f you enjoy the hunting tradition you’ll want to mark August 1-3 on the calendar when the Richmond Raceway Complex will be transformed into one of the largest gatherings of hunting and shooting sport vendors/exhibitors you’ll see this year.
This is the 42nd year for the popular show that features demonstrations of all kinds. You can learn more about everything from archery to upland bird hunting. The show has a heavy focus on deer hunting but there’s hunting of kinds represented including western U. S. and Canadian guides as well as hunting operations and lodges from all over Virginia and the world.
Checking the schedule of seminars reveals presentations from names like headliner Keith Landcaster, a veteran in the hunting industry, whose name is synonymous with big game hunting and a love for the outdoors. Landcaster spent 13 years as a member of the Primos Truth About Hunting team and was a regular face on the TV show and appeared in numerous DVDs. In 2009, Kenneth joined up with the Bone Collector Team and long-time friend, Michael Waddell. To this day he remains as one of only two pro staff members on the Bone Collector team. Additionally, Kenneth has appeared as a guest on an impressive lineup of shows including Realtree Roadtrips, Bone Collector, Monster Bucks and Swamp People.
The show will also feature special appearances by Tim Andrus; Host of Rush Outdoors TV and The World of Rush Outdoors on the Pursuit Channel, Eddie Salter; a.ka. – The Turkey Man, The HuntChef, Jeremy Critchfield; a premier wild game chef who loves to share his knowledge and techniques. He’ll be talking seasonings, jerky, sausage, brine kits and his new sauce line to help you better prepare your harvest.
W2 Pro Team member and wingshooting instructor Kate Ahnstrom will be talking on upland bird hunting. Attendees will be thrilled by archery trick shooter Byron Ferguson. Noted game chef Albert Wutsch will show you how to butcher and prepare your harvest. Bobby Uhrig’s MegaStrike Bass Tank will be a center of interest with demonstrations and live fish. There are many activities for the kids including a duck decoy painting workshop and the Future Sportsman Kidz Zone, exciting Dock Dogs shows, a unique Pig, Beer & Deer concession, plus the National Wild Turkey Federation’s state turkey calling championship and the Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association’s (VPSA) annual Big Game Contest, where deer hunters throughout the Old Dominion will bring their mounts to be judged in this prestigious contest.
Deer hunters throughout the Old Dominion will bring their mounts to the prestigious 86th annual Virginia Big Game Contest held in conjunction with the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show.
Certified judges from VPSA and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources will be awarding hosting a Western Regional, Eastern Regional and State Championship all under one roof. State Citations will also be given by the VPSA and DWR for qualifying entries.
Classes are as follows: 6 points and below, 7-8 points, 9, 10, 11 points, and 12 points and above. Divisions are: Gun, Bow, Youth under 16 (at time of harvest), Women and muzzleloader in each class.
Hunters must have their DWR confirmation number on their hunting license from the Game Department’s Telephone/Internet Checking System, in order to enter a deer, bear, or turkey in the contest.
In addition, there is a Historical Division that includes any deer, bear, or turkey taken or deadhead found from a previous season in Virginia. Historical division entries do not require a game check card.
This year’s contest will be judged on the Virginia Scoring System. The $20 per entry fee includes: official scoring of one trophy whitetail, turkey and/or bear, free weekend pass to the outdoor show, citation with score and entry into the official Virginia Record Book.
The VPSA will begin taking entries on Friday of the show from 1pm to 8 pm and continue again on Saturday from 10 am until the deadline at 4 pm. There will be no exceptions after the deadline Saturday. All entries will be returned on Sunday following the exciting awards ceremony that begins at 2 pm.
If you have any questions about the contest, please first visit www.vpsa.org for the list of official rules or call VPSA President Mike Jones at 757-371-3335 or e-mail vpsa.big.game.contest@gmail.com
