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Attractions
March 27, 28 & 29, 2009
Items of Interest at the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic:
- Okefenokee Joe -
Okefenokee Joe provides insight into wildlife and the environment as only a person who has lived as one with nature can.
 His Academy Award-winning ability to explain the natural world is a direct result of two factors: first, his “hands-on” background in wildlife interpretation and field herpetology, including a nine-year stint as resident curator of animals at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, and second, a gift for self-expression that produced two ‘million-selling’ country songs in the early 1960s. Recognized throughout the Southeast as an expert in field herpetology, Okefenokee Joe uses snakes to illustrate his message of conservation. As Okefenokee Joe says, “Nature needs what nature has and if you don’t need it, leave it”. Join Okefenokee Joe in the Moore Building seminar area for educational information on snakes and nature. Also visit Okefenokee Joe’s booth in the Ruff Building.
- Dennis Stratton
It’s not TV!
It’s the Truth about Whitetails.
This multimedia presentation will:
- increase your odds of harvesting that trophy whitetail,
- identify several trophy management myths,
- accurately inform you about hunting out of state,
- and give you the chance to be that lucky seminar participant to win a 3 day whitetail hunt and a bag of magic.
With over 50 years of deer hunting experience in 13 states and Canadian provinces, you will find master taxidermist and hunting guide Dennis Stratton both informative and entertaining. With his outstanding whitetail video footage, unique brand of comedy and songs such as "Me & Mr. Buck" and "Hunting with Dad", Dennis has been sharing his hunting experiences and faith at outdoor banquets, youth camps and churches throughout the Southeast for years.
This is a seminar you and your children will not want to miss.
- Bass Tub - The giant mobile aquarium stands over 9 feet tall, totally visible from both sides and is complete with rocks, stumps and other cover you normally find in a lake where you fish.
 The 5,000-gallon tub is stocked with live fish including bass, crappie, striped bass and others. The BASS TUB is operated by professional fishermen who stand on top in a small boat and delight in teaching you how to fish, passing on tips they have learned over the years. They present various types and models of lures so you can see their operation in the water. You’ll enjoy the reaction of fish to the lures and you will learn to better utilize each type for your favorite species. Fishing really comes alive when you get a close-up view of a big bass striking a lure. Stop by and watch a demonstration on the BASS TUB in the Nutt Arena.
- Roark Ferguson -
 We are very pleased to have speaker/showman extraordinaire Roark Ferguson, one of the most sought after speakers in the animal industry today, returning to the Sportsmans Classic in 2009 . Roark is a renowned Conservationist, Herpetologist, and Wildlife Adventurer. With more than 20 years experience on stage, screen, and talk shows, Roark has captivated and educated standing room only audiences nationwide. His life's work is changing public perception about misunderstood creatures in an enlightening and entertaining manner. This has also allowed him to appear on and provide animals for, National Geographic, Entertainment''s "Wild On", Comedy Central's "Insomniac" Animal Planet's "Amazing Animals", TNT's "Blue Ribbon", Turner South's ""Southern Living Presents", Southern Styles, MTV's Sweet Sixteen Dance Party, the movies "The Tempest", and "All for Liberty" , tv commercials, and most recently appear as guest naturalist on 3 episodes of Animal Planet's Backyard Habitat. Careful scientific observation, highly entertaining anecdotes, a passion for performing, unique insight and commitment to coexistence with wildlife make this an event you will not want to miss. Affectionately known as "The Big Snake Daddy" Roark has often maintained the largest collection of reptiles in the history of the State of South Carolina encompassing a very diverse group of nearly 1,100 snakes, numerous crocodilians, as well as other herpetofauna. Throughout his career he has successfully bred and raised countless species of reptiles, mammals, and birds of prey, placing many on display at worthy institutions.. Roark is the owner of Roark's Reptile Safari (SC's premier educational outreach/rainforest exhibit), operates a reptile rescue, directs a 21 acre exotic wildlife rescue, is President of the South Carolina Association of Animals and Reptile Keepers, President of the Southeast Hot Herp Society's SC Chapter, the former Zoological Director of Alligator Adventure, Crocodilian Advisory Consultant to the SC Aquarium, Founder and former President of the South Carolina Herpetocultural Society, a member of the SC State Animal Advisory Review Board and serves on numerous wildlife and conservation advisory boards working to keep reptiles and exotic animals available to hobbyists and professionals alike . Roark's work with crocodiles is unprecedented. He is the only person known to have successfully trained an adult crocodile. In addition to Roark's shows you can catch Roark on Animal Talk Radio (nationally syndicated) every Sunday night from 8-9 pm.
In addition to Roark's stage performances in the Moore building, Roark will have a large display of SC Native Amphibians and Reptiles in the Ruff building - where kids and adults alike can see and feel many of the amphibians and reptiles found in South Carolina.
 The Comedy Canines - From the heart of the Smoky Mountains comes one of the most unique groups ever to perform at the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic. Dawn Goehring has been a dog lover and trainer for years, but five years ago she began entertaining people in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the Comedy Barn with dogs she not only rescued but also trained. She brings to the stage dogs with a variety of personalities that are guaranteed to entertain both young and old.
- Joe Kelly & Son Outdoors - Presenting their Northwest Giants’ whitetail collection throughout the United States, Joe Kelly and Son have one of the largest whitetail displays, with racks that score in the 170 to 250 class range. Included in their collection is the world record Hanson Buck and a Goliath buck. Their 40-foot-long display contains some of the finest whitetails from the northwestern United States and Canada.
- State Archery-In-Schools Tournament - Schools participating in the Archery-In-Schools program are invited to participate in the Second Annual SCDNR Archery In The Schools Tournament.
- Short-Term Wilderness Survival
Long-time Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic exhibitor Scott Jones is best known for his demonstrations of primitive skills such as flintknapping and fire-making. This year he will also present a seminar entitled Short-Term Wilderness Survival. In the Southeast, most survival situations arise from simple mistakes like a wrong turn during a day hike or hunting trip. Despite our generally mild climate, it is not uncommon for a lost person to suffer from exposure, and fatalities sometimes occur. This need not be the case, and this twenty-minute seminar shows how to assemble a small kit of modern gear, as well as tips for improving your chances should you become lost. Also, be sure to visit Scott’s booth in the Ruff Building where he will conduct ongoing primitive skills demonstrations throughout the weekend..
- SC Reel Kids fishing pool - Provides an opportunity for kids to catch their first fish and sign up for the “Reel Kids” program. If you are already a “Reel Kid”, bring your license and receive a gift at the “Reel Kids” booth in the Ruff Building.
- Take One Make One Trailer with air rifle and electronic shooting ranges. They will also have the fishing simulator with the TOMO trailer.
- Kids Education Activity Booth by DNR – In Ruff Building - Provides hands-on activities for children to learn about our natural resources.
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