CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Doors open at noon Friday for the 32nd annual West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show. The event has been ongoing for more than three decades and is one that many enjoy year after year.
“It’s a tradition. There’s people who come back every year and it’s like old home week,” said Glen Jarrell who has been part of the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association for many years.”A lot of hunters and fishermen come back to see each other and renew old acquaintances with outfitters and vendors.”
The hunting and fishing guide services are among the biggest exhibitors at the event. This year’s show will feature at least six guides offering hunting trips to South Africa. Outfitters are also offering excursions to Canada, Alaska, the western United States, and right here in West Virginia. Vendors also have a wide array of hunting and fishing products on display and for sale.
Along with those who are part of the event every year there are about 30 new exhibitors for 2019. The event will also feature exhibition archery from Winfield native Frank Addington Junior.
“He’s the ‘Aspirin Buster’,” said Jarrell. “He can shoot an aspirin out of the air with an arrow. He’ll be doing shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and he’ll be on hand all weekend to take pictures and sign autographs.”
The show, which is one of the biggest events of the year for the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, typically attracts close to 15,000 people over the course of three days. Proceeds are directed toward hunting and fishing organizations which support conservation and youth outdoor education.
“We’re non-profit. Everyone of us is volunteer. None of us get paid here,” said Jarrell. “After we pay all oft he expenses we look over and provide money to anything that promotes conservation and education of our young people. All of these programs benefit from people coming to the show and buying a ticket.”
Those proceeds are bolstered by auction items which are donated by the outfitters or vendors. There is a silent auction and a live auction on Saturday afternoon.
Hours for the show are Friday Noon to 9 p.m, Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9. Children age 6-12 is $1. Children under age 6 are admitted free.