By Rick Steelhammer
Charleston Gazette-Mail
CHARLESTON — Safari companies from Africa, elk hunting outfitters from the Rockies, bear hunting guides from Canada and charter boat captains from the Great Lakes will be among more than 175 exhibitors taking part in the 38th annual West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show this weekend at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
In addition to hunting and fishing outfitters, scores of vendors of outdoor recreation gear will be on hand to showcase their wares, while representatives from a number of conservation organizations and species-specific hunting and fishing clubs will detail their programs and enlist new members.
“It’s the biggest indoor exposition in the state,” said Glen Jarrell with the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, which produces the annual event. “We’re expecting about 15,000 people to come to this year’s show.”
Jarrell said the three-day event will include outfitters from at least 20 states and several Canadian provinces, in addition to seven big game outfitters from the Republic of South Africa alone.
“The show gives outdoor enthusiasts the chance to talk face-to-face with outfitters and talk about the trips they may be planning and the gear they would need to bring,” Jarrell said. “They can also learn from DNR representatives about new game management policies and nongame wildlife research projects, and any changes to hunting and fishing laws.”
An Outdoor Youth Challenge at this year’s show gives children a chance to try their hand at archery and fly casting, and practice safe-shooting skills using laser guns in a specially equipped DNR trailer. Prizes will be awarded to high scorers.
WV Whitetail Hall of Fame returns
The West Virginia Whitetail Hall of Fame, featuring more than 100 king-size mounts, will again be a part of the show.
Attendees will be able to bring their mounts to the show for scoring, to see if they qualify for inclusion in the exhibit.
The show is presented by volunteers from the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, which donates all proceeds, minus operating costs, to wildlife conservation organizations and youth outdoor education programs.
Presentations on a variety of hunting, fishing and wildlife topics include:
Friday:
■ 12:30 p.m.: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Big Buck Contest winners
■ 1 p.m.: MetroNews’ “West Virginia Outdoors” show with host Chris Lawrence
■ 2 p.m.: Bugsy’s Baits, Fishing Tactics
■ 3 p.m.: Forks of Coal Foundation presentation on Claudia Workman wildlife Education Center
■ 4 p.m.: HuntChef game cooking demonstration
■ 5 p.m.: Shon Butler, Wounded Game Recovery
■ 6 p.m.: Outdoor attire fashion show
Saturday:
■ 9 a.m.: Chris Lawrence Show
■ Noon: Three Rivers Avian Center, live birds of prey show
■ 1 p.m.: Kirk Price, All Things Outdoors
■ 2 p.m.: David Miller and Kenny Davis, Trophy Whitetail Tactics
■ 4 p.m.: West Virginia DNR, Becoming an Outdoors Woman
■ 5 p.m.: Live Auction begins
Sunday:
■ 11:30 a.m.: West Virginia DNR, Outdoor Classrooms program
■ 12:30 p.m.: Hunt Chef cooking demonstration
■ 3 p.m.: Kids Challenge award winners
West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show
WHEN: Friday-Sunday
WHERE: Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center
TICKETS: $12, daily, for those 13 and older. Children 12 and under are free.
HOURS: Noon-9 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.
INFO: wvtrophyhunters.com
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