Show Spotlight: Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge

Hosted by Kelly Gotch, the 2011 Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge (TOC) is a special 4-part series that highlights the dramatic journeys of the final 16 participants competing in the ultimate test of skill, never, might, and agility. The final competitors are all vying for a $25,000 cash prize and more, and all earned a right to the TOC finals by outlasting hundreds of other competitors in both qualifying and regional rounds in skill competitions such as shooting, fly-fishing, archery, and other outdoor tests of mettle.

Kelly Gotch, host of Total Outdoorsman Challenge

Recently, Outdoor Channel had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Gotch, host of Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge, about the new episodes coming in December!

Outdoor Channel (OUTD): What can Outdoor Channel viewers expect from the new season of Total Outdoorsman Challenge?

Kelly Gotch: The new season of the Total Outdoorsman Challenge is one of the most exciting yet! This year's field of competitors was made up of both rookies and veteran competitors and they all fought like die-hards! The level of competition is extremely high but there is a great sense of camaraderie throughout the competition. Viewers can expect to see the season end with a twist that determines the champion!

OUTD: What makes this season different from the last?

Kelly Gotch: The endurance course is what it all comes down to, and this year's course was amped up with new challenges like knife throwing and air dart guns. The fire starting and kayak challenges were back again, and are still some of the favorites.

OUTD: Any fun stories that happened during filming?

Kelly Gotch: The whole group of people associated with Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge – The Blue 3 crew, Warren Miller Production Company, the sponsors, all of the experts who come in to call the action in each discipline, and especially all of the competitors and their families – they are all about having a good time and enjoying the sports we love so much. There are a lot of practical jokes played, such as Smitty throwing Beth Hetrick into the stream at the end of the competition and Tom Boatwright getting "ice blocked" by the Warren Miller crew, to name a few.

OUTD: What’s next for you?

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Kelly Gotch: I am looking forward to fall fishing and especially the hunting season; and have some exciting new projects in the works, too. Stay tuned!

OUTD: Any last words?

Kelly Gotch: Total Outdoorsman Challenge is made up of an incredibly friendly group of people and every year, new competitors who make it to the final instantly become a part of the TOC family. I am happy to be a part of it and encourage everyone to compete in one of the qualifiers at Bass Pro Shops!

To catch the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge, tune in Fridays at 11:30PM ET and Saturdays at 10:30AM ET.