Product Information / Manufacturers
African Tradition
Winery
African Tradition was founded by Clive Botha in 1992 after sanctions against South Africa were lifted. Our first base of operation was an old bar on Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Our first customer base was the South African Consulates and ex-patriots living all over the country who missed and longed for South African Wines.
Slowly but surely we made headway among U.S. consumers as we found a niche market with Americans who had traveled to South Africa and had tasted and enjoyed the wines while there, and came home looking for them. From our humble beginnings we have grown into a vibrant small company with more than 6,000 active customers whom enjoys our wines and have become loyal to our company.
We also have the ability that if a customer desires a specific wine and would like to get some delivered, we can import it for them whether its 1 case or 100 cases it makes no difference to us. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and are very much quality oriented. Most of the wine we import are from small boutique wineries that cannot be found on the shelves in your everyday wine shops. African Tradition is now based in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Antler Creations
Taxidermy
Hugh Bryant is a Certified Georgia Taxidermist. He is a member of the National Taxidermy Association.
Antler Creations places an emphasis on quality rather than low price because the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Bill Veasey
Carver, Teacher, Writer
Bill Veasey is best known as a carver, teacher and writer. One of his proudest accomplishments is knowing that three of his four children are going forward with the tradition of his field. During the course of his teaching years, his students have won hundreds, if not thousands of ribbons and awards. Many of Bill’s students have gone on to become a force in the field of carving by carrying on his tradition of teaching others to carve, writing books on the subject and actively competing with their own carvings. Bill has had the pleasure of teaching students from all over the world.
He is particularly proud of the fact that he has helped inspire and guide many of his students to carry on the tradition of teaching. Bill has been instrumental in creating literature for the field, both by writing his own books and by assisting others with the process of getting published through recommendations to his publisher. Through the years, Bill has had the pleasure of competing and often winning, awards in shows across the United States from Ocean City, MD to San Diego, CA and from Thousand Islands, NY to Atlanta, GA.
Craig Tennant
Artist
Craig Tennant, OPA (b. 1946) grew up in New Jersey and began his early art training in 1967 with Grey Advertising in New York. Starting in the mat room he quickly moved to mechanicals, then was made the Assistant Art Director for the Kool Aid account.
In 1970, he joined the staff of illustrators at BBD&O working on major accounts including Campbell’s Soup and Dodge Chrysler for national television ads. His magazine ad accounts consisted of Tarreyton, GE, Shaffer, and Pepsi (Generation).
For the next twenty years, Tennant illustrated on a freelance basis for clients including TV Guide, Mechanics Illustrated, Sports Illustrated, Yearly Reports, Field & Stream, Diet Coke, Mountain Dew, Old Milwaukee, and IBM. He was elected a member of the New York Society of Illustrators in 1980 and received their silver medal award in 1981.
In 1989, Tennant moved to Colorado to focus on western oil paintings. He started his own publishing business, Cheyenne Press, in 1994, to promote his work. The same year, he was voted 21st in the nation’s top print artists (by a U.S. Art Magazine survey of over 850 galleries nationwide.) In 1996 Tennant was commissioned by the Park Meadows Shopping Resort to paint a Colorado scene for the Nordstrom entrance.
He received juror’s recognition at the Artists in Colorado Exhibition, Denver 1997 and was a finalist in the Arts for the Parks competition in seven out of the last eight years. Tennant was voted a signature member of the Oil Painters of America, and in September 1999 was honored with their “Best of Show” award for the West/Southwest Regional Juried Show (open to 14 states). He received the Fredericksburg Award at the 2000 OPA National Juried Show, and the Neil Patterson Award at the 2001 OPA National Show. He was voted a Master Signature Member in January 2002 at the OPA annual director's meeting.
His work has appeared on the covers of Western Lifestyles, Wild West, The Equine Image, Rocky Mountain Rider, Colorado Country Life, Muzzleloader and Beef magazines. He has been the subject of additional feature articles in Western Horseman, Art of the West, Western Lifestyles, Southwest Art, American Cowboy, US Art, InformArt and others. Four of his Native American paintings are shown in Crabtree Publishing's Native Nations of North America series of children's books published in 2001.
Tennant was honored with the "People’s Choice Award" at the 2000 and 2001 Stampede Western Invitational Art Exhibit & Sale. He also received the "People’s Choice Award" at the 2001, 2002, and 2004 Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale held in Denver. He was voted 2005 and 2006 Featured Artist by The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His oil paintings are sold from his Golden, CO studio to collectors on his private mailing list.
Dead Duck Decoys
Decoys
Dead Duck Decoys are available in two grades; Standard and Premier. Both grades are made from high density tan cork (13/14 lbs density). Each is made from a pattern designed for the original Dead Duck Decoy series. Michael and Susan Veasey, founders of Northern Wings, have strived to achieve the most life like decoys on the water, while at the same time keeping the shape of their decoys as simple as possible.
Each head is carved from White Cedar. Glass eyes used in all our decoys add a life like realism. All of our keels are partially hollowed and weighted to assure your decoys will self right and not list on the water. Both the heads and keels are glued with a two ton, water resistant epoxy. Four inch non-corrosive screws are driven in, from the bottom up, to keep the heads and keels from working loose over time. The tails on every Dead Duck Decoy are reinforced with 4 to 6 16 penny finishing nails, making them virtually unbreakable.
After the decoys are put together they are sealed with a clear acrylic coat and two coats of an industrial exterior latex primer before painting begins. Susan’s unique painting style and techniques not only appeal to the avid collector but assure your Dead Duck Decoys will stand “Head and Tail” above any other decoy on the water.
John E. Toner
Knife Maker
John E. Toner is one of the great living knife makers today, primarily specializing in custom knives with a Western theme. Each custom knife is handmade and John only uses ATS-34 high carbon stainless steel for his blades, which is the top metal on the market today for knife making and is ONLY found in top quality custom knives. Trim materials include antler, hardwoods, turquoise, malachite, and other gemstones.
Each blade is ground, polished, and then the wood, antler, and gemstones are added for the handle. Owners of a John Toner knife may use that knife for everyday chores, hunting and fishing, while others will display their John Toner custom knife in a case or on the wall like a work of rare, fine art. John’s knives are as unique as their owners, each one different. And each John Toner custom knife is a usable work of art, and an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation. (I’ve got several that I’ll be passing down to my son someday!) But the great thing is that every one of his creations is a functional tool that could be used for generations.
John E. Toner has been commissioned to make commemorative knives for Safari Club International Nevada Chapter, Ducks Unlimited AZ & NM Chapters, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and he has won numerous awards throughout the West. He is also a member of the prestigious Knifemakers Guild.
Julio Sanchez De Alba
Sculptor
Julio Sanchez De Alba, a native son of La Paz, Bolivia, immigrated to the United States in 1980. He worked in the apparel industry for 22 years as a mechanical engineer, where he designed and sold automated attachments for industrial sewing machines, particularly those used in the manufacturing of jeans.
It was October 1999, when Julio’s desire to sculpt materialized in the form of an elephant named "Tantor", his first bronze sculpture. As "Tantor" emerged from his own hands, representative of his passion and creative spirit, Julio gained a new and distinct perspective of life. His love of animals, intensified by this newfound passion for sculpting would prove impossible to stop. Julio also conquered a major obstacle in locating a nearby foundry where he could have complete control of the production of his art, by discovering an old foundry only 20 minutes away from his studio. He has since devoted much time and effort into refurbishing and updating this facility with modern equipment for today’s operating standards.
In 2001, Julio’s work was accepted by the International Museum of Art, in El Paso, TX, and the Holland & Holland Gallery in New York City also began displaying his sculptures. In 2002, he attended three major sculpture shows. Soon after, his art was displayed in galleries throughout Florida, and Arizona. Since 2003, Julio has traveled extensively throughout the country, swiftly gaining recognition and has now become a regular invitee and well known presence at some of the more prestigious and better known shows around the U.S. In 2004, he completed his first heroic size sculpture, "Strength", a three ton, seventeen foot long black rhinoceros.
Though his love of animals and nature is clearly visible in his keen style, and fine attention to detail, Julio, an avid nature lover has the ability to visualize the essence of animals in motion by capturing their spirit and commemorating them in bronze with the finest attention to detail. Julio says, "Life never stands still. We are always moving. From birth, we are set in motion on our blue planet that revolves around the sun. My fascination with motion is expressed through my art. My intention is to explore the finest details of animals in motion, and communicate my deep respect by capturing their lives in bronze, one millisecond at a time. In the case of my latest monument, the black rhino, it seems to me that he is running for his life; it is in this spirit that "Strength" was imagined. From a robust population of 70,000 in the 1960’s to the meager population of 2,340 today, the rhino is the embodiment of strength and vulnerability. Through my art, I hope to capture the vitality of these amazing creatures and foster a sense of stewardship in the hearts and minds of the public observer. Art is not art without the public. It is the purpose of art to engage people’s imaginations. Through this engagement, people can find in themselves wonder and respect for many forms of life on the planet. Herein lays the beginning of stewardship".
Creating awareness of the conservation issues that surround our wildlife, Julio’s objective to engage the viewer and conjure in them a sense of unity with nature becomes clear as one looks upon any of his realistic wildlife sculptures. However, he also enjoys the freedom inherent in contemporary pieces such as "Rosinante", "Ice Skater", "Wet and Wild” and "Foxy", etc. as well as working on people’s portraits.
Amongst his interests and the love for the outdoors, Julio, a former private pilot, is also an accomplished airplane modeler and member of the IPMS (International Plastic Model Society), and has won several national and local awards at the society conventions.
Lega Doro
Jewelry Designer
Internationally renowned jewelry designer Paolo has been designing Lega D’oro Jewelry for over four decades. Unlike any other jewelry designer today, Paolo’s fine craftsmanship captures the exotic mystique of what we know as today’s Africa.
Each originally crafted piece of 18 karat gold jewelry not only reflects the physical characteristics of particular wildlife species, but creates a sense of life---African Life---for the person it adorns. Adding to the jewelry’s beauty are accents of emeralds, diamonds, and rubies. Each piece is truly a work of art.
In the past, Paolo has been commissioned to create special items for DeBeers and several other companies of South Africa. A unique feature of this line is the option for reversible images, e.g. Leopard/Lion, male/female Lion, Leopard/Panther, which adds to wearing flexibility.
Leonard Logsdail
Garment Maker
McConnell Hall Outfitters
On a March 2004 airplane ride from Atlanta to Salta, Argentina, we hit upon the idea that we could use our experiences to help other sportsmen enjoy some of the same adventures we have been fortunate enough to enjoy. B.C. had spent most weekends of the last seven years building a trophy building to house the family’s numerous trophies. It occurred to us that the “HALL” would be the perfect headquarters from which to host this venture. Hence, the name McConnell Hall Outfitters LLC.
B.C. McConnell, Jr. D.D.S., age 65, is a life-long sportsman, having hunted and fished in much of the United States and Canada and numerous other foreign countries including Africa, South America, Great Britain, and Mexico. B.C. is a Life-Member of Safari Club International and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a 40 year plus annual member of the National Rifle Association and Duck’s Unlimited. A practicing orthodontist, B.C. now wants in concert with his two sons, to tap into his life-long experience in the field to form a company which can deliver turn-key sporting experiences to other interested sportsmen.
Beechard C. McConnell III D.M.D., Age 36, is a practicing orthodontist who works professionally with his father, B.C., and also has hunted and fished with his dad and uncle in many of the same venues mentioned above. He is a member of Safari Club International, National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited. A talented and experienced sportsman, Beechard will lend valuable leadership to this venture.
Richard H. McConnell, Age 34, sat in a deer stand for his first hunting experience at age 5. As was his brother, Richard was an outstanding athlete in high school. He played Soccer for the College of Charleston and played professionally for 3 years until he was sidelined by injury. Richard is the owner and CEO of Summitt Apparel Group LLC which manufactures a brand line of outdoor and sports related clothing as well as private label for wholesalers and retailers. Richard also founded McConnell Hall Manufacturing LLC, which produces the McConnell Hall Outfitters' hunting line with Mossy Oak. Richard’s hunting experiences match his brother's. Both were frequently included in the world-wide ventures with his dad and uncle. Richard is a member of Safari Club International, National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited. He brings his management, business experience, and his creativity to the project.
Medjet Assist
Medical Assistance / Transportation
Medjet Assist is your ticket home if you become ill or are injured. As a Medjet Assist member, if you are hospitalized virtually anywhere in the world, simply call Medjet Assist and a specially equipped aircraft with a medical team can be dispatched to bring you to your home hospital or hospital of your choice so you can be treated by your personal physician and be close to your family.
Medjet Assist is a prepaid, air medical transportation membership program -- not a travel insurance policy or health care plan. Medjet Assist was created to provide affordable, high-quality air ambulance service to individuals, families and businesses.
Lloyd's of London underwrites the program to guarantee that a transport will be available to every Medjet Assist member in time of need.
Medjet Assist transports members without regard to medical necessity. Members who are hospitalized may choose to be transported to a hospital of their choice.
There is no limit on the cost of a medical transport. And unlike travel insurance or travel platinum cards, Medjet Assist provides medical evacuations for its members both globally and domestically. Medjet Assist's services are provided to members 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Northern Wings, Inc.
Decoys
Northern Wings, Inc. was founded in 1995 by Michael and Susan Veasey. Michael is a third generation carver and has spent most of his life around decoys and hunters and Susan started carving about ten years ago. While most of their time was spent on decorative carving, Michael began making his own decoys to hunt over, soon friends starting asking for help making their own rigs. After Michael and Susan started Northern Wings they realized that there was a serious need for a quality cork hunting decoy.
Having spent the last three years developing and experimenting with patterns and materials Northern Wings, Inc. proudly presents the Dead Duck Decoy series. We feel our high quality handmade decoys are the best on the market. We offer multiple styles of most birds including the classic “High Head”, “Tuck Heads”, “Swimmers”, “Feeders” and the essential “Calling” Hen. Our decoys offer hunters one of the most realistic “rigs” on the market. Each style represents natural positions of real ducks. The Tuck, Sleeper, and Feeder decoys all create the illusions of content ducks while the High Heads stand as guardians, watching over the flock. The new Calling Hen has become an important addition to our line. If you use a duck call, as most of us do, you need the Calling Hen.
Wilderness Hunter
Hunting Knives
Wilderness Hunter has been serving hunters and outdoors people for over two and a half decades with quality products.
The rifle you have is probably perfect for the job at hand, and you have selected the ideal location to hunt. Now, select the best knife to complete the job to come.
The knives Wilderness Hunter offers are proudly produced by BROWNING USA, then field tested in some of the most rugged and inhospitable environments in the world by experienced hunters, guides and outdoors people. They are proven to be "THE BEST THERE IS."
