Big Horn Show returns
Knowing that kids are the future of outdoor sports, this week’s Inland Northwest Wildlife Council’s annual sportsmen’s show will have attractions that appeal to everyone from youngsters and families to big-game hunters and anglers.
The 48th Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, which is built from the ground up by local volunteers from the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council, opens Thursday for a four-day run at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.
Profits from the show are used for outdoor education and regional fish and wildlife conservation projects.
At one end of the sprawling show is Trophy Country, where hunters bring their big-game mounts for official measuring, public display and competition for prizes that include firearms.
At the other end are three fishing ponds where kids can catch and keep trout, plus archery and air rifle ranges for people of all ages to test their shooting skills.
In between, 300 exhibitors will fill seven fairground buildings to capacity with a wide range of outdoor products and services, said Wanda Clifford, show director.
Entertainment is never far away at the show:
•The popular Dock Dog retriever jumping competitions are back this year. Enter your own long-jumping canine or just watch the competition, which includes Big Air Open Wave, Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical competitions.
•Quick-draw handgun shooter Bob Munden will perform twice daily.
•High-tech attractions include a Virtual Fishing simulator that scores participants for their finesse in the realistic experience of trying to land a big-game fish, and the Laser Shot game, which simulates outdoor shooting situations with realistic targets on a big video screen.
•A climbing wall, with safety ropes handled by the U.S. Army, will test your peak performance and make you eligible for a big prize.
•Seminars on outdoor pursuits are scheduled through much of the show covering topics such as fishing walleye, catching trout on Lake Roosevelt, trophy fishing in Mexico, archery shooting and more. At 2:40 p.m. each day, Daniel Brooks will be demonstrating moose calls.
Youths can enroll in hunter education classes at the show or simply enter the Wildlife Safari game at the entry and try to bag a stuffed Eastern bunny.
Food is available as well as a beer garden.
On Saturday evening, the council sponsors a dinner and live auction to benefit conservation programs. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased at the door.
Trophy Country big-game entries can be brought Thursday through Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon to the south entrance and through the yellow gate to Bay 3. Awards are given for current and prior harvest in various categories. Some restrictions apply.