Date: 12/28/11
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (775) 486-5127 x3500

THE WEST’S LARGEST HUNTING AND FISHING EXPO COMING TO LAS VEGAS

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has partnered with the International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) to bring the West’s largest hunting, fishing and outdoor consumer show to the Las Vegas Convention Center February 2-4.

The show will offer outdoor enthusiasts the chance to walk through 200,000 square feet of space packed with exhibits from more than 400 vendors and enjoy a host of hands-on learning activities at the NDOW Youth Fair.

Expo participants also will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities and activities associated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s annual Elk Camp event, which will be held in conjunction with the Expo. The foundation works with NDOW to promote the conservation of elk and their habitat in the Silver State.

Sure to attract the attention of outdoor families is the Youth Fair, 4,500 square feet of interactive learning experiences hosted by NDOW education staff, biologists, game wardens and volunteers. These activities are designed to pique the youth’s outdoor interests and teach them about conservation and wildlife based recreation. The list of activities includes fly-tying, the chance to see and feel animal furs, antlers and horns and learn more about the animals they came from. There will also be an opportunity to learn the principles of safe gun handling or shoot on an electronic shooting simulator.

“We are looking forward to spending time with those who come to the show, especially the youth who might be interested in learning more about Nevada’s wildlife resources,” said Martin Olson, Hunter Education coordinator for NDOW.  “Of course, if other ISE expos are any indication, the most popular activity will be the catch-and-release trout pond. We expect a lot of young people to try their hand at fishing during the course of the show.”

In addition to providing youth activities, NDOW staff will be available to answer questions about hunting and fishing in Nevada. The agency also plans on selling hunting and fishing licenses on site so customers can get a jump on purchasing their 2012 licenses. There will be no entry fee for youth under 16 years of age.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook or Twitter.