The Shadow
FISHERSVILLE — The 32nd annual Western Virginia Sport Show will be held Feb. 22-24 at Augusta Expo in Fishersville.
The Augusta Expo is located off 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); Mike Stroff, Savage Outdoors TV family hunting adventures and lifestyle; Ron Leggett, extraordinary trapper specializing in removing nuisance critters; Capt. Tom Wagner, Outer Banks Saltwater Charters for red drum; Neil Selby, nationally-known dog trainer; Lance Hanger, Grand National Turkey Calling Champion, will be demonstrating winning techniques and giving 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? Welde’s Big Bear Show Grizzlies who appear on live TV shows and commercials throughout North America, will feature five different bears. The featured artist is Jack Paluh, from Pennsylvania, who is a world-renowned, 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.”
New this year is the addition of more fishing guides and suppliers with the latest in lures, rods and gear.
See Virginia’s largest Big Game Display — an extraordinary collection of animals from throughout North America and Africa. The Christian bowhunters 3-D shooting range is extended to Saturday and Sunday. Popular attractions include Christian bowhunters indoor shooting range, indoor trout fishing tank, annual big buck contest and South River Taxidermy’s display featuring the Top 10 whitetail mounts in the world.
In addition, spectators can enjoy free seminars from the pros throughout the weekend. The Virginia Open Championship Turkey Calling Contest has been renamed The Dennis Campbell Classic, in honor and memory of lifelong friend of the show who passionately promoted opportunities for youngsters to participate in our treasured hunting heritage and traditions.
Show Sponsors include: Mossy Oak, Valley Dodge Ram, Rockingham Co-op, Nuckols Gun Works, Mid Valley Press, Southern States-Augusta Petroleum, First Bank & Trust, Beverage Tractors, Interstate Mufflers Co. 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, Cody Turkey calls, Hart Rifles, Banks 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, four-wheelers, log home dealers and more.
Conservation Police Officers and complementary workforce volunteers from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, www.HuntFishVA.com, 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 elk restoration effort in Southwest Virginia.
Show hours are:?Friday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 24, 12 noon to 5:30 p.m.
For more info, visit www.westernvasportshow.com.
