Wise use of our natural resources is the foundation of the show, which returns to the Suburban Collection Showplace, February 21 to 24
NOVI, MICH. � Conservation will be prevalent throughout the 2013 show when the 40th Annual OUTDOORAMA sports show lands at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, February 21 to 24.
Wise use of our natural resources is the foundation of the show, which returns to the Suburban Collection Showplace, February 21 to 24
NOVI, MICH. � Conservation will be prevalent throughout the 2013 show when the 40th Annual OUTDOORAMA sports show lands at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, February 21 to 24.
�Planned management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect,� is the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of conservation. With that basic concept in mind, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) organized the first OUTDOORAMA sports show in celebration of conservation in 1974 at the old state fairgrounds in Royal Oak. Over the years the show has undergone changes, but the one constant has been the strong conservation foundation on which OUTDOORAMA was built.
Dozens of conservation-minded groups, organizations and agencies will be at the show promoting the wise use of our natural resources. Here are just a few of them:
Since 1937 MUCC has been the watchdog for Michigan�s natural resources and outdoor heritage. MUCC lobbies for hunting, fishing and trapping rights in Lansing; works closely with state and federal game and fish managers on regulations, habitat projects and management issues; spearheaded the recent Mentored Hunting Program and Hunter Heritage bills, which eliminated the minimum age for hunting in Michigan; and is involved with the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Program among others.
MUCC�s presence remains strong at Outdoorama with features such as �Gourmet Gone Wild� and �Pathway to Fishing.� �Big Buck Night� and �Wildlife Encounters� were started by MUCC and continue to be popular features of the show. Staff will also be on hand to talk with show patrons about conservation issues like a possible wolf hunt in the Upper Peninsula, changes in deer hunting regulations and other hot topics.
Michigan Sea Grant supports research, outreach and education to enhance sustainable use of Great Lakes resources, benefiting the environment, the quality of life and the Michigan, Great Lakes and national economy. Sea Grant staff will share its vision of healthy and sustainable Great Lakes resources and the joint efforts with universities and the public and private sectors to see that vision through.
Lake Superior State University�s Aquatic Research Laboratory is a national leader in aquatic research, especially on the Atlantic salmon. Staff from LSSU will be available all four days of OUTDOORAMA to discuss ongoing fisheries research, hatchery operations, aquatic ecology and much more. There are some exciting programs taking place at LSSU. Come out and learn about the ongoing efforts to support fisheries in the Great Lakes and connecting waters.
The Western Wayne County Conservation Association was founded in 1938 and has been promoting conservation and safety in the outdoors ever since. The club is located on 80 acres in Plymouth Township and regularly holds hunter education classes, maintains and improves sections of Johnson Creek, educates youths about conservation, provides birdhouse kits and duck nesting boxes for kids and scouting groups, and improves wildlife habitat. Visit OUTDOORAMA to talk with club members and learn more about WWCCA�s conservation efforts.
The Howell Conference and Nature Center holds public seminars, classes and camps throughout the year promoting conservation and educating people on the value of our natural resources. From preschool programs and scouting classes to night hikes and photo workshops, the center provides opportunities for conservationists of all ages. Staff from the Nature Center will be on hand all four days of OUTDOORAMA with a host of live wild critters on display.
The Livonia-based Michigan Fly Fishing Club has been educating fly fishermen and restoring critical trout habitat since 1970. MFFC has raised more than $300,000 for habitat work over the years and was the driving force in the early-�70s behind opening a stretch of the Huron River to an early catch-and-release fishing season beginning each April 1. That season remains viable today. MFFC members will be available to answer questions and demonstrate fly-tying and casting techniques.
Both the Michigan and Ohio Departments of Natural Resources will be on hand with literature on programs and regulations. Staff will also be answering questions from show patrons pertaining to natural resource use in both states.
The list of conservation groups and organizations slated to exhibit at the 40th annual OUTDOORMA is impressive. Other groups include Commemorative Bucks of Michigan, Detroit Buck Club, Downriver Walleye Association, Huron Valley Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation, Huron Valley Chapter Ducks Unlimited, Huron Valley Sportfishing Club, Metro-West Steelheaders, Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan Bowhunters, Michigan Charterboat Association, Michigan Forest Association, Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers, Oakland County Pheasants Forever, Quality Deer Management Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and others.
The first 500 attendees on Thursday and Friday receive a free, collectible Dardevle spoon from Eppinger Manufacturing Co. in Dearborn.
The first 500 attendees on Saturday and Sunday will receive a free Quick Fillet Tool from Quick Fillet Productions in Plymouth.
The show that celebrates conservation in Michigan is February 21 to 24. Show hours are 2 to 9:30 Thursday and Friday; 10 to 9 Saturday; and 10 to 5 Sunday. For more information, go to http://www.Outdoorama.com or call 800-328-6550.
Discount tickets are available at Wendy�s or online at Outdoorama.com
You can also follow late-breaking news and developments at: www.facebook.com/ULTIMATESPORTSHOWTOUR and at www.twitter.com/Outdoorama