Oklahomans planning a trip to the 2007 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 28-30 will get more than just a few lessons about the outdoors; they'll try hands-on activities taught by experts, taste wild game prepared by master chefs, and hear tunes from a country music star.

The state's very own Blake Shelton will be at this year's Expo Sept. 30 singing a few songs and celebrating the outdoors with fellow Oklahomans.

Besides being a country music singer, Shelton is a serious outdoorsman.

"Hunting and fishing have been a part of my life since I was a kid growing up in Ada," Shelton said. "Hunting, fishing and the outdoors are just as big a part of my life as music. And now that I'm on the road so much, I've learned to appreciate and not take for granted those rare times I do have a chance to be in the woods."

Hosted by the Wildlife Department along with a range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies, the Expo is intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources.

The Expo is the state's largest indoor and outdoor recreation event, drawing thousands of people to the Lazy E Arena north of Oklahoma City each year.

Among many other activities, Expo visitors will be able to fish, shoot shotguns, kayak, ride mountain bikes and ATVs, see and touch wildlife, attend dog training seminars and learn about recreation in the great outdoors. They will also be able to win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo's generous sponsors.

"They're giving away a John Deere Gator, lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, guided trips and a lot of other cool stuff," Shelton said.

Expo visitors also will have a chance to shop for outdoor products and services at the Expo's Outdoor Marketplace, a huge tent where many of the state's outdoor businesses will be selling merchandise, services and memberships to outdoor organizations.

"Expo admission is absolutely free, so there is no excuse not to come join us," Shelton said. "If you and your family don't come out to the Expo, you're going to really miss out on a fun time."

To stay up to date on details for the upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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