PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2008 Outdoorama.

BIG BUCK NIGHT!

Thursday Night ONLY!  Presented by Michigan Out of Doors TV Show.

Celebrity hosts Jimmy Gretzinger and Kelly Gotch will interview the lucky Michigan hunters who bagged some of the largest whitetail deer of the season.  Special consideration is given to lucky hunters who have amazing stories about their kill.  This one night show will be filmed for airing on the upcoming television program and is a must see for every Michigan deer hunter!

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters is a program designed to help Michigan citizens increase their knowledge and appreciation of our valuable wildlife resources.  This program was developed by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs in cooperation with the Michigan State University Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, College of Veterinary Medicine.  Wildlife Encounters programs feature native Michigan wildlife that have been permanently disabled and can't be returned to the wild or are obtained from licensed captive breeders. 

During presentations, live animals are used to highlight a wide range of wildlife concepts including information on the animals' biology, life history, adaptations, myths, and wildlife problems.  Ecological relationships, such as habitat requirements, species interactions, and population status in Michigan are also discussed.  The 45-60 minute presentations are kept lively and entertaining, and provide an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

Ultimate Air Dogs

Who says dogs can't fly?  West Michigan families have a big treat in store when the Ultimate Air Dogs Big Air Show comes to town.  Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Milt Wilcox will host the special feature, which you may have seen on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games.  Competitions are also seen on the Sporting Dog Challenge and the Super Retriever Series, both on ESPN2. 

For more information and pre-registration visit www.ultimateairdogs.net.

Traditional Skills Expert Jim Miller

Jim is one of the nation's leading advocates of the study and application of traditional skills and crafts.  The Port Huron, Michigan native discovered the beauty and essence of the natural world at an early age and has spent countless hours studying the skills of our ancestors in woods, fields and streams throughout the Great Lakes region.  Miller has written many articles on primitive and traditional skills and crafts which have appeared in publications such as Wilderness Way, Michigan Wilderness Journal, Woods n' Water News, Whispering Winds Magazine and the Bulletin of Primitive Technologies.  He is perhaps best known for his all-natural brain tanning method of producing buckskin without the use of toxic chemicals.  Skins tanned through Miller's process were used in the movie Thunderheart and supplied to the craftsmen of the movie The Indian In My Cupboard.  His boxes, made from brich bark, in the design of the Woodland Indians are featured at historic Fort Mackinaw, Mackinaw, Michigan.

Yoder's Live Big Game Show

See huge whitetail bucks!

Michigan Association of Game Bird Breeders and Hunting Preserves

Live gamebird display!

Antique & Classic Fishing Tackle & Sporting Collectables

Terry McBurney, one of Michigan's best-known fishing tackle historians and Woods-n-Water News staff writer will be on hand exhibiting some of his "Made in Michigan" fishing tackle collection.  Dick VanRaalte will also be showing a restored classic boat plus a display of vintage outboards.  Outdoorama visitors are welcome to bring in old fishing tackle and other fishing related items and talk to the experts who will be answering questions and offering free appraisals.

Virtual Fishing Simulator

Presented by the Michigan Charter Boat Association

Sponsored by WYCD

Take the trolling rod in hand, watch the video screen and get ready!  The salmon takes that lure like a freight train and your job is to land that fish.  Top scores win fishing trips!  All proceeds benefit the MCBA's scholarship fund.

Sportsmen's Grill

A large dining area has been designated as the site of the Sportsmen's Grill.

Casting Kids Competition

Presented by the Michigan B.A.S.S. Federation

Seasoned tournament anglers are on hand not only to run the contest, but to instruct and coach the participants with their casting skills.  Spinning, spin-casting and casting styles are included.

Trout Pond

Operated by Michigan B.A.S.S. Federated Clubs as a fundraiser, you and your kids are invited to come and try your hand at one of the state's best Trout Ponds!  Even if you come just to watch, you will see the highest catch precentage of any Trout Pond you have ever seen.  The Mid-Michigan Steelheaders will clean, fillet and bag your catch with ice.  It only costs $5 to give it a try.

Fish Cleaning Demonstrations

Learn the BEST way to clean your fish!  Any fish caught at the Trout Pond will be cleaned and bagged with ice for FREE at the fish cleaning / demonstration booth.  Bring 'em home ready for the skillet!

Pellet Shooting Range

A Pellet Shooting Range will thrill plinkers and shooters of all ages.  This popular feature is destined to be a big hit.  Certified instructors are on hand to teach accuracy and safety to shooters of all ages.

Cogs the Robot

Be on the look-out for Cogs the Robot while you're at the show!  He'll be wandering the aisles entertaining attendees Friday - Sunday.