SHOW FEATURES

DOCK DOGS

What the Dock Dogs do could best be described as a cross between doggy diving and doggy long jump. In this dog vs. dog competition, man's best friend jumps for a chance to be top dog. Come see local dogs and their owners compete in this fun filled event that is sure to cause a big splash at this year's show. You can see the canine competition at the Sportsman's Arena in the Champions (East) Pavilion. See Sportsman's Arena schedule.

Dock Dogs are back by popular demand!!

SAFETY EDUCATORS - WILDERNESS SURVIVAL COURSES

New This Year! Safety Educators is a trusted provider of experience driven safety training in a positive and supportive learning environment. Their uniqueness is based on the diverse educational and experiential background of a staff which prides itself in being facilitators of learning with over 50 years of combined experience. Come learn survival techniques from the pros in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. See Showcase Schedule.

Introduction to Outdoor Survival

During this interactive 45 minute program you will learn survival techniques such as:

• The importance of developing a survival mindset
• Survival priorities with the “Rule of 3’s”
• To S.T.O.P. and survive!
• How to use trash bags to save your life
• Selection of fire starting and building materials
• Construction of pocket-sized survival kits
• And more!

Introduction to Compass Use

During this interactive 45 minute program you will learn:

• The basic parts of a compass and how it works
• Why there are actually 3 “Norths!”
• How to determine an azimuth/bearing
• Selection of a compass
• What your pace/tally step is
• And more!

MARTY KOCH – THE PADDLING GOURMET

Tired of bland freeze dried camp meals? Dare to go beyond the ordinary and make your next camp meal a gourmet delight! Having guided and outfitted thousands of people for nearly three decades, Marty Koch, otherwise known as the “Paddling Gourmet”, will teach you how to use readily available food and turn it into unique meals of gourmet quality. Through his Outdoor Cooking series, Marty will present a series of demonstrations such as the art of camping cooking, how to eat well at the campsite, and of course how to become a paddling gourmet. See Showcase Schedule.

EXHIBITOR'S SHOWCASE

The Exhibitor's Showcase was developed for exhibitors to present the benefits of their products or services in a more structured forum. Come to the Showcase Stage in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion to watch exhibitors conduct 30 minute presentations / demonstrations in our newly designated seminar area. See Showcase Schedule.

Jim Grandt / Grandt Industries:
Grandt Industries' All American Pro Series is used by hundreds of Bass Pros all over the world. This is a very durable and conservatively priced rod. The New Stealth Series is a High Modulus Graphite series available in a variety of actions, and they give anglers less fatigue and more power. The TiTech  Series is a special series for the angler wanting nothing but the very finest in the Industry in Sensitivity and Feather Lite actions. Simply the Ultimate.

Plan a new Indiana Trip in 5 minutes or less…on the Internet!
Eric Stallsmith has been building Indiana Outdoor recreation and tourism websites for 10 years.  During the seminar he will discuss all of the websites you can use to help plan your 2009 trips.  Every attendee will receive a handout that will be a link list for these key sites.  You can easily plan a trip to a place you have never been in 5 minutes or less GUARANTEED!  Hiking, biking, fishing, lakes, parks, and rivers...they will all be discussed at the seminar!

FISHING CAMP - ASK THE PROS

Check it out! You get to control the seminar topics. That’s right! For the first time, you the show visitor, will be able to direct the content of these special seminars. Your moderator will be joined on stage by the biggest names in the business along with local experts to discuss the topics that are important to you. You ask the questions and get the discussion moving!

Join us, at this years show, for this exciting new element to our seminar series. Come and participate in the discussion! See Showcase Schedule.

Fishing Camp Speakers:

First Weekend:
1. Rick LaCourse - PWT Pro (Professional Walleye Tour)
2. Julia Davis - WPWT Pro (Women's Professional Walleye Tour)
3. Spence Petros - TV Host, Outdoor writer
4. Mike Hulbert - Indiana Guide and contributing editor to Musky Hunter Magazine

Second Weekend:
1. Joe Thomas - TV Host
2. Mike DelVisco - Professional Bass Angler
3. Mark Randolph - TV Host
4. Kim Stricker - TV Host, BASS Pro (his show is on VS)
5. Chris Walker - Local Expert Smallmouth river fishing

FISHING DEMONSTRATIONS presented by INDY-YAKS

Indy-Yaks will appear in the Sportsman’s Arena to introduce you to the world of kayak fishing! Find out everything you need to know about angling from these highly mobile and enjoyable watercraft. From what type of kayak to purchase and how to set it up to where they can be used; Dan Sutton will cover it all. Come find out why more and more people are taking part in this relaxing and enjoyable pastime. See Sportsman's Arena schedule.

INDY PARKS WATERS EDUCATION TRAILER

The Indy Parks Waters Education trailer is a mobile nature center educating the public on aquatic habitats found in Central Indiana. There is a lake depicted with fish found in deep water, a beaver dam, a creek winding through a forest with those animals who utilize forested creek habitats, and a back yard habitat including humans as important components of water ecosystems. There are also interactive displays that teach people of all ages about the importance of clean water not only for humans but also for the flora and fauna of our community. Indy Parks Naturalists will be on hand to answer questions about wildlife and water habitats.

This Waters Education Trailer is primarily used at schools and other youth facilities in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. This trailer also participates in public events in Marion County that have a youth and or Environmental focus.

FLW OUTDOORS BASS BOAT SIMULATOR

Check out the FLW Outdoors Bass Boat Simulator in the Champions (East) Pavilion! It's FREE! The innovative Ranger Boat Simulators mimic the exact action and feel of being out on the water. Simultaneously, fans will get to experience the excitement of tournament fishing as well as the exhilaration that comes from piloting a Ranger Boat across open waters at high speeds. Imagine the thrills and excitement of an amusement park ride combined with the non-stop action of a state-of-the-art computer video game – and you’ll start to understand what the Ranger Boat Simulators are all about. These simulators are great fun for the whole family!

ANTIQUE OUTBOARD BOAT MOTORS DISPLAY

During the 1950’s, which some might call the heyday of outboard racing, there was an outfit in the town of Quincy, IL that took then new Mercury Outboards and modified them for racing. This small business was called Quincy Welding, and at one time they held most all the boatracing speed records and would show up at racesites with a huge trailer with sometimes as many as 7 boats up on the racks.

Jay Walls from Danville, IN has kept the raceboat trailer up and running and regularly takes it to area races and runs the antique classes at these races. Jay and his son will be displaying the old Quincy Welding trailer this year along with some of their antique raceboats and motors. If you remember seeing the old 2 cylinder opposed racing motors along with their big brothers, (the mighty Evinrude 460’s) at races right here on White River, then come see these old racing rigs at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show.

The Walls family has been avid collectors of old outboard motors since the 1960’s and will also be displaying many motors manufactured in the very early 1900’s. One such boat and motor combination could be the oldest displayed at an event like this in modern times.

Jay Walls says there are several local Antique Outboard Motor Club members who will help by displaying some of their motors and will be at the booth to talk outboarding the way it was 100 years ago. Walls says since this is 2009 it is the 100 year celebration of Evinrude being in the Outboarding business, so they will have very early Evinrudes on display. Come see the way outboarding started.

PEAK ADVENTURE ROCK WALL

Are you ready for the Rock? This custom designed mobile rock wall stands 24 feet tall and adds a dash of extreme sports to the Ford 55th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show! Located in the Pepsi Coliseum, the Wall is open to anyone who wants to give rock climbing a try. The Wall has been one of the most popular exhibits at past shows and with the increasing popularity of the X-games, more people will climb the rock wall this year than ever before!

TACKLE TOWN USA

This is the time to buy the latest and greatest fishing apparel from the hottest dealers in the country! Fishing poles, lures, reels, nets, tackle boxes and waders - Tackle Town USA has it all and much more. Located in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, if Tackle Town USA doesn't have what you're looking for, then neither does anybody else.

KIDS DAY

The second Saturday of the show is Kids Day. That means on Saturday, February 28th the first 500 children through the door will receive a rod and reel combo!

No need for a sitter - bring your kids. There is something for everybody at the show, so your young ones are sure to enjoy themselves.

DISCOVER SCUBA with DIVER’S SUPPLY

Diver’s Supply lets you experience the thrill of scuba diving through their interactive “Discover Scuba” display in the Champions (East) Pavilion. Under the supervision of a Diver’s Supply Professional, you’ll experience scuba diving in pool or pool-like conditions. You’ll be taught the basic concepts and scuba skills to prepare for your own open water adventure. You’ll discover excitement and adventure - freedom and serenity. Nothing compares to the "weightless" exhilaration of breathing underwater. Only a diver knows the feeling! Find out more about them at their website www.diverssupplyindy.com

LASER SHOTGUN 3D

Take your best shot as you go up against other competitors in the Laser Shotgun 3D interactive game!! Specially modified shotguns allow competitors to shoot lasers at clay pigeons and other 3D targets, and compete against other players to receive points by hitting targets. This is a great chance to hone your skeet shooting skills and have a little fun in the process. Come experience Laser Shotgun 3D in the Pepsi Coliseum.

BASS TUB

This 5,000 gallon aquarium measuring an astounding 40’ long, 4’ wide and 8’ deep, is one of the show's leading attractions and fits nicely in the heart of Tackle Town USA (in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion). Here visitors can receive expert information from the pros as they watch various seminars conducted throughout the show. Watch in amazement as the best anglers in the country share their secrets and catch fish right before your eyes!

FIRST WEEKEND ONLY!
February 20 -22

Attention Waterfowl Enthusiasts!!

The Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo will once again feature the wildly popular and successful Indiana Waterfowl Calling Championships. Indiana State Calling Director, Eric Estes notes that “this year’s events have been streamlined to offer both the participants and the spectators a better show”.

Included in this year’s Indiana Waterfowl Calling Championships is the Indiana State sanctioned duck-calling event open to Indiana residents at least 17 years of age. The winner will qualify to compete in the 2009 World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Other events include the Indiana Outdoor News 2 Man Meat Event, a Novice Duck Calling Contest, and a Youth day, which consists of seminars, a calling contest and a guest appearance all the way from Stuttgart, Ark by the Jr. Women’s World 2007 and 2008 Champion, Kelsi Mashburn.

Due to the popularity of this event it’s strongly recommended that participants pre-register for ALL calling events that they wish to participate in. However, according to the rules of competition, registration will remain open until 20 minutes prior to each event. A registration table will be located in the hallway leading to the Calling Arena, which is located just off the Waterfowl Expo area. Signage will mark these areas predominately to help guide you to the calling and registration area. A map will also be provided in the Show Guide & Program available at each entrance.

Pre-registration forms are available online. Pre-registration forms may also be found in any current issue of Indiana Outdoor News or by calling (574) 273-5160. Click here for more info, including a schedule of events & prizes, rules, and registration information.

GUN DOG DEMONSTRATIONS

Learn the basics on working your hunting dog. Watch as expert dog trainers from the Indiana Retriever Club and the Indiana German Shorthair Club work their dogs.

DEER SCORING

Rack'em up at the deer scoring booth. Bring in your rack to be officially scored by the I.D.H.A., 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. Scoring fee is $10.

3D BOWHUNTER CHALLENGE

Practice makes perfect, and the Bowhunter Challenge is the perfect way to practice. Take your best shot at pop-up and moving 3-D targets of deer and other game animals. The shooter stands in an elevated tree stand and a new target pops up at random every 15 seconds. The system is an educational, competitive and "real woods" bowhunting practice system that simulates a real bowhunting experience.

INDOOR ARCHERY RANGE

The indoor archery range offer an excellent opportunity to test that new bow. You can also have your children instructed on bow safety and proper shooting techniques by the professional staff of the Indiana Bow Hunters Association.

LEGENDS OF INDIANA

Don't pass the buck! This won't be a problem, seeing as how these are the largest deer recorded in the Hoosier state.

Whether you're an avid hunter or just respect the sport, chances are you've never seen anything like this before.

LAST FOUR DAYS ONLY!
February 26-March 1

LUCAS OIL BIKERS SHOWCASE BIKE CONTEST

$7,000 in cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the finest bikes in the land. The bikes will be judged on originality, condition, detail, finish, design and workmanship. The judging will be split into the categories listed below. The winners will be chosen on Sunday, March 1st. Use the printable Bikers Showcase Registration (a PDF file) to register your bike in the Lucas Oil Bikers Showcase Custom Bike Contest, or register online.

Contest judging classes include:

HARDEE'S FASHION SHOWCASE

Hardee's models will be struttin' their stuff on the runway. They will be modeling the newest and hottest motorcycle apparel that will surely rev up your engines. The fashion show is sponsored by Hardees.

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY

Indy Vin Moto is a group of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts that welcome all makes and models of vintage motorcycles from Norton to Bultaco from the early 1900s to the 1980s.

To celebrate the upcoming MotoGP and the Indy Mile races Indy Vin Moto is featuring race bikes including a 1937 Rudge Ulster, a 1972 250cc BSA Bonneville Salt Flats time trial motorcycle, and a Honda XL350 flat tracker. There will also be motorcycles on display built by Harley-Davidson, Honda, Brigestone and Kawasaki. The community is found online at www.indyvinmoto.com.

NEW BIKE BUILDERS SQUARE

Check out the NEW Bike Builders Square at the Moto Expo! Four of the top bike builders in the country will display their talents and be on hand to answer any questions. These experts will also be the judges for the Lucas Oil Bikers Showcase Contest.

Paul Wideman was like a lot of other guys in the motorcycle business, growing up around his dad's bikes and being a gearhead from day one. Early in his 20's he purchased his first bike, a 1957 Sportster. It didn't take long for Paul to realize that cool chopper parts have to be hand made. During this first build he used his welding and machining skills and figured he could make a buck or two doing what he loved. While working in a small independent shop for a few years, Paul built his first frame jig in his home shop. Not long thereafter, Paul opened Bare Knuckle Choppers, and has been making stripped down, all business choppers ever since. He has a killer crew behind him including his dad and some other very talented chopper riders.

Jeff Hill has been building bikes since the early 80's, working for other shops. His shop Hill's Performance in Ney Ohio (between Toledo Ohio and Fort Wayne Indiana) has been open since 1992. He specializes in complete builds, fabrication (including sheet metal, exhaust and one off handlebars) service and repair. His work can be seen at www.hillsperformance.com

Phil Hoffman got into Harleys right out of the Marine Corps in 1979.  He and his wife started their bike building careers by building award winning Panheads. They decided to take their interest in bike building to the next level.  Together they started Black Magic Customs, Inc. in 2000. They are known for their restorations in the motorcycle industry.  They have had many motorcycles featured in major magazines.  Black Magic is a full service shop and is located in Sandwich, Illinois.

Andy Boersma graduated from Indiana University and MMI and started his career working for dealerships around the country for the next 10 years.  In the spring of 2003 he opened Kalamazoo Choppers.  They specialize in Harley service and maintenance and parts and accessories.  Clean and simple is Andy’s style.  Because he is a mechanic, he builds bikes that are meant to be simple to work on.

ABATE MOTORCYCLE CLASSES

Are you interested in learning how to ride a motorcycle? If you already know how to ride, are you as proficient with your motorcycling skills as you need to be? Do you have your motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license? Would you like a discount on your motorcycle insurance premium? Do you have a mental strategy to deal with hazards while riding? Do you know how to pick out the right motorcycle and riding gear to best suit your needs? Do you know how to react to special situations such as obstacles in the roadway, rain, railroad crossings, steel grate bridges, gravel roads, rain grooves, animals in the roadway, etc.?

ABATE of Indiana and the Indiana Department of Education are proud to offer you two exciting Motorcycle Rider Courses…Motorcycle Rider Course Riding and Street Skills (BRC) and Experienced Rider Course (ERC). Registration for the 2009 training season will begin at the Indiana Motorcycle Expo February 26-March 1, 2009 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. For more information go to the ABATE of Indiana website.