The 16th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds February 15-17, opening weekend of the 59th annual Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show – the largest outdoor show of its kind in the U.S.A.

At over 70,000 square-feet, the Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo is looking bigger and better than ever, serving the passionate, diehard hunter’s needs, as well as those of the individual or family who may simply be looking for information on how to get started in hunting locally or at a distant destination.

Exciting features and seminars from the nation’s top hunting experts, plus hands-on access to the latest hunting products are the hallmarks of this unique event. In addition to two indoor archery ranges, deer scoring, gun dog demonstrations, Hoosier Record Book Trophy Deer Display, hunter education and safety displays and seminars and hundreds of unique hunting exhibitors from around North America, marquis features of this year’s Expo include the Big Tine Hunting Seminar Series and the Indiana Waterfowl Calling Contests sponsored by Ducks Unlimited.

“The Big Tine Hunting Seminar Series puts show attendees into direct contact with the foremost hunting experts in the world”, says show organizer Kevin Renfro. Indeed, in addition to turkey hunting expert Preston Crabtree, three time world champion duck caller Bernie Calef, predator hunting dynamo Jason R. Bruce, whitetail experts Greg Miller, C.J. Winand, Jim Ward and master whitetail caller Tom Richardson, this year’s Big Tine Hunting Seminar Series will be headlined by Pat Reeve and Nicole Jones of Driven TV.

Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo attendees will have plenty to do and see in between this year’s seminars. Ducks Unlimited is once again sponsor the Indiana Waterfowl Calling Contests on February 16 and 17. With divisions for both kids and adults, amateurs and hard-core callers alike can have fun and win big prizes at this year’s competition, which also serves as the Indiana qualifier for the World Waterfowl Calling Championships -- the world’s premier duck and goose calling competition -- to be held later this year in Stuttgart, AR. “The Indiana Waterfowl Calling Contest is the only event in Indiana that serves as a qualifier for the world championships,” says Renfro. “If you want to get to Stuttgart, you’d better be here on the 16th and 17th”, he continues.

The Expo’s Gun Dog Demonstration Area is a great place to learn all about many breeds of popular hunting dogs -- from upland bird dogs, waterfowl retrievers to coon dogs. A new addition this year is “Antler Dogs”. Collecting the shed antlers has become a popular pastime, and many people are training their dogs to find these shed antlers.  Several different breeds of dogs can be trained to retrieve antlers but the most common is the Labrador retriever.  Roger Sigler is an expert at training antler dogs and has trained pit bulls, labs, German shepherds and other breeds. Roger will be speaking at this year ‘s Expo so you can learn the details of training your dog to retrieve antlers.

Whitetail deer are at the center of America’s hunting culture and take a prominent place at the Expo as well. Visitors are invited to come and see the largest deer recorded in the Hoosier state at the Hoosier Record Book Trophy Deer Display. Whether you’re an avid hunter or just respect the sport, you’ve never seen a lineup of whitetails like this before. Hunters are also encouraged to bring in their own racks to be officially scored by the Indiana Deer Hunters Association, official score keepers for the Hoosier Record Buck program. Officials from the Boone & Crocket and Pope & Young Scorers will also be on hand to score your trophy buck for a fee of $15.

Looking to replace your old bow? Shoot all the latest models at the Archery Manufacturer’s Demo Lanes. Industry experts will be on hand to show you the very latest bow technology available.  Take the guess work out of your next bow purchase and take advantage of the one-on-one experience with industry experts – only at the Manufacturer’s Archery Demo Lanes.

“The Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo is really the best place folks can go to see the very latest products and services for hunters and meet and talk with some really great people,” says Jackson Riley, a representative of Big Tine 30-06 Deer Blend, sponsors of the Big Tine Hunting Seminar Series. “This is the biggest show we do and it is right here in our home state … Like other exhibitors, we’ll be selling some great products at great show prices … it’s a great way to connect with Indiana hunting enthusiasts and get our name out,” concludes Riley.

From food plots and field-dressing to tree stands and trail cams, the 16th annual Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo is the one place to go to get your hunt on, no matter what kind of camo you wear. And don’t forget that a single ticket gets you into both the Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo and the massive Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show.

Beginning Monday, January 21st, adults save $2 on admission when they purchase Advance Discount Tickets to the Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo and the Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show at Marsh and Main Street Markets. For the latest show features, seminar schedules and information, or to purchase tickets online, go to www.IndySportShow.com.

Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo hours:
Friday, February 15, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday February 16, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show hours:
Fridays, February 15 & 22, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturdays, February 16 & 23, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sundays, February 17 & 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday, February 18, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday, February 19-21, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.                     

Admission prices:  
$13 Adults
$11 Seniors (60+)
$8   Kids (6-12)
FREE  All kids 5 years of age and under