PLEASE NOTE:

The following information is from the 2009 Outdoorama.

BIG BUCK NIGHT!

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

Celebrity hosts Jimmy Gretzinger and Jenny Olson 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!

Ultimate Air Dogs

Who says dogs can't fly?  Outdoorama attendees 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.  Wilcox is bringing several champion leapers to the Rock Financial Showplace for the event.  You could be witness to a world record! 

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

Wildlife Encounters

Michigan United Conservation Club believes in hands-on education and its Wildlife Encounters program fits the bill.  Wildlife Encounters is designed to educate Michigan’s citizens about the wildlife and habitats found right here in our great state.  Developed by MUCC in cooperation with the Michigan State University Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and 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 licenses 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.

Sportsmen's Grill

A large dining area has been designated as the site of the Sportsmen's Grill food court.  After rave reviews last winter, the area has acquired "Ultimate" status with and expanded menu, a family entertainment area and a large bar popular with sportsmen.  A basket of walleye fillets breaded in a special breading mix will be served up with fries and slaw at a "family price" throughout the show.

Ultimate Casting Competition

Presented by NBAA

Who has the best casting accuracy at the show?  You?  Prove it!  This competition is designed to be both fun and intensely competitive for hard core anglers of all ages.  Contestants will compete in a side-by-side timed "cast-off."  A special course has been designed with target rings at various distances.  Each timed event will be 3 minutes, with the winner of each preliminary event being awarded a prize.  High scores will be tracked with the top finishers being invited back for the "regional" championship on Sunday.  Scoring will be based on the total score of clean ringers as calculated by the judges.  Winners will be determined by the total score.  Ties will be settled by a "cast-off."  Check in at the NBAA booth to sign up at the show.  No pre-registration required, first come first served, based on available time.  An official NBAA judge will be on hand officiating the competition and will determine the grand champion.

Commemorative Bucks of Michigan

Commemorative Bucks of Michigan will be at the show to score your deer, turkey, bear and elk.  They will also have Boone and Crockett / Pope and Young measurers to assist you.  Bring your trophies and have them scored while you enjoy the show.

Antique & Classic Fishing Tackle

Terry McBurney, noted Michigan fishing tackle historian and Woods-n-Water News staff writer, will be on hand all four days of the show exhibiting some of his "Made in Michigan" fishing tackle collection.  He will be located in booth 5251.  Outdoorama visitors are welcome to bring in their old fishing tackle and talk to Terry, who will be answering questions and offering free appraisals.

Vintage Boats & Outboard Motors

Dick VanRaalte, from Starboard Marine Restorations of Grand Haven, MI, who restores wood and fiberglass boats, will be on hand all four days of the show exhibiting one of his restored classic boats.  He will also have a display of vintage outboard motors in booth 5251.  Outdoorama visitors are invited to come in a talk to Dick about boat restoration projects or to bring in old outboard motors for him to appraise.  Visit Starboard Marine on the web at www.boatrestorations.com.

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.

Virtual Fishing Simulator

Presented by the Michigan Charter Boat Association

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.

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.  It only costs $5 to give it a try.

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.