Wildlife Expo this weekend

By Jefferson Weaver

Staff Writer

The Coastline Convention Center will go wild again this weekend as outdoors enthusiasts of all types come to the second Cape Fear Wildlife Expo. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday in the Coastline Convention Center on the  Wilmington waterfront.

“We had an outstanding turnout last year,” said W.C. Lanier, organizer of the event. The expo will feature around 100 vendors and displays from groups like the N.C. Trappers, Quality Deer Management Association, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission,  N.C. marine fisheries, and Ducks Unlimited.  Representatives of the N.C. Bass Federation Team Bass Master will return with the kids’ casting contest. The N.C. Bowhunter’s Association is bringing back Archery Alley for demonstrations and target practice.

Last year’s event drew several thousand people to the Coastline Center each day.

“We’re going to have even more activities for the kids this year, and we expect an even bigger crowd,” Lanier said. “People are looking for more things to do closer to home, and this is something that is very family friendly.”

Lanier said the event is aimed at encouraging youth to enjoy the outdoors through hunting, fishing and other sports.

“The expo’s goal is to heighten public awareness of our natural resources and to encourage conservation of these natural resources,” he said. “It’s about fun, but learning and appreciating the outdoors as well.”

Interactive kid-friendly stations are designed to connect families with nature, test their outdoor skills, and educate about wildlife conservation. There’s also a ‘Glitter Gulch Mine’ station where kids can ‘mine’ for gem stones.

Mobile exhibits include the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Sensory Safari, a 36-foot wildlife exhibit-on-wheels and Aquatic Trailer, an aquarium with two 300-gallon tanks. Other exhibits include a wildlife and conservation display, courtesy of the N.C. Quality Deer Management Association.

In the outdoor display area, the Core Sound Decoy Guild will demonstrate the art of decoy carving. A Junior Duck, Swan and  Goose-Calling Contest on Sunday at 10 a.m. for ages 17 years and younger. Registration begins Sunday at 9 a.m.

Kids will also have the opportunity to participate in scavenger hunts with the chance to bag some prizes. By solving wildlife riddles, children will learn about conserving natural resources.

They’ll learn why deer shed their antlers every year; how many white spots are on a whitetail fawn; how much a 9-foot long Atlantic sturgeon weighs; why fire can actually help wildlife; and much more. Two hunts will be offered: one for kids under age 10 and another for ‘tweens and teens.

Scavenger hunt gear will be available at the information desk at the entrance.

Tickets are $6 per day or $10 for both days. Children 10 and under are free with an adult. The expo opens Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., and closes at 7 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information go to www.capefearwildlifeexpo.com.

–         Weaver is a syndicated columnist who lives in Kelly. He does not like the month of February. Email him at jeffweaver@whiteville.com, or catch up to him on facebook.com.