Trophy Whitetails Free Range, By Don Ott

Gearbox:

• Medalist Stalker Fleece Pants and Coat
• Medalist  Base Layers
• Medalist Packable Rain pants and Coat
• Hunter Safety Systems Pro-Series Safety Vest
• LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots
• Kodak Easy Share ZD 8612 LS  Digital Camera
• Canon XHA-1 HD Camcorder 

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!

Shake, Rattle and Drool!!

• Medalist Stalker Fleece Pants and Coat


• Medalist  Base Layers


• Medalist Packable Rain Coat and Pants


• Medalist Gloves and Facemask


• Medalist socks


• Hunter Safety Systems Pro-Series Vest


• Hunter Safety Systems Bow Holster


• LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots


• PSE Nova Bow 50 #


• Rage 100 grain 3 Blade Broadheads


• 5575 Gold Tip Arrows


• True Fire Release


• Bushnell Range Finder with Arc


• Nikon Binoculars


• XHA-1 HD Video Camera


• Muddy Tree Arm

Last year at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor show I noticed an Outfitter Booth that had a whitetail hunter’s dream.  Big bucks displayed all over their wall.  Although I talked to other Whitetail Outfitters, there was something that kept drawing me back to this booth.  Finally I went up and spoke with the Outfitter, Carter’s Hunting Lodge in Pike County, Illinois.  The gentlemen I spoke with were Randy Hall and Nathan Carter. After working out some minor details we had a hunt planned for me in November, 2009 in Pike County during the rut.  Excited isn’t even the word.  Although I think everyone dreams of hunting the big mid-west bucks at some point in their hunting career.  I realized my dream was going to happen.

Carter's Lodge above.

Some of the impressive bucks hanging on the Lodge wall. These big bucks are enough to make even a seasoned hunter "Drool"!

It seemed like time flew and before you knew it, November was here and it was time to hit the woods with Carter Hunting Lodge. On the way out, Randy sent me a text message showing me the buck one of their hunters from Georgia shot the night before. A 10 point 166 inch. I was "wired!"

166 inch 10 pointer shot the night before I left for Carter's.

Don and I drove the 12 hour + trip to Milton, Illinois. (Right outside of Pittsfield, Illinois)   We were greeted by Nathan at the Lodge and after I took a few practice shots with my bow, we met with Randy for a tour of some of the property.  When I say some, I mean only a small portion.  Carter’s has over 8,000 acres of prime Pike County hunting land. Corn, food plots, deer, and more deer, and did I mention they have deer?  Well our first tour proved that the rut was on. We were able to witness and film a small 140 class buck tending a doe at dusk in a field. Proof the rut was on!!!!  This made me even more “wired” to get in a stand the next day.  During our ride Randy explained how things worked at Carter’s, the food plots, antler requirements of a 140 inch rack or better, tree stands, they have over 250 double stands hung all over the property.

Above talking with Nathan at Carter's Hunting Lodge.

Taking some practice shots.

Above, Randy is showing me trail cam pictures of their big bucks at the office, Carter Network Realty.

Above, our Guide for the week, Eddie Anderson

Our first evening out to hunt we weren’t in the stand more than 45 minutes when we saw out first buck across the hillside, with his nose to the ground, grunting.  We also saw a small buck and a doe and fawn.  I just knew this was a sign of good things to come.

Big Cedar tree rub...don't think a little spike did this!!!

Don 24+ feet up hooking up camera equipment.

The next morning, Eddie Anderson, our Guide, took us to another location he said had no pressure and hadn’t been hunted. As we pulled into the field to the path leading into our stand, off ran about 20 deer.  Does and bucks around 120+ inches.  “Small bucks” as we would refer to them out at Carter’s for the week.  Back home they would have been “shooters”!  As we were gathering our equipment form Eddie’s truck we heard crashing down in the woods behind us and a buck grunting loudly.  We all just smiled!  As Eddie lead us down the path to our tree perch for the day, the woods reeked of buck urine. It smelled like you walked into a “Tinks” factory.  There were scrapes about every 50-75 yards along the path.  The whole walk in we still heard grunts and deer running all around us.  Eddie smiled and told Don, “You better have that camera ready at first light!”  As we were climbing into our stand, hauling up cameras, equipment, my bow, there were literally deer walking all around us. As if we weren’t even there.  I was so “wired” for daylight to hit so we could see the sights. I was like a kid at Christmas!!!  I thought daylight would NEVER arrive. I kept whispering to Don, “Camera light yet?” I wanted to know as soon as he had camera light so if a buck arrived I had the go!  As the sun rose over the tree tops, deer started to filter into the hollow.  We had a small pond in front of us and could hear wood ducks hit the pond.  Soon we saw some doe and fawns head into the pond for a drink. Then our first buck a small buck.  We heard and saw a piece of farm equipment in the field above us cutting corn.  Everything was late this year getting cut due to the high amount of rain they received out in Illinois.  Nathan, Randy, Eddie, Dale kept telling us, “The deer are in the corn!”  Well, we saw proof of this.  As the corn was being cut, we looked up the hill and a string of deer started out of the corn down the hollow.  One right after another came, does, small bucks.  It was something!  It was only 11 AM and we had seen more deer than I could have imagined.  Around Noon we saw a movement at the other side of the pond and sure enough it had a high rack.  But I was unable to tell how big he was.  He slowly moved around the pond and to my right side with another small rack buck.  (small meaning about 110+)  As he stepped out I knew he wasn’t a “Carter Shooter” but he was a buck with potential.  At home…he would have been drawn on. But I let him walk.  Don and I were just excited to see a nice buck.  The day was busy.  At one time, Don said, “Teresa, small buck to your right!”  I answered, “I know, but I have doe right under me to the left!”  There was just action and deer moving ALL DAY LONG!!!!  It made the day go by so fast.  Finally I hear movement behind us.  Don was filming deer at the pond and as I look I see a buck with a “Noticeable” rack on the bank behind us at about 300 yards.  He was following a doe. I tell him there is a buck.  Possible shooter!  So the bleating grunts and rattling started.  After about 10 minutes we see the buck coming back down the hill to a deep ravine behind us.  He crests the hill 20 yards and offers a broadside shot.  At this time…Don and I are whispering back and forth whether or not he was a 140 inch rack.  He was high, heavy, a 10 point…but did he have it all?  The only thing that left me unsure was he had shorter brow tines.  But I was ready to draw and Don said, “No, I think he’s close but not sure.  May not be there. Let him go!”   So I watched as this beautiful 10 point, walked out of range…VERY SLOWLY may I add.  But I was so Wired Up with the fact I got to see a buck like this at 20 yards.  My hopes were high for another.

Above, the 10 pointer I passed up.

As we got back to camp, one of the guys, Victor, had already gotten his deer first day in camp. 141 inch buck.  Victor has gotten a buck at Carter’s 6 out of 8 years hunting there.

Don was explaining to the guys about the buck we passed on.  Teasing he would pay them to tell me it wasn’t a 140 inch buck even if it was. He was hoping he didn’t make a mistake by telling me not to shoot.  The guys all gathered around and watched the footage.  They said he was REAL close, but not sure if he quite made a 140.  Could be, but not sure. Plus he was a young deer.  All I know…if this guy makes it until next year…he is going to be a beast! Needless to say they all agreed we did the right thing.  Randy kept trying to stress to us, “If you have to THINK about it and try to add the buck’s rack up in your head…..he’s too close for comfort…let him walk!! When you see a big boy…you will just know…there won’t be ANY thinking or judging!”  At this point, it wasn’t as if we didn’t believe Randy…but not having bucks of this caliber around our home hunting grounds, it WAS hard to believe.  But I was still Wired up for the next day to arrive.
Next day, being so much activity went on there, we decided to hunt the same stand.  Saw the same 10 point again.  At this point he kept looking bigger.  But he wasn’t in shooting distance.  Another small 120 buck and numerous does and small bucks.  The wind was around 25mph that day. The afternoon lead us to another stand up over the hill that was at a point of numerous cornfields. You could see forever from this stand.  Eddie told us this was a good afternoon stand and that this is where they had been seeing all the big bucks at. Meaning 180, 195+.  The wind didn’t seem to bother the deer here like it does back home. We saw several does and some more small bucks.

Morning lead us to another stand overlooking a cut cornfield with green grass bordering. This is the stand where we realized what Randy had been telling us.  Around 8:30 AM we saw a doe across the field ready to jump a fence. Don said, “Get ready!” Sure enough all you could see were antlers and then the BIG BOY jumped the fence.  This was the biggest bodied deer I had ever seen in my life. Mass the whole way out his antlers. A big heavy 12 point, dogging a doe, grunting across the field.  He followed her and got within 60 yards, but there was no leaving her.  We heard his growls…YES; I said Growls and Roars behind us.  I had never heard anything like this in my life.  COOL!  The day passed with some small bucks, does and fawns.  The next day more of the same.

Everyone in camp was talking about the big bucks they were seeing. Everyday we saw deer, bucks, and “Carter Shooter” bucks.  But until this point nothing within range.  As everyone back in camp agreed around the dinner table, you just can’t wait to get back out the next day and see what is around the tree!  Why? Because you know you are going to see something and it just may be that shooter.

Everyone at camp, at home, my friends on facebook, kept telling me that “Thursday” was BBD day.  Back to our stand in the hollow, or holler as they say out there.  Does and small bucks near the pond in the morning.  Late morning behind us, Don sees a MONSTER, at least a 190 inch buck chasing a doe behind us.  I knew this buck had to be big. I have NEVER seen Don this excited and frantic about a buck.  This one he was over the top.  He grabbed the grunt call, horns, bleat and through the kitchen sink at it.  But to no avail.  Around 3 PM I look up on the hill and about 400 yards I see a buck rubbing his horns on a tree. Don caught him with the camera.  After a few grunt roars, we turned his head and headed down the path toward the ravine.  Don was keeping an eye there to see if he would come our way, when out to my right came 2 doe busting down out of the field! I was sure a buck was chasing them. The stopped to my right at a scrape.  I could tell the one doe was in and was keeping an eye on what might be following behind.  When something caught my eye to the left coming around the pond. I could tell it was a bigger bodied deer but didn’t want to move too much to spook the doe 10 yards in front of me standing in the scrape.  Just then, the doe walked over to my left also about 20 yards behind me.  Did you ever just get a feeling like “this isn’t good!”  Why? I didn’t’ know. I mean usually you would want doe by your stand. Especially in the rut, especially if they are in heat!  But something just didn’t feel right.  Just then I looked up the path coming to my stand and I saw HIM!  Yes, as soon as my eyes lay upon this buck I KNEW HE WAS A “Carter Shooter”!!!  He was wide past his ears and HIGH!  I started praying!  I can honestly say this is the FIRST buck I ever saw in the woods that made my knees shake!!!  He was smelling our drag line headed right down the path to us.  If he continued I knew I would have a ten yard broadside shot!   Then it happened.  The doe moved. Too soon. Meaning he didn’t make it down the path far enough to get a closer shot.  He saw them and started his show. Lifting each leg high with each step and stomping it down all the while never taking his eyes off the does.

As he went behind a brush area I drew.  He was 30 yards. The doe started to move down the ravine and he angled away. Hard quartering away.  I fired off the shot.  WHIFF!!!  To his left.  WHAT????  This cannot be.  He took one leap and stood there.

One doe never moved the other, as if nothing had happened, slowly walked down the hill.  I knocked another arrow, frantically I may add.  Hoping the hot doe would bring him back up past the stand.  It started to look that way. But she decided to go down and across the other side. He followed.

Putting on a show. Even turning and looking up the hill as if to laugh.

I was SICK!

Don't I look sick? I just missed the biggest buck of my life!

I could NOT believe the biggest buck of my life just slipped through my fingers. After a few minutes. I realized. That’s hunting.  I was excited and thrilled that I even got an opportunity at a trophy buck of that caliber. What happened, I don’t know. Don and I did notice the next morning in the stand there were a few briar twigs high enough where he was standing that the arrow may have hit and deflected.  OR it could have been I looked at the shot and didn’t hold through.  The heat of the moment I honestly don’t know.  At least it was a clean miss.  When Eddie came to pick us up that evening,I was so excited in telling him about the buck I missed He just laughed. Saying that you would have thought I had gotten it as excited as we were.  Well in reviewing pictures, the buck had kickers and stickers and Randy is guessing in the 160’s.  Just wasn’t meant to be.
Friday was like the other days, plenty of deer to be seen, “Carter shooter” bucks, even the one I missed the day before.  Just none of them within range.

Relaxing at the Lodge after a long day, laughing and telling stories with Randy Hall and Eddie Anderson.

Saturday we spent time with Randy and Eddie before leaving. Finishing up filming, visiting the Archery Shop and Jeff Foiles shop and display room.

Above, Eddie, Randy and I talking at the "Archery Shop" in Pike County.

Above, Jeff Foiles store and showroom.

Above, Eddie goofing around.

Dale Carter and I at the only eatery in Milton, Dink's Diner.

Don and I

Our first time spent at Carter’s Hunting Lodge will remain with us forever.  Don and I saw over 50 bucks through the week. Numerous BIG BUCKS (meaning over 140 inches), does and fawns everywhere.  This is a whitetail hunter’s paradise.  I know this is a place I plan on coming back next year. If you want to hunt TROPHY whitetail. Come to Carter’s!  Plenty of opportunity to see and harvest a TROPHY whitetail. The Lodge is laid back and comfortable, good food, good people, good friends, land, and more land.  And oh yeah they have deer!!  Their management of the whitetail on their property allows these bucks to get to their full potential.  Which allows us the possibility of harvesting a trophy whitetail!

2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor will Feature More Seminars, Outfitters, New Products and Manufacturer Demonstrations

HARRISBURG, Pa. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, the largest consumer event of its kind in North America, will be bigger and better when it comes to the State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg February 6-14, 2010.

"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 .