Learn an Outdoor Skill at the 2012 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

The 2012 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is Sept. 29-30 at the Lazy E Arena just north of  Oklahoma City. The Expo is the public’s chance to try their hands at a range of  outdoor recreation activities ranging from fishing at a stocked pond or shooting a shotgun to building a birdhouse or taking a ride in a kayak.

“The Expo is completely free, and visitors can try all kinds of outdoor activities and check out all kinds of booths designed to teach them about wildlife, the outdoors and conservation,” said Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo coordinator for the Oklahoma  Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Wildlife Department is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies,  private individuals and outdoor-related companies and organizations to host the  Wildlife Expo. 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 free 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, common snake identification, Dutch oven cooking, turkey  calling and fly fishing, among other topics.

“In short, the Expo is a celebration of everything outdoors in the state of Oklahoma,”

Hurst said. “We want you to leave the Expo with a new appreciation for wildlife and the hobbies of hunting, fishing and wildlife watching.”

The Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, drawing thousands of people each year. The 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. 29-30. Admission and parking are free.

Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife Conservation

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is an agency of the state of Oklahoma responsible for managing and protecting Oklahoma's wildlife population and their habitats. The Department is under the control of the Wildlife Conservation Commission, an 8-member board appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate. All members serve eight year terms. The Commission, in turn, appoints a Director to serve as the chief administrative officer of the Department.