Ad pages for OOD were down 13.1% in the third quarter of 2008, according to Leading National Advertisers Canada.

Rogers Publishing Ltd. has sold Ontario Out of Doors magazine to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, according to an e-mail sent out to Rogers staff this morning by Marc Blondeau, senior vice president of consumer publishing.

"After careful consideration of our long-term business strategy, we have made the decision to accept an offer from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to purchase Ontario Out of Doors magazine," Blondeau wrote. "OOD has been partnering with OFAH for a number of years and there is a natural strategic fit for the magazine with the organization."

The magazine was founded in 1969 and purchased by Maclean Hunter in 1985. The December 2008 issue of OOD will be the final one produced by Rogers. No word yet on how staff will be affected by the sale.

"I would like to stress that this decision was made following careful review of our long-term business strategy," Blondeau wrote. "We remain focused on growing our portfolio of brands in a strategic manner.  We have absolutely no plans to sell any other properties."