Free outdoor “make-n-takes” at the Wildlife Expo

            Outdoorsmen find satisfaction in do-it-yourself-projects, and this year at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, visitors can try their hand at making their own birdhouses or fishing lures as well as learn how to cook a meal in a Dutch oven, tie their own fly fishing lure, or gain an understanding of how to attract wildlife to their property.
            The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Wildlife Expo. Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, the event is designed to promote and instill appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. The event is free and open to the public.
            Activities range from shotgun and archery shooting to fishing, kayaking, ATV riding, mountain biking and much more. Additionally, numerous learning opportunities are available at booths and exhibits at the Expo. Visitors can speak with wildlife biologists and outdoorsmen experienced in fishing, hunting, game calling, wildlife and fisheries management, reptiles and amphibians and more, as well as attend seminars on hunting dog training, wild game cooking and mule packing, among other topics. And for Expo visitors who like to shop, a large area called the Outdoor Marketplace is set aside at the Expo for vendors who will be on hand showcasing and offering for sale their outdoor merchandise and services.
            “In short, the Expo is a celebration of everything outdoors in the state of Oklahoma,” said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “We want you to leave the Expo with a new appreciation for wildlife and the hobbies of hunting, fishing and wildlife watching that fund conservation through participation from sportsmen and women.”
            The Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, drawing tens of thousands of people each year, including celebrities.
            “If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be at this year's Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said native Oklahoma country music star Blake Shelton, who has made appearances at the Expo in the past. “If you love to hunt and fish like I do, then take someone to this year’s Wildlife Expo.
            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-