The Shadow
FISHERSVILLE — The 33rd annual Western Virginia Sport Show will be held Feb. 21-23 at Augusta Expo in Fishersville (I-64, Exit 91).
Known as “The Show Where the Pros Go,” whatever you enjoy in the great outdoors, this annual time-tested event is sure to meet that need. It continues to be a unique world-class event for the entire family and any serious outdoor enthusiasts.
This show consistently continues to feature more big names and attractions than any other show in the region and this year is no exception.
Special guests and attractions presenting seminars and meet and greet opportunities featured at this year’s show include: Tom Oar-History Channel Mountain Men in Montana (Saturday Only); Capt. Reed Meredith – Wicked Tuna Outer Banks; Alan Probst – Wild Pennsylvania-extraordinary trapper specializing in removing nuisance critters; Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland – Host of Mossy Oak’s “Hunting the High Country”; Neil Selby-Nationally-known dog trainer; Scott Martin-Trophy Room Adventures – Ohio; Lance Hanger-Grand National Turkey Calling Champion, will be demonstrating winning techniques and tips on hunting a big gobbler this spring.
Howard and Jason Caldwell will demonstrate Falconry featuring their “Raptors Up Close” program for conservation education of these fascinating birds of prey.
Have you ever seen a grizzly bear up close? A New Grizzly Experience will feature an up-close live show with these extraordinary bears.
The Featured Artist is Jack Paluh, from Pennsylvania, award-winning artist known for his scenic landscapes, Eastern Indian hunting culture and wildlife.
Show founder and producer Mark Hanger proudly notes, “Our Show is a truly unique event. We proudly feature more outdoor celebrities, displays and variety of vendor categories than any event in the region.
“At our family friendly event, you can view the latest in hunting and fishing gear,” Hanger added.
New this year, Sportsman Liquidators is having a blowout sale on hunting-fishing gear and apparel.
Plan your family tour for Wild Elk Watching Adventures in Buchanan County at the Southern Gap Elk Restoration Visitor Center in Southwest Virginia. See Virginia’s largest Big Game Display – an extraordinary collection of animals from throughout North America and Africa.
Popular attractions include: indoor trout fishing tank, annual Big Buck Contest and South River Taxidermy’s display featuring the Top 10 Whitetail Mounts in the world. The new No. 1 World Record Pope and Young Buck will be on display.
Spectators can enjoy free seminars from the pros throughout the weekend.
The Virginia Open Championship Turkey Calling Contest “The Dennis Campbell Classic,” is in honor and memory of lifelong friend of the show, who promoted youth hunting opportunities.
Show Sponsors: Mossy Oak, Valley Dodge Ram, Rockingham Co-op, Nuckols Gun Works, Hunter’s Paradise, Southern States-Augusta Petroleum, First Bank & Trust, Beverage Tractors, Interstate Mufflers Co., Barronett Blinds, Bass Pro Shops, Mid Valley Press and Hitkicker 99.7 Country Radio, WSVA News Talk 550 AM -92.1 FM and WKDW 900 AM.
Representation from the following companies and sportsman groups make this show truly “A Class of its Own:” Stealth Cam, Talking Stick Game Calls, Hart Rifles, 360 Blinds, Hardy’s Game calls and organizations including Hunters for the Hungry, the NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsman, Izaak Walton League, Virginia Deer Hunters Association and the NRA.
This year’s show will host over 200 vendors including guides and outfitters from throughout North America and Africa, taxidermists, game call manufacturers, sporting goods dealers, conservation organizations, guns, archery equipment, wildlife art, cabin and hunting lodge decor, 4-wheelers, log home dealers and more.
Conservation Police Officers and Complementary Work Force Volunteers from the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, www.HuntFishVA.com, also will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on hunting and fishing opportunities and agency programs to manage fish and wildlife resources, including the successful and growing Elk Restoration in Southwest Virginia.
