August is definitely fishing time for many across the Chesapeake Bay Region but an annual event invites the hunter or great outdoors in all of us to get an advance look on the upcoming fall seasons. The Virginia Deer Hunters Association is inviting all to attend their 3 day “Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show” from August 9th-11th, 2002. The location will again be the “Show Place” which is located at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia. More than 270 exhibit booths will be at this year’s show offering a variety of goods, products, services and advice. 

     While there is a lot to see, experience and enjoy, the Virginia Sportsman Show can also be a great place to purchase the hunting or outdoor supplies you require for upcoming seasons. There is plenty of free parking available right in front of the building and multiple day passes can also be purchased in case you need to come back for more than one visit. With lots of seminars also available at this popular outdoor show, there is plenty to come back for if you need more than a full day. The cost for admission is $8.00 daily or $14.00 for a three day pass. Youth 15 and younger are admitted free if accompanied by an adult. For additional information, call (-804-748-7529 or visit the website; www.sportmanshow.com

     Among the featured “headliners” for this year’s show are David Blanton who is the executive producer for Bill Jordan’s “Realtree Outdoors”. Returning to the 2002 Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show will be Tom Stuckey who as a member for more than 10 years on the Hunter’s Specialties’ Pro Staff, is well known for his turkey calling and hunting skills. A recent Virginia Deer Hunters Association press release notes that Stuckey has won or placed in 76 turkey calling contests and has also won the “Grand National Championship.”

     Jim Strelic has more than 40 years of hunting experience to share with those attending the August 9-11, Outdoor Sportsman Show. As the special promotion coordinator for Knight & Hall Game Calls, Strelic will provide seminars on the proper use of deer scents and calling techniques. Race fans will get to see the #71 NASCAR Winston Cup Car driven by Dave Marcus. The car will be on display at the show during all three days. Marcus, who is also an avid deer and turkey hunter, will be at the show on Sunday, August 11 to sign autographs, between 1 and 2 p.m. Also at this year’s show will be the NRA’s, “Great American Whitetail Collection.” As in previous years, Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) will have plenty of staff on hand during this year’s show. The expertise and knowledge of wildlife biologists, game wardens and other professionals with game species, hunting regulations, wildlife habitat programs and other topics which the DGIF is involved with can provide a wealth of information. The August 9th-11th, 2002 Outdoor Sportsman Show is a convenient place to get all of your Virginia hunting licenses renewed.

     For those who have some hunting season success to share, the annual Outdoor Sportsman Show provides one of two contest opportunities; “The Virginia Deer Classic” sponsored by “Swedish Match” or the “Virginia Gobbler Classic.”, sponsored by Dibert Valve & Fitting Co. “The Eastern Open Turkey Calling Contest “ also take place during the August 9th-11th show and is sponsored by “Green Top Sporting Goods.” For information on entering any of these three competitive events, call Hugh Crittenden at 804748-7529 or visit the Outdoors Sportsman Show website at; www.sportmanshow.com 
 

© 2002 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved.