Cranston, Rhode Island – SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA, a subsidiary of the Austrian-based company, announces their sponsorship of the 2012 Próis Award. The Próis Award is given out annually to the huntress who’s story best exemplifies what Próis Hunting & Field Apparel is all about, who thrives on flirting with the wild and untamed, one who travels through remote and rugged terrain in pursuit of her trophy, and has a passion for conservation and empowering women hunters.

Contestants who feel they meet these requirements may submit their stories to Próis Hunting & Field Apparel until October 15^th via the Próis Awards website: www.proishunting.com/proisaward. The Próis Huntress of the Year will win a five day hunt in Namibia, with Susan Ebert of Sporting Classics Magazine there to document the adventure. The winner will also be outfitted for her hunt with the latest gear from top equipment manufacturers sponsoring the contest, including an optics package from SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA.

Kirstie Pike, CEO of Próis Hunting and Field Apparel for Women said, “We are thrilled to have such an amazing group of industry professionals and companies supporting this award and the women who embody the vision of the Próis Award. We are looking forward to a great contest again this year."

“This award is one of the most prestigious awards we have in our industry for women. Working with Próis on this over the last few years has been great and helps promote hunting, while also empowering younger women hunters to get involved to ensure hunting for future generations,” said Dean Capuano, Director of Communications for SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA.

Essays and photos submitted by contestants will be reviewed by a panel of expert industry judges, with the top 12 being posted onto the Próis Awards website on November 1, 2012. The hunting community will then have until December 16^th to cast their vote on which candidate they believe should be crowned the 2012 Próis Award Winner. The finalist votes will be calculated with the judges scoring, and the Próis Award winner will be announced on December 17^th. She will then be flown to Las Vegas, NV to accept her award in front of the industry at the 2013 SHOT Show in January. For complete contest rules and regulations, visit proishunting.com/proisaward.