A variety of outdoor specialists will be providing the programs for the Third Annual North Missouri Outdoor Classic, to be held in Chillicothe February 26-27. Last year’s event drew over 2,800 people. Last year’s speakers included Rod Owen, of the Drury Outdoors team; James Harrison, World Team Turkey Calling Champion; John Jamison, a member of the Cabela’s National Catfishing Team; Roy Roper, Ambush Lures; Rick Hahne, Hahne Custom Calls,; and the Missouri Department of Conservation Feral Hog Team.

Rod Owen’s story is that of a local guy who has steadily worked his way into the national outdoor scene. A native of Braymer, he began his archery career at the age of 12, taking his first whitetail with a bow just three years later. Just a few years after he tagged his first deer, he bagged his first Pope & Young buck. In a remarkably short period of time, he now has 20 Pope & Young bucks under his belt, including four monster whitetails that gross over 170 and one of those topped the magic 200 mark. For the past seven years he has been a videographer and a featured hunter for Drury Outdoors. He has appeared on many DVDs and TV shows featured on the Outdoor channel. In January of 2008, Rod was asked to join the Red Head Hunting Staff for Bass Pro Shops.

James Harrison resides in Hillsboro Missouri with his wife of 16 years and two sons. James has been turkey hunting for over 25 years. In 1988, he began competing in turkey calling and owl hooting contests. On the stage, his accomplishments include: 3-time Mid-America Open Champion, 2006 Michigan State Champion, and top 5 finishes at the 2007 U.S. Open and Grand Nationals. James was also a top-5 finisher in 2007 owl hooting competitions at the Mid America Open, Grand Nationals, and World Championships. He recently teamed with Stephan Richardson to win the 2008 World Turkey Calling Championship 2-man team calling title. Harrison is a Pro Staff member for Hook’s Custom Calls.

John Jamison specializes in big catfish. To be more specific, he specializes in catching big blue catfish on major tributaries like the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. He also likes fishing the Grand River in north central Missouri. He is a member of the Cabela’s National Catfishing Team, consistently placing in the top 10 in many tournaments. His largest blue cat to date on a rod and reel is 93 pounds. He has been featured in In-Fishermen magazine a number of times, as well as the Catfish Insider. He has also been featured in a number of video productions.

Rick Hahne grew up hunting ducks and geese on the flat plains in North Central Iowa. Now over 10 years of custom call making and call manufacturing experience later, Rick Hahne Calls has trained Champion Duck Callers like “Dusty Banner,” 2006 Missouri State Duck Calling Champion, and his son Gunnar and several other youth whom have won championship titles. He consistently places in the top four in most Midwest calling events. His seminars will provide tips that you can use in duck blinds everywhere.

Roy Roper is a Georgia native and a veteran bass angler. He has fished against many of the top professional fishermen on the circuit today. He is also a Pro Staff member for Champion Boats, Mercury Motors, Hart Tackle, Bailey’s Magnum Baits and Red River Tackle Company.
Roper now primarily fishes the Heartland Tournament Trail, which has events in Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He regularly finishes in the top percentile on this tournament trail, qualifying for the Heartland Trail Championships.

Missouri Department of Conservation Feral Hog Team - Feral, or wild hogs, are becoming a major problem for Missouri landowners, especially in the southern areas of the state. MDC’s team of experts will be presenting a variety of information pertaining to this problem and other wildlife news, as well.

Darrel Sidney, a Canadian bear hunting outfitter and guide, provides entertaining programs on hunting black bears in the Canadian wilderness. Sidney is a 42-year veteran in guiding bear hunts in Canada and was amazed at the interest 1st year Classic participants had in bear hunting.

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