Recreation

Outdoor Enthusiasts Come Together for Big Sport Show

Wisconsin Sport Show’s dairyland outdoors celebration

James Johonnott |

Everything from antlers to anglers.
Everything from antlers to anglers.

Eau Claire is sporting an outdoors convention that’s back and bigger than ever. The Wisconsin Sport Show returns to the Menards Conference Center for its seventh year. This three-day convention is jam-packed with excitement for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. For the animal lovers, there will be dog hunting and tracking shows; puppies for sale; a free indoor petting zoo with reindeer, goats, and sheep’ and (new this year) live, whitetail trophy bucks will be on display. For the fishing enthusiasts, there will be thousands of square feet of baits, lures, and fishing retailers, and also several featured speakers and seminars including Mark Brumbaugh, walleye tournament angler; Mark Harsch, S&M Tracking, discussing raising bloodhounds for deer tracking; Ryan Haffele, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, discussing deer management; Brad Marx, demonstrating bowfishing; and Ace Sommerfeld, First Wisconsin Chapter of Muskies Inc. There will be more than 140 exhibitor displays; dozens of retailers; demonstrations such as live chainsaw carving and seminars by the DNR; lodges, resorts, and campgrounds from all over North America will be represented; and there’ll be free parking, on-site concessions, and thousands of dollars in great door prizes.

7th Annual Wisconsin Sport Show • March 13-20 • Menards Conference Center, 5150 Menard Dr., Eau Claire • Tickets: $6 (advance), $8 (door) • www.wisportshow.com