anglers will be able to learn the secret techniques and strategies used by the best anglers in the world by attending the Free Fishing University seminars and tank demonstrations going on February 27th through March 1st. (For event times, topics and pros visit www.basspro.com/classic and click on the Katy store from the drop down box for more information.)

Other special events include:
- Reel Trade-In: If attendees have any old reels that donÂ’t see a lot of action any more, bring them in during Â“Reel Trade-InÂ” days February 27th through March 4th. They can be traded in for a coupon worth from $5 to $100 off the purchase price of a new reel. The donated reels will be given to local not-for-profit groups whose mission is to teach children about fishing and the outdoors.

- Boat Show: March 7th through March 11th is boat show time at the stores. HereÂ’s your chance to pick out a new boat from a huge selection that includes everything from big water boats to small fishing, canoeing and even kayaking. Visitors will really get the fever once they see the new line-up of boats from Tracker Marine--the worldÂ’s largest manufacturer of fishing boats. Customers will find exactly what they need to have fun on the water with selections from Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe, SunTracker, Kenner and more. Plus, you can get your picture made holding up that Â‘trophy fishÂ’ as if you were the angler that landed it February 27th through March 15th on Fridays from 5 to 9 pm and Saturdays and Sundays noon to five pm.

- Bonus Bucks: Customers using their Bass Pro Shops Visa to make purchases in Bass Pro Shops stores March 5th through March 11th will earn Â‘bonus bucks.Â’ .
If they purchase (on their BPS Visa):
- $100-$199 Â– customers will get a $10 Bonus Buck card
- $200-$349 - $25 Bonus Bucks card
- $350-$599 - $50 Bonus Bucks card
- $600 and up - $100 Bonus Bucks card
- Kids Events: Kids can get into the spirit of the outdoors with plenty of events geared for them during the Spring Classic.

For more information: Contact Craig Herpin, Store Manager (281) 644-2200

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Bass Pro Shops
Craig Herpin
(281) 644-2200
jmkendall@basspro.com