Brandon Bates Joins 'Rocky Geared Up' As Host For New Season

By Courtesy Brandon Puttbrese
Posted Monday, June 30, 2008

Award-winning Ron Schara Enterprises to produce hunting show on Outdoor Channel

Nelsonville, Ohio, June 30, 2008 - Embarking on its second season, the producers behind television hunting series “Rocky Geared Up” promise viewers a wild ride with the addition of new host Brandon Bates.

Bates, a sports announcer on the Professional Bull Riders circuit and avid outdoorsman, will add a dynamic presence to the Ron Schara Enterprises production sponsored by outdoor-gear maker Rocky, bringing his energy and signature sense of humor.

“There won’t be a boring second,” Bates said. “Our show will be enjoyable and fun to watch the whole way through with some intense thrill-of-the-hunt segments and some lighter moments with a few laughs, too.”

The second season of “Rocky Geared Up” premieres July 5 at 4:30 p.m. EST on the Outdoor Channel and will air each Saturday in that timeslot through December.

Mitch Petrie, executive producer of “Rocky Geared Up,” said Bates will kick off each episode and provide narration for the adventures of expert hunters Steve Puppe and Dale Larson, who will travel the North American wild in search of trophy animals, including turkey, antelope and the infamous Whitetail Deer. Bates will also be a featured hunter on several shows, Petrie said.

The second season also launches Rocky Boot Camp, a segment of the show dedicated to educating viewers about the latest outdoor innovations and products available on the market.

“The best in outdoor gear meets the best in outdoor entertainment,” said Bob Rutter, vice president of marketing for the outdoor division at Rocky. “We’re excited to see our own Brandon Bates as host. He’s a dynamic young man who is sure to make the show enjoyable for everyone — even if you’re not a hunter.”

Growing up in southern Louisiana and then Oklahoma, Bates said, hunting was a way of life for his family.

“That’s just what we did and seemed to come natural to me,” Bates said. “I used to dream about being a part of a hunting show.”

Now that it has happened, Bates is bringing the most recognizable voice in western sports to television. The pro announcer says his rodeo fans will easily relate to “Rocky Geared Up.”

“They’re going to see a different side of me,” Bates said. “It’s a looser format than the rodeo, so we can cut up and have some fun.”

About Rocky Brands, Inc.

Nelsonville, Ohio-based Rocky Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCKY) designs, develops, manufactures and markets premium, rugged outdoor, occupational and casual footwear, as well as branded apparel and accessories.

The company's footwear, apparel and accessories are marketed through several distribution channels, primarily under owned brands, Rocky, Georgia Boot, Lehigh, Durango and licensed brand Dickies. Most recently, brands Michelin Footwear and zümfoot were added to the product line.

More information is available at www.rockyboots.com.

About Ron Schara Enterprises

Minnesota-based Ron Schara Enterprises produces outdoor television programming that airs on ESPN, the Outdoor Channel, the Versus Network, KARE11/NBC and the History Channel. Their distinctive story-telling capabilities, award-winning writing and breathtaking videography give audiences a unique viewing experience.

More information is available at www.ronscharaproductions.com.