Visitors to learn primitive outdoor skills at the Wildlife Expo

            Oklahomans can get a taste of some primitive outdoor skills by shooting a bow or pitching a genuine tomahawk at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo slated for Sept. 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.
            Though centuries old, the tradition of archery is still popular among hunters today. In fact, Oklahoma deer archery hunters harvested a record 17,784 deer with bow and arrow last season, helping to push the 2008 total deer harvest to the second highest level in state history. Additionally, more than 1,000 students participated in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Oklahoma Archery in the Schools state shoot this year at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Visitors to this year’s Wildlife Expo can try their own hand at archery at one of several ranges set up on the grounds. Not  only can they try the equipment, but they will also get hands-on instruction from one of hundreds of volunteers who work to make the Expo happen.
            The tomahawk is a multi-purpose tool dating back to the Colonial days. English, Dutch, French and Native American traders placed value on the tomahawk as a tool and weapon. The popularity of the tomahawk continued thru the Rocky Mountain fur trade era and remains a popular event at modern day rendezvous. Expo visitors will have the chance to see and pitch a tomahawk, giving them yet another glimpse into the history of their outdoor heritage. Those who are too young to throw a tomahawk can try their hand at the goose knocking booth, where a long, dull-pointed rod is thrown at a goose-shaped target.
            Archery and the art of pitching a tomahawk are just a few of many outdoor attractions at the annual Wildlife Expo. Other highlights include shotgun shooting, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, ATV test driving, birdhouse make-and-take exhibits, and seminars that focus on a range of outdoor topics. Additionally, visitors can learn about Wildlife Department programs and projects as well as learn about groups across the state that enjoy the outdoors, such as Dutch oven cooking clubs, furbearer hunting enthusiasts and more. Visitor also can shop at the Outdoor Marketplace, a huge tent where the state’s outdoor-related businesses will be selling outdoor gear and services. This year’s Expo will also feature popular attractions like wild game calling, hunting dog training and performances, wildlife art, wild game meat tasting and more.
            The Wildlife Department partners with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the free event, which is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts while promoting and instilling an appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources.
            Whether catching a fish for the first time or building a birdhouse to take home with them for free, visitors to the Expo get the chance to soak up a full weekend of free outdoor knowledge, skills and experiences as hundreds of volunteers and Wildlife Department employees work to keep the event exciting, educational and entertaining.
            “If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be at this year's wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said country music star and outdoorsman Blake Shelton of Ada, who has made an appearance at the Expo in the past.
            The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo activities.
            This year’s Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a day at the event. Educators interested in planning a trip to the Wildlife Expo with their students this year should call (918) 299-2334 for more information.
 
-30-