Oklahoma: All Invited to Free Wildlife Expo

Thousands of guests will experience fun activities and great entertainment at the 2016 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, presented by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Come join the fun Sept. 24-25 at the Lazy E Arena. Parking, admission and activities are free. (wildlifedepartment.com)

All Invited to Free Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 24-25

The Oklahoma Wildlife Expo presented by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will return to the Lazy E Arena later this month.

Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25, so you won't miss all of the free and fun activities to be found at the Expo.

This 11th edition of the Wildlife Expo promises something for everyone who visits! "Expo is among the state's largest outdoor recreational events, and it draws thousands of people each year," said Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Crowd favorites will be there, including shotgun and pellet gun target shooting, fishing in a stocked pond, archery in the woods, and making crafts such as birdhouses and baskets. The centerpiece indoor activity this year will be a rock climbing wall.

"The Expo is completely free, and visitors can try all kinds of outdoor activities and check out booths of all kinds designed to teach them about wildlife, the outdoors and conservation," Hurst said.

Check the Expo's website at wildlifedepartmentexpo.com to find out the latest information, including how to get to the event, lists of activities and events, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Wildlife Department presents the Expo each year and works with a range of organizations, individuals and other state agencies to make the Expo a success. And it takes hundreds of volunteers and individuals to make the event run smoothly.

Visitors can easily plan to spend the entire day at the Expo, because there are so many things to see and do there. Guests will have a chance to ride mountain bikes, take a shot at bowfishing in the pond, check out some of Oklahoma's common sport fish in a giant glass tank, and much more.

Plenty of learning opportunities will be offered at dozens of booths inside and outside the arena. Visitors can speak with wildlife biologists and outdoorsmen experienced in fishing, hunting, game calling, wildlife and fisheries management, reptiles and amphibians and more.

Seminars will include Starting a Fire Without Matches, Jug Lining 101 and Fish Cleaning, among other topics. Various hands-on activities including simulated noodling, wildlife bling make-n-take and fly tying will capture the interest of the whole family!

Another favorite of Expo visitors is always the chance to sample some wild game cooking. And the best thing about all of this: It's free!

"In short, the Expo is a celebration of everything outdoors in Oklahoma," Hurst said. "We want you to leave the Expo with a new appreciation for wildlife along with hunting, fishing and wildlife watching."

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Sunday, and admission, activities and parking are free. Make plans now to share in the fun!

For more information and a list of Wildlife Expo activities, go online to wildlifedepartmentexpo.com.

The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the management of Oklahoma's wildlife resources and habitat to provide scientific, educational, aesthetic, economic and recreational benefits for present and future generations of hunters, anglers and others who appreciate wildlife.