See woodchips fly at the Expo as chainsaw artist creates wildlife art

            A chainsaw is good for cutting limbs, clearing brush, and even creating masterful works of wildlife art. At this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27, one artist will offer for sale his unique chainsaw wood carvings while performing live demonstrations that show how he uses a chainsaw to turn block of wood into eagles, lizards, frogs and more.
            Glenn Doughty of Locust Grove says he started carving wood with a chainsaw about 15 years ago when he saw a story on another Oklahoma chainsaw carving artist, Clayton Coss of Inola.
            Doughty said he thought the story was so interesting that he felt he had to give chainsaw woodcarving a try.
            “So I got a chunk of firewood and started cutting on it,” Doughty said, and the rest is history.
            Doughty uses red cedar to create his woodcarvings, and guests at the Expo can purchase his works of art or even have a chance to take home a woodcarving giveaway.
            Doughty might be described as a jack of many trades, as he also is a blacksmith and will be offering hand-forged knives for sale.
            Doughty will join almost 50 other vendors of outdoor goods and services at the Wildlife Expo’s Outdoor Marketplace, an area set aside specifically for Expo visitors to shop for outdoor gear.
            “From guide services to duck calls, hunting blinds, archery equipment, ATVs and more, we have just about every aspect of the outdoors covered,” said Ben Davis, Outdoor Marketplace coordinator for the Wildlife Department.
            To see the full list of vendors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
            The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s fifth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is slated for September 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. The Wildlife Department will be working with a range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the event — intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s wildlife and natural resources. Last year’s Expo drew nearly 40,000 visitors to the Lazy E Arena over the course of three days.
            Along with shopping at the Outdoor Marketplace and watching wood chips fly as Glenn Doughty displays his unique medium of art, Expo visitors will be able to fish, shoot shotguns, kayak, ride mountain bikes, learn to identify wildlife, attend dog training seminars and learn about all kinds of recreation available in the great outdoors. They will also be able to win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo’s generous sponsors. One lucky guest will even win a John Deere Gator utility vehicle provided by Expo sponsor P&K Equipment.
            The Expo draws tens of thousands of people from across the state to Lazy E Arena each year, including some celebrities such as country music star and Oklahoma native Blake Shelton, who knows how great the Expo can be for families looking to spend time together.
            “I have been to the wildlife expo, and take it from me, it's a lot of fun!” said Shelton. “So grab the kids and come on out Sept. 25th through the 27th! It's all absolutely free!”
            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.
 
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