For Immediate Release – December 3, 2003
Contact: 740-435-3335
NATIONAL WHITETAIL FOUNDATION SETS PLANS FOR 2004
CAMBRIDGE – Fresh off the success of two significant recent events, the National
Whitetail Deer Education Foundation has announced strategy and dates for the Second Annual
Deerassic Classic as well as an innovative new series of outdoor education programs for
youngsters.
The non-profit, independent Whitetail Foundation seeks to foster greater public
attention, respect, and knowledge about the majestic whitetail deer, an American symbol of
environmental awareness and natural beauty.
The Whitetail Foundation’s first major success was the August 23 Deerassic Classic
that attracted 11,500 people. 
The second strategic event was the
November 6 Outdoor Education Summit attended by many state and regional leaders and 70
children from Guernsey and Noble county elementary schools. The Summit was the debut of
outdoor educational efforts for youth that will eventually include an in-school program
for fourth graders and then later a unique outdoor learning experience for fifth graders
on the scenic grounds of Deerassic Park. The 117-acre Deerassic Park located near Salt
Fork State Park is home to a live herd of genetically superior whitetail deer.
The fourth grade in school program will start this winter and the Deerassic Park
outdoor program for fifth grade students will start in the spring. Call Program Director
Toni Kellar at 740-435-3335 or tonikellar@deerassic.com
for education program availability and related details.
Whitetail Foundation Announcements:
- The 2004 Deerassic Classic has been scheduled for Saturday, August 7. Only
10,000 tickets for the 2004 Classic will be available. Ticket purchasers from the 2003
Classic will get first option to purchase 2004 tickets and they will be notified by mail.
The public will then have access to the remaining amount of tickets in early March.
- Many people believe that the Foundation’s 2003 Deerassic Classic actually earned $1
million. The Foundation leadership surely wishes this were a true statement. That is
merely the gross receipt from ticket sales. Nearly half of the ticket sale money was then
used to purchase the prizes (worth nearly $500,000 in total). The costs of producing the
Classic, including free food and drink (nearly $100,000 alone), support staff, security,
advertising, printing, postage, and port-a-johns. What was left has modestly funded the
Foundation’s first annual operating budget, including three professional staff
members to create educational outreach and programming, and the ability to make
substantial payments toward the land mortgage and other debts. The NWDEF is on solid
ground to continue its exciting growth and outreach.
- The ultimate mission remains to raise the profile and economic stature of the Foundation
leading to the creation of The Ohio Whitetail Hall of Fame Museum, the finest such shrine
in North America.
"Dreams are really coming true and this is a very exciting time for the Foundation
and our members, for thousands of other folks who love the outdoors, and certainly not
just for the deer hunters. Our mission and cause is focused on a great diversity of people
who love the outdoors, and also Statewide and nationally, there are numerous demographic
studies that indicate a steep decline in outdoor knowledge and participation not just
among youngsters but also young parents. Study and respect of the whitetail deer is a
primary learning tool leading to potentially lifelong awareness of conservation and
outdoor issues such as urban sprawl and habitat enhancement.
The Foundation has also offered statewide media and audiences a source of facts related
to many myths and misconceptions about the whitetail deer.
Whitetail Foundation founder Ziegler, one of the nation’s experts on whitetails,
is currently available for speaking engagements at civic and other options. Foundation
Program Director Toni Kellar is also available
for informative presentations.
In January, a new outdoor video series will also be available for presentations at
schools, and civic and community groups.
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