Sportsman’s Show this weekend

By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE — This weekend, UMPI’s Gentile Hall is transformed into a sporting paradise — all part of the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club’s Sportsman’s Show 2009.  
    Thanks to last year’s success with the children’s trout pond, organizers decided to save the expense of renting one and opted to build their own this year.
    This year, the club also purchased and will be operating a 24-foot by 8-foot air rifle range.
    “We’ll also have the bow range again this year,” said Charlie Beck, co-chair of the event.
    Another popular event scheduled again this year is the moose-calling contest.
    “We’ll be holding the contest at 4 p.m. in Weiden Auditorium at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Don Zillman is serving as emcee this year. Judges will include sporting camp owners, game wardens and others,” said Beck. “We’re offering $500 in cash prizes. Anyone interested in entering can do so at the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club booth.”
    Fly rods will be given away to children each hour. Hourly door prizes will be given to kids attending and one lucky winner will win the door prize, an Old Town canoe.
    Funds raised from this event will be used to provide scholarships for Maine youth to learn about conservation.
    The Maine Spaniel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association will be giving demonstrations, Fins & Furs will offer an adventure presentation, and there will be other demonstrations including canoeing, kayaking, lifesaving and bass fishing.
    Show hours are: Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, 10 and under get in free.