OUTDOOR SHOW GUIDE FOR 2014

December feigns winter, but deer season is still in full swing.  But once January and February set in, the outdoorsman’s mind really dives into winter.  Luckily, there are a number of outdoor shows on a multitude of subjects offered across the Commonwealth to help ease the winter doldrums.  Read on for a detailed description of the outdoor shows coming in the 2014 season.

10^th Annual Orange County Fishing Expo

        In affiliation with the Orange County High School Anglers, Central Virginia’s fastest growing fishing exposition is coming to the Orange County High School Hornets Sports Center on February 15^th and 16^th.  As in past years, the expo will take the form of a marketplace, where fishermen can purchase fishing tackle, kayaks, and bass boats; learn about guide services and trip opportunities; and find taxidermists to mount that trophy fish.  Other vendors will sell candles, candy, and jewelry.  Kids can participate in casting contests, which may lead to a national competition where college scholarships are awarded, or cast a line in the trout pond.

        Admission is $6 for adults--$9 for both days—and kids get in free with an event flyer or ad, downloadable from the expo’s webpage.  Hours are 9 AM – 5 PM on the 15^th and 9 AM – 4 PM on the 16^th.

    

        For more information, or to print an expo flyer, visit www.ochsanglers.com .

27^th Annual Western Virginia Sports Show

        The Annual Western Virginia Sports Show will be held this year at Augusta Expoland in Fishersville on February 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd.  This year’s show will feature several outdoor celebrities, including RJ and Jay Paul Molinere of Swamp People, Mike Stroff of Savage Outdoors TV, and National Champion Turkey Caller Lance Hanger.  Other attractions such as artwork from 2014 Wildlife Artist of the Year Melissa Ball, Welde’s Big Bear Show, falconry presentations by “Raptors Up Close”, a taxidermy game display, and a kid’s trout tank make this event one for the whole family, while free seminars and demonstrations by top pros make it a prime place for dedicated outdoorsmen to hone old skills and learn new ones.

                

        Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for kids, and children four and under get in for free!  Hours are 12 PM – 9 PM on the 21^st, 10 AM – 9 PM on the 22^nd, and 12 PM – 5:30 PM on the 23^rd.

        

        For more information, visit westernvasportshow.com.

Rapidan Chapter Trout Unlimited Annual Fishing Show

        The Rapidan Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual fishing show on Saturday, March 1^st at the Fauquier County Fairgrounds in Warrenton, Virginia.  The show is the chapter’s way of fundraising for programs like Trout in the Classroom, the annual Youth Conservation and Fishing Camp, and Kid’s Fishing Day, as well as for conservation projects and river restorations.

      

        A number of speakers including master popper maker Walt Cary and keynote speaker John Ross will fill the show with informative presentations on topics like “Fishing for Smallmouth,” “Building Furled Leaders,” and “Fly Fishing the East.”  Several raffles, including one for an all-expenses-paid trip to Yellowstone National Park will be held and drawn at the conclusion of the show.  Tickets for the Yellowstone trip are $25 and limited to 300, and are available for sale before the show.  So visit the chapter’s website to have your chance.

                

        For more information, visit RapdanTU.org.

Augusta County Fishing Expo and Flea Market

        For the second year, the Augusta County Bass-Jon’s will host the Augusta County Fishing Expo and Flea Market, Saturday, March 15 at Augusta Expoland in Fishersville.  The expo will include fishing tackle vendors, information from guides and outfitters, advice from industry pros, visits from the Bass Jon’s “Zoomie the Lizard” and “Smoky the Bear,” and raffles.

                

        Hours are 9 AM – 8 PM.  Visit ACBassJons.net for more information.

Originally published in the Rural Virginian