Winner Announced in Springfield, MO, Sept. 12 -14

SPRINGFIELD, MO --- Field & Stream Magazine, the world's largest and best known outdoor publication today announced the 16 talented anglers, hunters and marksmen who earned spots in the magazine's fifth-annual Total Outdoorsman Challenge National Championships, presented by partner Mobil 1. The competition, which carries a prize purse of $50,000, puts the nation's top outdoorsmen in head-to-head competition in Springfield, MO, Sept. 12???14. The 16 competitors were culled from thousands of outdoorsmen and ???women who competed at a series of 24 local and six regional events held at Bass Pro Shops across the nation this past spring and summer.

The backgrounds, locales and occupations of the 16 competitors are as diverse as their ages. The youngest of the finalists is 21 years of age; the oldest is 60. They're from Florida's Atlantic coast to California's Pacific coast and 11 states in-between. One is a U.S. Marine, another is a high school principal; still another a country music star and TV host. The returning champion is a two-time winner hoping to claim victory again this year. But there's one common denominator among the 16: their love for the outdoors.

"We're really looking forward to seeing who has the skills to claim the title and the cash," said Anthony Licata, editor of Field & Stream. "The guys have all proved that they're well-rounded outdoorsman so it will be interesting to see who has what it takes when the pressure is on."

The 16 man field includes the top two finishers from each of six regional events, the top three finishers from the 2007 national tournament and one wild card selection made by Field & Stream staff.

Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge National Competitors:

Jeremy Scott, 21, Camp Pendleton, CA, U.S. Marine MP
Bill Moses, 60, Chandler, AZ, Retired Electrical Engineer
James Harrod, 46, Southwest Ranches, FL, Mechanical Contractor
Al Roberts, 34, Ocala, FL, Film Producer & TV Host
Brian Cramer, 47, Bedford, TX, Public Administrator Tarrant County
Peter Mosby, 41, Aurora, CO, High School Principal
Daniel Lee Martin, 43, Spring Hill, TN, Country Music Singer & TV Host
Scot Marcin, 34, Cottontown, TN, Delta Waterfowl Regional Director
Dan Powell, 25, Clairsville, Ohio, Media Sales Director
Dennis Billingsley, 46, Milan, IN, Diesel Mechanic
Tim Gajewski, 28, Lawrence, KS, Developer
Cory Yarmuth, 34, McHenry, IL, Electrical Instrumentation Technician
Scott Ritchlin, 40, Frenchtown, N.J., V.P. Operations Manufacturing Electric Sub Meters
Paul Thompson, 33, Marion, N.C., Wildlife Technician N.C. Wildlife Resources
Tom Cooprider, 40, Pembroke Pines, FL, Heating and Air Conditioning Service Manager
Matt Stedina, 38, Stockbridge, VT, Fly-Fishing & Hunting Guide

The Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge presented by Mobil 1 is a one-of-a-kind competition to determine the nations best all-around outdoorsmen. Entrants must prove their mettle at seven different outdoor skills; fly-fishing, bait fishing, rifle, shotgun, endurance, archery and ATV handling. The contestant with the best combined score at the end of the event wins the big money and the bragging rights. This fall the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge presented by Mobil 1 is set to air on the Versus network, highlighting the intense competition for the title among the 16 final competitors. A complete schedule will be announced soon at www.fieldandstream.com/totaloutdoorsman.

Back-to-back Total Outdoorsman champion Paul Thompson who was featured on Field & Stream's cover in May 2008 will be in the sights of the other competitors as the man to beat.

"The TOC has a lot in common with a great hunting or fishing trip," said Thompson. "You go for the experience and camaraderie, but if you can make it happen under pressure you won't come home empty-handed. The competition is keen this year with a lot of talent."

The top finisher will be awarded $25,000 in cash and prizes as part of a $50,000 purse along with a spread in Field & Stream magazine, extensive coverage on FieldandStream.com and the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge television show.

The second place finisher receives $2,500 and third place gets $2,000 with last place receiving at least $600. All competitors will receive gift bags worth more than $400 with great sponsor gear and a $150 travel voucher.

Thompson added, "There's no other outdoor competition that even compares to the TOC. When was the last time you saw someone better their score after a bad round of archery by catching a few 20 inch trout? The TOC keeps getting bigger and better each year."

Along with partner Mobil 1 additional sponsors of the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge include: Bass Pro Shops, Toyota, Wolverine, Yamaha, BowTech, Remington, WAHL Clippers, CMA Music Festival, Repel Insect Repellant, Dinty Moore, and The National Shooting Sports Foundation.

For more information, bios on the competitors and updated events at the sponsors' village go to http://www.fieldandstream.com/totaloutdoorsman/

Field & Stream, The World's Leading Outdoor Magazine is the country's largest special-interest title and most recognized outdoor publication. Devoted to the complete outdoor experience and lifestyle, Field & Stream (www.FieldandStream.com) gives its readers the knowledge and inspiration to pursue the sports they love. It celebrates the outdoor experience with great stories, compelling photography and sound advice, while honoring the traditions hunters and fishermen have passed down for generations. Established in 1895, Field & Stream is published 11 times per year by the Bonnier Corporation.