Brenda Valentine - The First Lady of Hunting

Each year about this time I'm honored to make personal appearances at a number of outdoor sports shows around the country. With deer hunting season now only a fond memory and turkey season still several weeks away, I welcome the opportunity to spend time amongst other hunters. I've long felt that most attendees are much like myself in that they are looking for a way to beat the “between season blues” as well as getting a head start on acquiring new products and/or shopping for that dream hunt. During the past few years I’ve noticed a gradual change in the typical show visitors but this year there has been an all-out turn around in the folks I see walking the aisles of these outdoor sports show. Now, it’s all about the family - ma and pa and all the young'uns are who you are most likely to see participating in show events and sampling vendors' wares.

The Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce in West Plains, Mo., open the outdoor show with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It seems like forever that our industry has been preaching on getting kids and families involved, me included, but I have to applaud the show planners and managers for the wonderful job they've done at accomplishing this. Actually, the recipe for such success is very simple: make it a family friendly atmosphere and offer fun stuff for the kids to do. This worked so well at the shows I attended recently that not only were the aisles choked with every gender and age group but I did not see one kid with video games or cell phones in their hands.

Visiting with good friends, Bill and Jerry Martin at the West Plains show.

One recent show I attended was sponsored by the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce in West Plains, Mo., located in the heart of the Ozarks where hunting and fishing is a way of life. I was impressed when the show was opened with a ceremony consisting of the local Jr. Honor Guard proudly displaying our flag, singing of the national anthem, saying a public prayer, and the mayor cutting a ribbon to the front door. That kind of small-town support can move mountains. The venue was so varied for this show that I defy anyone to say they were bored. There were world class whitetail displays and official scoring sessions for successful area hunters. Conservation organizations and state wildlife agencies were everywhere handing out free information. Outfitters and artists lined up side by side in the spacious exhibit hall. Turkey calling contests, NASCAR Pit Crew Challenges, and an excellent Blue Grass Gospel performance was held in the roomy theater. Seminar subjects were as varied as the people who presented them. I recall things such as photography, dog obedience training, videoing your own hunt, kayaking, the basics of Quality Deer Management, and my own about discovering what kind of hunter you really are. For those who wanted to get involved and show their skills, there was the Bow Masters 3-D tournament, an indoor climbing wall, a fishing tank with some really big fish, and a BB gun range. I’m sure I’ve left out many of the activities but my point is, there was something going on everywhere you looked. Kids and grandparents were competing side by side in lots of events. For those who are into collecting autographs and photos of their favorite TV hunters, professional fishermen, major league cheerleaders, and beauty queens, autograph alley was the place to be.

All ages dropped by my table to tell hunting stories.

The very next week I was off to the Greater Virginia Sports and Big Game show held at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. This show was advertised as a show for the entire family and it truly was. The show producers purposely planned everything about this show with a focus on family, from the entertainers to the activities. The headliners were myself, Ralph & Vickie Ciancirulo, and Frank Addington Jr. All are well known for their contributions in the archery and hunting industries for promoting and recruiting women and kids. Something I found unique and interesting at this show was the Heritage Trail with its Native American Indian seminars, crafts, teepees, fire pit, and, best of all, real Cherokee dancers Mike and Jeannie Cranford. The various big-top tents attached to the Grand Safari Building were alive with seminars, exhibitions, contests, and live music ranging from Rock to Blue Grass. Live and unusual animals from the Luray Zoo were a treat for the youngsters while the extensive Africa and North America big game taxidermy display intrigued every seasoned hunter. I especially liked the idea of having a show of this type at fair grounds where everyone could spread out and enjoy the sights, smells, and activities. Food vendors were filling the air with the mouth watering aroma of grilled meat and sweet kettle corn. Clowns were roaming about as were several Native Americans in full regalia. There was a Moon Bounce, paintball, rock climbing, ATV courses, a NASCAR Simulator, and a 3-D archery range where you try out the latest in Parker crossbows and compound bows.

This little cutie was tuning up her box call for the turkey calling competition under the guidance of her proud grandpa.

My jaw dropped when I saw the display of massive whitetail racks that were taken in and around the Shenandoah Valley. My heart melted when I saw grandparents helping preschoolers practice for elk and turkey calling competitions. My pride swelled when hundreds of folks shook my hand and shared their own hunting stories with me, for I knew we all shared a common bond. My mind was boggled trying to choose a fall hunt with the enticing assortment of outfitters from all over the globe. And of course my credit card was well used since I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do some shopping where everyone seemed to be selling my kind of stuff.

Yep, if you need a cure for the mid-winter doldrums, I prescribe a day at an outdoor sports show. I’ll be at the Omaha, Nebraska, Boat, Sports, and Travel Show in early March where there is sure to be something fun for everyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, or camping. Bring the crew and come on down because these days, outdoor sports shows are family affairs.

These boys cleaned up in the elk calling competitions in Virginia.

Seminar speakers were as varied as their subjects.

Signing autographs is always a part of being at an outdoor sports show. Typically it is on hats, shirts or photos however sometimes folks get creative and I find myself signing rifle stocks, compound bows, or bottle of Bar-B-Que sauce.

Little girls in camo are a common sight these days at outdoor shows.