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Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Oklahoma Wildlife Expo 2008

Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. - 6p.m.

Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

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For Immediate Release: WEEK OF JUNE 26, 2008

Hunting dogs help celebrate 2008 Wildlife Expo

            Ask any sportsmen who has ever been hunting with a good dog and they will tell you that few outdoor experiences compare to pursuing game with a canine partner.
            Loaded with tradition, the sport of hunting with dogs is a longstanding Oklahoma pastime and a rich part of Oklahoma’s hunting heritage. Additionally, hunters will tell you that a good sporting dog is also a good conservation tool, aiding the hunter in locating as well as harvesting more game. Countless birds and small game animals have been harvested in Oklahoma thanks to the trusty work of a well trained hunting dog.
            The pleasures and benefits of hunting with dogs is explored each year at the annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, to be held Sept. 26-28 this year at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Among the hundreds of events, activities and booths at the Expo are several opportunities to get up close to real hunting dogs bred for the field and woods and to talk with dog trainers and hunters about how to successfully train and care for one of several types of hunting breeds. Seminars are held to educate visitors on the wise use and training of hunting dogs, ranging from dogs bred to point, retrieve or tree wild game.
            “Dogs and hunting are a winning combination,” said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “They make us better hunters because they alert us to things in nature we’d otherwise miss, and they’re just plain fun to have around.”
            Dogs can be used to hunt a range of Oklahoma wildlife, including certain upland and migratory birds and waterfowl and a variety of furbearers such as bobcats, raccoons and small game like rabbits and squirrels.
            “Expo visitors will have a front seat opportunity to watch dog training in action well as learn about the history of certain breeds, such as those used to retrieve waterfowl, point quail or tree squirrels,” Holmes said.
            Dog training seminars and booths are popular hits at the annual Wildlife Expo and make up only a fraction of the more than 200 hands-on activities that will be available.
            This year’s Expo will also feature popular attractions like wild game calling, shotgun and archery shooting, atlatl-throwing, mountain biking, wildlife art, ATV riding, wild game meat tasting and more.
            “There is going to be something for everyone in the family at this year’s Expo,” Holmes said. “Whether you are a seasoned sportsmen, rookie angler or just interested in wildlife, you need to come to the Expo to get a grasp of everything Oklahoma’s outdoors have to offer.”
            The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
            Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To stay up to date on information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, log on regularly to wildlifedepartment.com.
 
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