Sportsman's Expo at North Idaho Fairgrounds Feb 2-3

The Idaho Wildlife Council has scheduled the seventh annual "North Idaho Sportsman's Expo and Big Game Show" for February 2-3 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Show hours are Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the seventh such expo, and it has developed into a great event. In addition to the North Idaho Wildlife Center, the two large fairgrounds exhibit buildings will be needed to house all the events and displays. Aside from lion hunting and a little ice fishing, there isn't much going on to satisfy the outdoor cravings of local sportsmen. With this event comes the opportunity to meet with others of similar interests to re-live the last hunting seasons, while we consider hunting and fishing outings to come. This Expo will feature a display of mounted, impressive trophy big game specimens by an Oregon outfit called Northwest Big Game. The company has produced a big game trophy book of specimens taken in Oregon, and they are now embarking on a book about Idaho big game. The book will include photos, stories, and records listings of big game animals taken in the Gem State. I have looked at the Oregon book, and it is very well done. Anyone interested in being a part of this new book is encouraged to bring photos and stories to be given to the editor for consideration for the Idaho book. By bringing in your mounted trophy, you can have it measured by trophy measurers, certified by Boone and Crockett, Pope and Young, and the Longhunter Society. Exhibits and commercial booths will include taxidermy, wildlife art, hunting and fishing equipment. There are a couple commercial spaces remaining, call Michelle Sande (772-5468) to reserve a space. Sportsman's club members will be present to meet with sportsmen. There will be retriever demonstrations. The Coeur d'Alene Bowmen will have a temporary archery range set up so kids can experience to fun of shooting a bow and instruction on how to shoot properly. A fish tank will be set up and stocked with hatchery trout. Equipment will be provided, and kids can fish for a nominal fee. A concession stand will be available with food and drinks. One of the highlights is always the antler/horn display and competition. Current and retired Fish and Game employees and volunteers will be scoring hunter taken animals using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. There is no charge to enter as many specimens as you like. Anyone with an antlered or horned animal is encouraged to enter it into the show, mounted or not, and regardless of year taken. Top scoring entries will receive ribbons and plaques. Specimens previously measured by an official measurer will not be scored again but will be placed on display. Antlers and horns may be dropped off Friday from 3-7 pm., or Saturday from 9 a.m- noon. They may be picked up after 3 p.m. on Sunday, after people have had the opportunity to enjoy the display. This is always a very enjoyable event. I hope to see you there.