In addition to bringing Shockey, Thompson/Center Arms, the Official Firearms of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, will feature an extended booth that includes: a display area highlighting all the new muzzleloaders and bolt-action rifles in the Thompson/Center Arms line; a “Build Your Own Pro Hunter” booth where you can design and purchase the gun of your dreams; and an area offering logo apparel and other Thompson/Center Arms items for purchase.

Shockey will be signing autographs and taking pictures from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 6th and Sunday February 7th at the Thompson/Center Arms Booth (#5029) located in the Wild, Wild West Hall.

“We are really excited that Thompson/Center Arms, one of our major sponsors, is bringing one of the ‘big guns’ in the hunting world to the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Shockey is an award-winning outdoor writer, television host and professional big game outfitter whose career has spanned more than 20 years. Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures television show is a top Nielsen-rated hunting program airing year-round on Outdoor Channel. In 2010, Shockey and team will launch their newest television production, Jim Shockey’s The Professionals debuting in July on the Outdoor Channel.

Shockey’s thousands of published writings and photos have appeared in all of the major national outdoors magazines, his hunting DVDs are distributed worldwide, and his website is one of the most highly trafficked sites among outdoors celebrities.

Shockey is the winner of SCI’s prestigious CJ McElroy Award and Professional Big Game Hunter of the Year Award. His personal hunting experiences include travel to the most remote, wild, and beautiful places in the world. To date, he has taken more than 200 big game species across the globe, including more than 190 different species with muzzleloader. His energetic and adventurous approach to worldwide big game hunting and conservation have made him one of the most respected hunting personalities alive today.

For more Show information, including a complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com .

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, now in its 55th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,100 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors –by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting and fishing related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

An all-star lineup featuring Michael Waddell, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Stan Potts, Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo, Mark Menendez, Bob Clouser and many more will present seminars and meet those attending the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

“Our 2010 lineup of seminar speakers is like a who’s who of hunting and fishing. The amount of experience, knowledge and skill that will be shared with attendees will be huge. If you want to be a better hunter or angler, the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is a must,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Michael Waddell– Appearing February 11-14

Through his Outdoor Channel shows Bone Collectors, Realtree Roadtrips with Michael Waddell, Hunt Masters, and Turkey Call, Waddell has become one of the most popular and entertaining personalities in hunting world. Waddell drives over 20,000 miles each year to hunt, and his real-life experiences make him a favorite on the outdoor show circuit.

“Michael Waddell was a huge success at last year’s show and a valued member of our Whitetail Deer Panel. We are thrilled to have him back at the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. He is just as knowledgeable and entertaining in person as he is on his television shows. He takes the time to personally speak with everyone that comes to the booth to meet him, so the visitors to our Show love him.” says O’Hara.

Michael Waddell will share his deer hunting experiences and tips and tricks during daily seminars during his appearance days, as well as participate on the Whitetail Deer Panel with other deer hunting experts.

Lee & Tiffany Lakosky–Appearing February 6-14

Husband and wife hunters, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, are best known as stars of Getting’ Close–one of the highest-rated shows in outdoor television–and their newest show, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany.

“What can I say… people just love Lee and Tiffany,” says O’Hara.

In addition to being celebrities, the Lakoskys are very accomplished hunters. They spend countless hours sharpening their hunting skills and actively managing their land for trophy whitetails in eastern Iowa.

Many hunters recognize the couple from the widespread use of many of their trophy photos and magazine articles which have appeared in dozens of high profile publications and catalogs over the past few seasons.

Stan Potts–Appearing February 6-8

In 40 years of hunting, Stan Potts has harvested numerous whitetail bucks with a bow, three of which scored over 200 inches. He also took another 200 incher with a TC muzzleloader.

Potts gives hunting seminars all across North America and has been the subject of many feature magazine articles. His hunting successes have been featured in North American Whitetail magazine and several other media sources. He has appeared in several hunting videos and television shows, including Realtree Outdoors and Hunter’s Specialties Prime Time series. He is a co-host of North American Whitetail Television on the Outdoor Channel. He is also featured on Whitetail Country on ESPN and Hunt Masters on the Outdoor Channel. Pots hunts 100% wild whitetails on public and private property and is well known for his expertise in treestand placement and patterning bigger, mature bucks.

Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo–Appearing February 6-9

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, of Lanark, Illinois, are co-hosts of the award-winning Archer’s Choice and The Choice television shows.

Vicki Cianciarulo is credited with taking the largest wild white-tailed deer by a female on camera, with her Colorado buck scoring over 200 inches. She also has numerous black bear, caribou, moose, dall sheep, whitetail, mule deer, antelope, a turkey Grand Slam, and many different African species to her credit. Her history includes outfitting and guiding for both bear and deer, serving on conservation boards and editing and producing television shows.

Ralph Cianciarulo is a well-known international bowhunter, a noted videographer, a seminar speaker, and a TV personality for the Outdoor Channel.

“North America’s Favorite Hunting Couple,” the Cianciarulos have worked from the bottom up to earn a reputation that is second to none in the hunting industry.

Bob Clouser– Appearing February 12-13

Clouser’s love of the outdoors, especially fishing, led him into the fishing business. He continues to guide, teach and share his enjoyment with others. He will present casting demonstrations, using visual aids and casting weighted flies and lines, as well as lectures on “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass” about catching smallmouth from top to bottom using flies and “Fly Fishing Adventures”, about various species that can be caught on fly rod and flies.

Clouser has received numerous awards for his strong conservation work including his induction into the national Fresh Water Fishing Hall of fame as Legendary Angler. In 2000, he was named National Angler of the Year by Fly Rod and Reel Magazine.

Mark Menendez– Appearing February 6-8

There are few bass fishing professionals on the national scene like Mark Menendez, who is currently ranked 17th in the world. On the water, the 44-year-old Paducah, Kentucky angler has spent the past 18 years earning the reputation of a warrior on tour. He finished fifth in the Angler-of-the-Year points, after winning the Lake Dardanelle tournament on the BASS Elite Series in 2009. His career earnings of more than $900,000 along with success in individual tournaments (three wins and 18 top-ten finishes) and season-long point standings are testament to his dedication and skill.

Menendez, who has fished the Bassmaster Tour since 1991, has held the record for the biggest bass, weighing 13-pounds, 9-ounces, ever caught in a bass tournament.

Entering the contest is easy. Just go to www.easternsportshow.com, click on the Chuck Adams contest box and fill out the entry form.

Even if you don’t win the contest you can still learn from the master. All Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show attendees are invited to watch, listen and learn from the legend himself at these once-daily clinics.

“No one knows more about bowhunting than Chuck Adams. And, Chuck really enjoys sharing his knowledge and hunting experiences with hunters of every ability at the Show,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Adams will also host a western USA big-game hunting seminar once per day February 6-12.

Adams has authored 4,550 magazine articles and 10 full-length books on bowhunting. He appears 25-30 times each year on ESPN, WGN, and TNN television networks and stars on ESPN’s Whitetail Country and Advantage Adventures shows.

Adams is the first archer to accomplish the “Super Slam” by taking of all 27 species of North American big game. He also has 111 Pope & Young record-book trophies and 181 Safari Club International records to his credit–more than any other hunter. Adams is the only bowhunter to complete five Grand Slams on American deer, and hold five Pope & Young World Records. And, he is the youngest archer ever inducted into the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame and SCI Bowhunters Hall of Honor.

Wide Range of Contests Showcase Skills and Talents

NEW! Predator Hunting Contest
New for 2010, the American Predator Federation Predator Hunt hosted by the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Feb. 12th through 14th.  100 percent payout for this single or team hunt, it features six starting locations around Pennsylvania.  Visit the Show website for the official registration form at www.easternsportshow.com .  Monies and trophies for coyote, red fox, gray fox, and bobcat to be awarded after weigh in.

Fly Tying Contest
Hosted by the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this contest will take place on Saturday, February 13th at 10AM. Cash prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Junior, Amateur, and Open categories. Application forms, rules and fly patterns can be found at the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s website at cvtu.homestead.com

20th Annual Northeastern States Elk Calling Contest
Join elk callers from the East coast as they compete for top regional elk caller honors. The contest takes place at 5:00 Thursday, February 11 in the Small Arena. Trophies awarded to top 3 winners. New this year: Youth Division. Registration is anytime before the contest across from the Rocky Mountain Elk display.
PA 3D Bowhunter Challenge
Presented by the PA 3-D Bowhunters, events include a Fun Shoot, as well as Individual and Progressive Pot Money Shoots. Qualifying rounds take place 6-14th, with finals beginning on Saturday, February 13th and continuing on Sunday, February 14th. Class winners and top 3 Progressive Pot Shooters each day are notified to return for the finals. Competition in 17 different classes is provided. Four person team shoot will be held during the individual qualifying rounds with the first score a shooter turns in used for the team score. For more info, call Jesse Schertzer at (717) 944-2069 after 3 PM.

Keystone I.B.O. Indoor Nationals
Keystone I.B.O. Indoor Nationals and the 14th PA Indoor Bowhunters Challenge presented by Keystone Country Store. Hosted by the Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show and PA 3-D Bowhunters. Pre-registration is a must! There are only 30 spots available per time listing. Call 1-877-999-9898 for times and registration.

Antler Scoring
Co-sponsored by the PA Deer Association–PA State Chapter, Quality Deer Management Association, and Trupes Quality Hunting and Wildlife Management. Any legally obtained Whitetail Deer Mounted Head or Antlers with the skull plate intact may be submitted for scoring. An entry fee/donation of $15 for an official score and $10 for non-official score will be charged. Cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 will be awarded along with merchandise prizes. For further information contact: Steve Trupe, event coordinator at (877) 806-6993 or via email at steve@ezsowdeerfood.com.

Keystone Regional Duck & Goose Calling Contest
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association. The contest is on Wednesday, February 10th. Registration starts at 1 PM. The registration fee for each contest is $20.00. The Junior Duck and Goose calling contest is at 2 PM and the Keystone Regional Duck calling contest is at 3 PM. For more information, call Sam Palumbo at (717) 756-5032. Top prize of $500 for Keystone Regional Duck Calling!

PA Turkey Calling and 35th Annual Owl Hooting Contests Presented by the Michaux-Yellow Breeches Local Chapter of the PA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Professional Friction, Professional Open, Youth and Amateur Adult competitions, as well as an Open Owl Hooting competition take place at 1 PM on Sunday, February 7th in the Small Arena. All contestants must be members of the NWTF. For more information, call Randy Rakers at (717) 245-3631.  Entry forms are available at www.easternsportshow.com under “Contests and Entry Details”.

Amateur Wildlife Photography Contest
Presented by the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association (C.O.P.A.). Open and Children’s divisions in a number of categories, including: flora; birds; aquatic/reptiles; mammals; scenic; and open. For more information, call Linda Swank (717) 529-9064.

Decoy Painting
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association on Saturday, February 6th. Registration from 10 AM – noon, painting from 12:30 – 3:30 PM. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as two honorable mentions. For more info, call Brian Gayman at (717) 357-0719.   Freshly painted decoys from the decoy painting contest will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Knife & Hawk Championship
Presented by The PA Federation of Muzzleloaders. Daily winners are invited to return for championship competition on Saturday, February 13th at 6PM. Knives and tomahawks must meet modified NMLRA rules. There is a $2 entry fee. Contestants have 5 throws each with knife and hawk for a combined score and must complete one full turn before striking target. For more information call Neal Panzarella at (717) 235-3993.

Professional Taxidermy Contest All are welcomed to enter this competition, compete for prizes, and have the top honor of having your work on display at The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. As an added feature, live taxidermy demonstrations to be held throughout the week and professional taxidermists will be on hand to answer any questions about a career in taxidermy or handling your next trophy in the correct way for your taxidermist to ensure the best possible mount. Be sure to drop by and check out the wonderful wildlife artistry. Contact: Cathy Popp at (daytime) 717-367-5585 or (evening) 717-367-7998. Visit www.pataxidermy.com.

Gunning Decoy Contest
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association on Saturday, February 13th. Prizes will be given for Best of Show, 2nd, and 3rd Best of Show as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each species class (Marsh Ducks, Diver Ducks, Geese and Confidence). Ducks are auctioned at the end of the contest.  For more info, call Shawn Trent at (717) 395-2341.

Entry forms for contests are available at www.easternsportshow.com under “Contests and Entry Details”.

Show visitors are encouraged to visit www.easternsportshow.com for dates and times of seminars, panels and contests.

A journey to Pike County Illinois. World record bucks, monster long beards, waterfowl, morel mushrooms and Carter’s Trophy Hunting Lodge!

Teresa and I drove all night and arrived in a little town of Milton, Illinois.  I pulled off the road and questioned a gentleman at the Post Office in an attempt to locate a gas station and of course a place to graze.  The gentleman kindly smiled and pointed directly behind the vehicle and stated, “Well Dink’s Diner is the only place to eat in this town and the gas station across the street is open but not manned.”  I thanked him and proceeded to the gas station.

To my surprise it is an UNMANNED gas station with no human beings present. The sign reads, “24 HOUR SERVICE,SWIPE YOUR CARD. IF NO PRESSURE , WAIT 30 SECONDS FOR THE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP AND PROCEED.”  Talk about small town America.  Population 300 SALUTE!  After a few laughs we ventured about 10miles up the road to Pittsfield in hopes to find more resourceful accommodations.  Little did we know, eating at Dink’s Diner is like eating Mama’s home cooking after over indulging there on a couple of occasions.

Pittsfield, Illinois is also home of Jeff Foiles Inc., and the Archery Shop. The only bow shop within 50 miles.  After talking to a few of the patrons, this is the place to go for personal care of your bow and friendly staff!

Once we fueled up and found a place to eat we headed to Carter’s Trophy Lodge where we were greeted by Nathan Carter.

Once inside, I managed to pick my chin up off the floor and wipe the drool from my lip in astonishment of all the trophy mounts adorned on the walls.  Nathan conducted a short safety briefing while checking Teresa’s license. Some casual conversation and we were escorted to our humble abode.

Once unloading all our gear we returned to the Lodge and met some of the hunters, our Guides Eddie and Randy.

Talk about resourceful, 8000+ acres owned or leased, 250 double hung stands, bow hunting only for MINIMUM 140 class whitetails. Escorted to the stand site strategically placed due to wind direction, food source and whitetail movement.   A cameraman’s dream…double hung stands at every location to acquire the over the shoulder shot when presented.

Free range whitetails that are given an opportunity to mature only means one thing, MONSTER BUCKS!  For you as the hunter, a chance to harvest a buck of a lifetime.

The first night in camp we took a ride with Randy to check out the property. Hopefully get some footage of bucks and/or buck activity. The deer trails look like cattle paths, fence posts and cedar trees are shredded and the bucks are chasing does. Shortly after admiring a few rubs we rounded the corner to encounter a buck tending a doe.  An act of nature that most hunters never see in a lifetime of being afield. We were able to capture this act int he first hour with Carter’s Hunting Lodge.  To a bow hunter this means the rut is near. Enabling multiple sightings of mature bucks and the ability for the hunter to prey on mother natures weakness of such an elusive animal.  The desire to reproduce, forcing the most nocturnal animal to be seen within the guidelines of legal shooting hours.  Making dreams come true.

With the camera in hand I attempt to capture the beauty and fruit of Dale Carter’s labor as he enables others to enjoy his passion and embrace their innermost desire.  The thrill of a whitetail abound on the forest floor as one attempts to put a well placed shot with his or her bow on a buck of a lifetime.  Stimulating an endorphin dump that over-rides the brain’s ability to remain calm and in control. Stabilizing a tiny pin on a minuet hair in hopes of silencing the pulsating heartbeat in ones head. Better known as BUCK FEVER!  I call it heaven on Earth!

Everyday at camp the rut activity was getting more intense.  A minimum of six bucks sighted up to eleven on our most active day.  The Guides told us if you were here when the rut goes into full swing, peak rut…it is off the hook with buck sightings.  Being from Pennsylvania hunting State Game Lands, eleven bucks in one day is virtually unheard of.   I couldn’t imagine being suspended above the forest floor when the peak rut kicked off at Carter’s Hunting Lodge!

Most hunters I talk to that have taken a hunting trip have complained of not seeing doe and very few bucks.  This was not the case.  We saw plenty of doe and when you saw one running you could bet one thing. There was a buck in pursuit, grunting and growling behind her.

If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime. I would sincerely recommend Carter’s hunting Lodge. Where not only could you shoot a buck of a lifetime, you will encounter a laid back friendly attitude an exemplified personal care from Dale Carter and his staff. It will make you want to take a road trip just to bring you back to the grass roots of our magnificent sport and those family traditions of camaraderie and fellowship in deer camp.

See Carter’s Hunting Lodge crew at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show and book your hunt of a lifetime!

The 2009 first-day preliminary harvest compares with 1,725 in 2008; 1,005 in 2007; 1,461 in 2006; 2,026 in 2005; 1,573 in 2004; 1,454 in 2003;1,348 2002; 1,812 in 2001; and 1,691 in 2000.

The top 10 bears processed at check stations on Monday all had estimated live weights that exceeded 550 pounds. Terence J. Burkhardt, of Jim Thorpe, harvested the largest bear, which was a male that weighed in at 654 pounds (actual live weight). The bear was taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, at 4:35 p.m.

Other large bears included: a 654-pound male (estimated live weight) also taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Michael J. Wimmer Jr., of Jim Thorpe, at 3:30 p.m.; a 644-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Todd Township, Fulton County, by Travis L. Crouse, of Chambersburg, at 9:06 a.m.; a 610-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County, by David T. Frey, of Harrisburg, at 8:30 a.m.; a 607-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Lehman Township, Pike County, by Arthur Garris Jr. of Bushkill, at 7:30 a.m.; a 586-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Porter Township, Pike County, by John T. Waters Jr., of Spring City, at 9:30 a.m.; a 570-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Larimer Township, Somerset County, by Richard M. Smith, of Meyersdale, at 7:30 a.m.; a 557-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Lincoln Township, Somerset County, by Kevin W. Ankney, of Somerset, at 3:30 p.m.; a 553-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, by Dawn S. Jackson, of Bangor, at 7 a.m.; and a 552-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Decatur Township, Mifflin County, by Ethan M. Fultz, of Milroy, at 12:30 p.m.

The preliminary first-day bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows: WMU 1A, 4 (14 in 2008); WMU 1B, 16 (40); WMU 2C, 150 (145); WMU 2D, 62 (97); WMU 2E, 50 (63); WMU 2F, 174 (152); WMU 2G, 562 (363); WMU 3A, 149 (169); WMU 3B, 139 (186); WMU 3C, 42 (42); WMU 3D, 172 (123); WMU 4A, 78 (85); WMU 4B, 26 (20); WMU 4C, 62 (41); WMU 4D, 190 (174); and WMU 4E, 21 (9).

The top bear harvest county in the state after the first day of season was Lycoming with 153 (135 in 2008), followed by Clinton, 152 (55); Tioga, 142 (124); Cameron, 115 (26); and Potter, with 95 (152).

County harvests by region for the opening day, followed by the opening day 2008 preliminary harvest in parentheses, are:

Northwest: Warren, 71 (34); Forest, 38 (38); Jefferson, 33 (33); Clarion, 28 (36); Venango, 15 (44); Butler, 7 (5); Mercer, 2 (3); and Crawford, 1 (19).

Southwest: Somerset, 47 (64); Fayette, 41 (28); Westmoreland, 38 (30); Armstrong, 22 (37); Indiana, 18 (37); and Cambria, 4 (20).

Northcentral: Lycoming, 153 (135); Clinton, 152 (55); Tioga, 142 (124); Cameron, 115 (26); Potter, 95 (152); Clearfield, 78 (67); Elk, 77 (48); McKean, 77 (95); Centre, 52 (47); and Union, 21 (22).

Southcentral: Huntingdon, 63 (67); Mifflin, 38 (27); Bedford, 32 (52); Blair, 23 (11); Juniata, 19 (11); Snyder, 14 (17); Fulton, 10 (8); Perry, 6 (4); and Franklin, 2 (0).

Northeast: Pike, 78 (45); Monroe, 46 (37); Carbon, 42 (14); Sullivan, 30 (56); Bradford, 27 (33); Wayne, 27 (32); Luzerne, 23 (30); Susquehanna, 19 (11); Lackawanna, 14 (19); Wyoming, 12 (18); Columbia, 11 (6); and Northumberland, 2 (1).

Southeast: Schuylkill, 12 (18); Dauphin, 9 (5); Berks, 6 (1); Northampton, 3 (2); and Lebanon, 2 (0).

“Building on last year’s success, we are again bringing in some of the biggest names in hunting and fishing to present seminars and meet our guests. And, of course, we continue to bring in more manufacturers, retailers and outfitters from around the world than any other show in the world,” says Chris O’Hara, Manager, Strategic Accounts Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show attracts outdoor sports enthusiasts from across the country to view the latest and best hunting and fishing products, plan and book hunting and fishing trips, shop for the latest gear, boats, ATVs and RVs, and enjoy a wide range of contests and family entertainment.

This year’s Show includes more than 1,100 hunting- and fishing-related vendors including a wide range of hunting-related, archery, outdoor-apparel, fishing, and game-call vendors and over 500 outfitters from around the world.

Thompson/Center Arms, one of the world’s most respected designers, manufacturers and marketers of premium hunting firearms, is bringing their full line of products and factory representatives to the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. Thompson/Center Arms, a Smith and Wesson Company, is widely recognized by hunters as a manufacturer and distributor of innovative irearms that meet the highest precision, performance, craftsmanship, and reliability standards.

Hunting Seminar Speakers and Special Guests:

Michael Waddell
In the world of outdoor television, Michael Waddell is huge. Since joining Team Realtree in 1994, Waddell has gone from cameraman to producer to host of Realtree Road Trips. Waddell also hosts the very popular, Bone Collector’s.

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky
Many people have already gotten hooked on the success of Gettin’ Close with Lee & Tiffany, one of the highest rated shows in outdoor television. Now Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, star in the reality based outdoor program, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany on the Outdoor Channel.

Stan Potts
Stan Potts has hunted whitetails for 40 years, harvesting numerous whitetail bucks with a bow, three of which scored over 200 inches. His hunting successes have been featured in North American Whitetail magazine and several other media sources. He has appeared in several hunting videos and television shows, including Realtree Outdoors and Hunter’s Specialties Prime Time series. He is a co-host of North American Whitetail Television on the Outdoor Channel. He is also featured on Whitetail Country on ESPN and Hunt Masters on the Outdoor Channel.

Chuck Adams
Chuck Adams is the world’s best known and most widely published bowhunter, authoring 4,550 magazine articles and 10 full-length books. He appears 25-30 times each year on ESPN, WGN, and TNN television networks and stars on ESPN’s Whitetail Country and Advantage Adventures shows. Adams is the first archer to accomplish the “Super Slam” by taking of all 27 species of North American big game. He also has 111 Pope & Young record-book trophies and 181 Safari Club International records to his credit—the most in history.

Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo
Vicki Cianciarulo, of Lanark, Illinois, is an experienced bowhunter, an enthusiastic nature photographer, the better half of North America’s Favorite Hunting Couple, and co-host of the award-winning Archer’s Choice and The Choice television shows alongside her spouse, Ralph Cianciarulo.

Bobby Hart
Bob specializes in Long Range Shooting and Hunting, Custom Rifle Building, and Reloading. He also offers an ‘accuracy package’ that has been proven to greatly increase the reliability of many ‘factory’ rifles. This combined with a Hart designed muzzlebrake are a few of the general gunsmith procedures done in-house.

Dan Whitmus
Dan Whitmus grew up hunting and fishing in Washington State where his knowledge of the outdoors landed him a manager’s role at a 20,000 acre duck and goose lease. In 1999, Dan moved to Idaho to continue his career in the hunting industry, concentrating on elk hunting. Since that time, Dan has won two world elk calling titles and nine state and regional championships.

Fishing Seminars Speakers and Special Guests

Bob Clouser
Bob’s love of the outdoors, especially fishing, led him into the fishing business. He is the creator of the famed “Clouser Minnow” fly pattern, known world-wide and has caught more varieties of fish than any other fly. He continues to guide, teach and share his enjoyment with others. He will present casting demonstrations, using visual aids and casting weighted flies
and lines, as well as lectures on “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass”- (Catching smallmouth from top to bottom using flies and) “Fly Fishing Adventures”, about various species that can be caught on fly rod and flies.

Mark Menendez
There are few bass fishing professionals on the national scene like Mark Menendez. On the water, the 44-year-old Paducah, Kentucky angler has spent the past 17 years earning the reputation of a warrior on tour. His career earnings of more than $900,000.00 along with success in individual tournaments (three wins and 18 top-ten finishes) and season long point
standings are testament to his passion and skill for competition.

Aaron Martin
Missouri native Aaron Martin is quickly becoming a fixture in the bass fishing universe. As the host of the Bass Edge television show, he reaches millions of viewers through the Versus Network and World Fishing Network HD in the U.S., and on WILD TV in Canada. He is also a co-host on The Edge, the #1 bass fishing podcast on iTunes, and is a frequent contributor to
www.bassedge.com and the “Inside Edge” monthly e-newsletter.

Other Seminars
Albert Wutsch, Director of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts, will again share his butchering skills during daily deer butchering sessions. Sessions will include: fabricating one side of a hanging carcass; breaking down carcasses into sub primal cuts; fabricating cuts into steaks, roasts, stir fry, butterfly and other cuts. Wutsch’s
presentations were some of the most popular seminars at last year’s show.

Tim Flanigan will present a daily seminar on “Tips for Successful Outdoor Photography.” Flanigan has been shooting wildlife photos for the print media for more than thirty years with photo credits in numerous books, magazines, newspapers, greeting and post cards, calendars, travel brochures, phone books and advertisements. His photography can also be seen on the covers of the Pennsylvania Game News Magazine and their annual calendar.

Daily Attractions

Randy Oitker
At age 21, Randy Oitker has already established himself as a professional archer, hunter and exhibition shooter. Oitker travels the country as a precision archer and is known for shooting multiple arrows and hitting multiple targets simultaneously. In 2007, Oitker broke all archery history records by shooting 4 arrows striking 4 individual targets (lifesavers)
simultaneously at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Expo in Harrisburg, PA. Oitker recently traveled to London, England for the Guinness Book Of World Records TV show called Guinness World Records Smashed to make archery history! On April 7, 2009. Oitker shot 6 arrows with one shot 6 arrows at a time and simultaneously hit 6 separate balloons!

Raptors Up Close
Raptors Up Close, a program designed for all ages to educate and teach conservation through an entertaining demonstration with live birds of prey,will present demonstrations on February 9-13. “Raptors Up Close” is filled with visually exciting displays illustrating the power, skills, and beauty of raptors including owls, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey.

Taste of the Great Outdoors
On Tuesday, February 9, from 5 to 8 PM, students from the culinary school at Harrisburg Area Community College will present a variety of delectable game and fish recipes in the Small Arena to the hundreds of attendees who can’t wait to sample unique game recipes and learn new cooking techniques from cooking professionals. During the event over a thousand free samples will be consumed.

Other entertainment includes:

Keystone Regional Duck Calling Contest

The Duck Decoy Painting Contest

Northeastern States Elk Calling Contest

Kids Fishing Contest

Dog Training Demonstrations

Turkey Calling and Owl Hooting Contest

Knife & Tomahawk

Professional Taxidermy

Amateur Wildlife Photography

Antler Scoring

Fly Tying

PA 3-D Bowhunter Challenge

Susquehanna River Gunning Decoy Contest

Capital City BASSMASTER Casting Kids®

NEW! Predator Hunting Contest

Show Dates & Times

Sat. Feb. 6: 10 am – 7 pm

Sun. Feb. 7: 10 am – 5 pm

Mon. Feb. 8: 10 am – 7 pm

Tues. Feb. 9: 10 am – 7 pm

Wed. Feb. 10: 10 am – 7 pm

Thur. Feb. 11: 10 am – 7 pm

Fri. Feb. 12: 10 am – 7 pm

Sat. Feb. 13: 10 am – 7 pm

Sun. Feb. 14: 10 am – 5 pm

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is proud to have the following partner/sponsors: Cabela’s, the official retailer; Thompson/Center Arms, the official firearm; Outdoor Channel, the official network; and Realtree, the official camouflage.

For more information, or to order tickets online visit our website at www.easternsportshow.com .

Blowing in the Wind: When choosing trap-set locations, make sure to use the wind to your advantage. If a furbearer cannot smell your attractant, it may pass within a few feet of your set and never take a step toward it. Most furbearers are curious, and if they detect the bait, urine or lure you’re using to attract them, they’ll come closer to investigate. The wind will help you pull in furbearers by carrying your attractant’s smell further than it would emanate on its own in a still night air, especially in cold weather. It also allows you to set further off the travel-way, reducing the possibility on non-target catches, and trap theft.

Every 24: Trappers have a legal obligation to check their traps every 36 hours. Most trappers, however, rarely check traps later than every 24 hours. Experienced trappers know that it’s best to check traps earlier to ensure captured furbearers stay in the trap; and the captured furbearer spends no more time restrained than necessary.

Swivel Action: Adding swivels to your trap’s chain – as well as shortening and center-mounting the chain to the trap frame directly beneath the jaws – will reduce escapes and self-inflicted injuries to the trapped furbearer. Swivels are inexpensive, easy to incorporate and will pay dividends. Consider placing one on each end of the trap chain, and one in the center. The swivel for the stake-end of the chain should be large enough to accommodate your trap stake. For additional trap modifications, please visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Trapping & Furbearers” in the left column, then select “Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States.”

Sweet Treats: If you’re raccoon trapping in an area where there’s a possibility of capturing a non-target animal, it’s usually best to avoid using meat- or fish-based baits and gland lures. Try using substitute attractants such as grape jelly, anise oil or peanut butter. These baits usually won’t pull in pets and they still have tremendous appeal to raccoons.

Rock Solid: Traps set afield for furbearers work best when they are seated solidly in a trap bed. This is accomplished by packing soil around the circumference of the trap’s jaws. If the trap moves when you push down on the trap’s jaws or springs, it’s not seated firmly enough in the trap bed. Pack dirt around the trap or place a stone or small stick under the trap’s jaw to keep it from moving. Traps must be immobile to be effective.

Ask First! Ask a landowner for permission to trap, even if he or she allows trapping, or doesn’t have his or her land posted. Landowners often know their property intimately and can direct you to the best places to set traps, or the only places they allow traps to be set. Be responsible and trap ethically. Remember, wildlife conservation always wins when trappers and hunters ask for permission.

On the Blind: Another great way to take raccoons and mink in areas where using bait may lead to the capture of a non-target animal is by using “blind” or trail sets. These sets are placed where a raccoon or mink is forced to enter the water to get around a rock, tree trunk or to walk along a bridge abutment. These sets are especially effective on furbearers that have learned to stay away from bait sets.

Any Trap Won’t Do: Traps must be matched to the furbearer you intend to catch. You can’t use a muskrat trap to catch a coyote and a beaver trap won’t work for raccoons. Here’s a quick overview of what to use for popular Pennsylvania furbearers: foxes, 1.5 coil spring; coyote, 1.5, 1.75 or 2 coil spring; raccoon, 1 or 1.5 coil spring; weasels, skunks, opossums, 1 coil spring; mink, 1 or 1.5 coil spring or five-inch by five-inch, double spring body-gripping trap; muskrat, 1 long spring, jump or coil spring trap or five-inch by five-inch single spring body-gripping trap; and beaver, 3 or 4 double long spring or jump trap and 10-inch by 10-inch, double-spring body-gripping trap.

Out of Sight: Most people do not consider the skinned carcass of any animal to be pleasing to the eye. Since furbearer remains are considered municipal waste, carcasses should be disposed through your curbside pickup, or at an approved waste or rendering facility. Don’t dispose of them where passersby will see them, where a pet may drag one home, or where their decomposing odor will offend nearby homeowners. Keep it clean.

Protection Precautions: Trappers should always handle dispatched furbearers with latex or rubber gloves to avoid coming in contact with any body fluids from the animal. Rabies, which continues to pose a health threat in many counties, is transmitted when a furbearer’s body fluids enter a person’s body through a cut or body opening (mouth, eye, etc.) Don’t take risks when approaching trapped animals to dispatch them. Always maintain a safe distance from captured furbearers and handle catches with gloved hands.

Auction Locator: If you’re interested in finding a fur auction near you, consider visiting the Pennsylvania Trappers’ Association’s website (www.patrappers.com), then click on “Districts” and check the events listed for the districts in your area.

“Our field officers spend a tremendous amount of time afield, often in the areas hunters and trappers are most interested in learning more about,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “Their observations have value to hunters and trappers, so in 2006 we set up a cyber-clearinghouse where anyone who enjoys hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – resident or nonresident – can access game and furbearer forecasts from every county of the state. It’s the detailed field reporting hunters and trappers seek out, and part of our longstanding commitment to be the first and best source of hunting and trapping information in the Commonwealth.”

Raccoon hunting season began Oct. 24 and closes Feb. 20, and the season for skunks, opossums and weasels runs from July 1 to June 30, except for Sundays. Red and gray foxes hunting season opened Oct. 24 and runs through Feb. 20, including Sundays. Coyotes have a year-round season (July 1-June 30) and can be hunted on Sundays, too.

Pennsylvania also has bobcat hunting and trapping seasons in 12 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4D and 4E) for the 1,780 individuals who were selected in the Game Commission’s annual bobcat permit drawing. The bobcat hunting season started Oct. 24 and closes to Feb. 20, except for Sundays. The bobcat trapping season opened Oct. 25 and runs through Feb. 21.

Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe pointed out that the Keystone State is lucky to have trappers, houndsmen and predator callers, who all play an important role of the Commonwealth’s wildlife management program.

“Furbearer trappers and hunters annual efforts afield have helped to reduce Pennsylvania’s susceptibility to wildlife diseases such as rabies and mange, and its problems with crop- and property-damage caused by furbearers,” Roe said. “Many Pennsylvanians benefit directly from the services of trappers, hound-hunters and predator-callers, because these specialized sportsmen and sportswomen manage everything from weasels to coyotes. They rescue farmers and other landowners both directly and indirectly from the damage and costly repairs furbearers can daily cause to homes and businesses throughout the state.”

Variable fur prices spurred a decline in the ranks of fur-takers nationwide in the 1990s. Trappers had difficulty recovering their expenses, and inflation further compounded the problem. The result was a reduction in furbearer harvest and an increase in conflicts. To get a feel for the drop off in harvest that occurred, consider this: In 1996, more than 200,000 raccoons were taken in Pennsylvania; in 2007, the raccoon harvest totaled about 121,500.

In 2006, there was a noticeable increase in trapping pressure and furbearer harvests corresponded. License sales increased from 23,941 in 2005 to 26,589. Then, last year, license sales rose again to 29,717. But the harvest of most furbearers dropped, excepting raccoons, gray foxes, skunks and opossums.

“There seems to be a general increase in interest among people to trap or hunt furbearers; there’s a great deal of excitement associated with trapping and predator hunting,” explained Dr. Matt Lovallo, Game Commission Game Mammals section supervisor. “Both are positive signs for furbearer management in Pennsylvania, because they stimulate an increased harvest of furbearers, something our state, roadways and residents would surely benefit from.

“In 2008, trappers and furbearer hunters utilized about 350,000 surplus furbearers from the Commonwealth’s rural and suburban areas. Maintaining an annual harvest of this size would benefits thousands upon thousands of Pennsylvanians by reducing home, crop or property damages and the number of after-dark roadway obstacles motorists encounter.”

Increased furbearer harvests reduce the damages and encounters that residents – and their pets – will have with these animals.

“Right now, many trappers, and particularly those in southern tier counties, are waiting to set and run their traplines until the pelts on the furbearers they intend to trap become more prime,” explained Lovallo. “Fur primeness for raccoons, foxes and coyotes usually is about right in most areas of the state by the first week of November. It’s always better to start trapping for these furbearers no sooner than early to mid-November to improve their pelt value on the market.”

The 2008 Game-Take and Furtaker Surveys estimated that fur-takers took 142,808 raccoons (121,446 in 2007); 74,059 muskrats (72,174); 54,273 opossums (41,168); 44,745 red foxes (52,000); 23,699 coyotes (28,974); 20,845 gray foxes (18,613); 12,331 skunks (9,818); and 8,632 mink (10,004).

“Our furbearer harvests for many species have remained relatively stable over the past few years, although trapping pressure has risen over the past two years,” Lovallo said. “But given the amount of trapping territory available in the state, and the relatively limited number of Pennsylvanians pursuing furbearer hunting or trapping, there’s plenty of places for new and veteran trappers alike.”

Most furbearers – excepting muskrats – in Pennsylvania and other neighboring states remain underutilized. In fact, hunters and trappers are taking a fraction of the renewable fur resource Pennsylvania historically has provided. It’s a trend that likely will not be reversed because of the difficulties associated land access, increased equipment and transportation costs, and the free-time/commitment complexities that often dominate the lives of many Pennsylvanians.

Over the past 30 years, beavers and coyotes have been expanding their range, primarily from northern counties south. Left unchecked, beavers would cause tremendous property damage and could adversely affect the quality of drinking water for municipalities. Coyotes would cause even more problems for livestock and pets.

“Trappers play a major role in managing Pennsylvania’s beavers and coyotes,” Lovallo noted. “They are our first line of defense in attempting to keep these furbearer species in check locally and they do it for free. Anyone who has suffered from the damages these species can inflict knows what a relief it is to have a trapper remedy the situation.”

Beaver trappers are reminded that they no longer are required to have harvested beavers tagged by Game Commission personnel. There are, however, beaver bag limits for each Wildlife Management Unit.

Licensed trappers may use cable restraints for coyotes and foxes, upon completion of a four-hour certification course provided by agency-certified instructors, from Jan. 1-Feb. 22. The cost of the course is $15. Students receive various educational materials and one legal cable restraint, and a permanent certification card will be mailed following completion of the course.

Trapping is a highly regulated activity in Pennsylvania. A furtaker license – or combination license – is required to trap in the Commonwealth. All traps must have an identification tag that provides the trapper’s name and address or a number issued by the agency. Body-gripping traps must be set within a watercourse. It is unlawful to set a trap with bait visible from the air, or to disturb the traps of another. Traps cannot have a jaw-spread exceeding 6.5 inches. Traps must be visited at least once every 36 hours and each animal removed.