Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show opens Thursday in Rosemont

Posted January 23, 2012 11:00 pm

Submitted by the Met Event Group

Brody, the Kodiak brown bear, gives Jeff Watson a face full of bear breath. Courtesy of Met Event Group

Looking for something fun to do this winter? From Jan. 26-29, make tracks to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, for the Chicago Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show.

Headliners this year include The Bass University, Brody the Bear, archer Frank Addington and a whole host of local and regional anglers.

There is no better opportunity to learn from the best in the industry than at the Bass University. Six anglers, led by Classic Champion Mike Iaconelli and Pete Gluszek will provide their students with two days of intensive instruction (additional fee). Don’t miss this opportunity to become a better bass angler.

Brody, the 1,400-pound Kodiak brown bear, will amaze audiences with the bond that he has with his owner and trainer Jeff Watson. Watson raised Brody from the time he was a cub, bottle feeding him in his arms. Now Watson can easily sit on Brody’s back and go for a ride.

Frank Addington will join the show with his “Have Bow Will Travel” tour. Addington has the ability to hit a tiny target in mid air with a bow and arrow. He also does this with the bow behind his back.

The Chicago Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show will feature a 3-D archery range, casting competitions, a catch and release trout pond and the 5,000-gallon Hawg Trough.

Premier anglers from all over the country will descend upon Chicago to demonstrate and teach the techniques they have discovered that they can use to consistently catch fish.

Would you like to learn to cast a fly? Tie a fly? Or perhaps learn about fishing from a kayak? You will have all of those opportunities and more at the American Fly Fishing School Casting Pond.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is participating and supporting the event. DNR Chief Mark Miller will host a “campfire” chat on the main presentation stage.

Local fishermen will get the chance to learn from the local best including, Spence Petros, Dan Gapen, Dan Armatige, Greg Bohn and many more.

Attendees will have an opportunity to shop for deals on fishing tackle, boats, archery, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, rafting, gun safes and knives and taxidermy.

The nation’s and world’s most prestigious fishing and hunting lodges will provide you with unique travel opportunities.

Archer Frank Addington can hit the bullÂ’s-eye even behind his back. Courtesy of Met Event Group

Dan Armatige shows a young angler the proper technique. Courtesy of Met event Group

If you go

<a href="http://www.chicagosportsmenshow.com/">Chicago Outdoor Sportsmen Show</a>, Jan. 26-29, Donald Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont.

Thursday & Friday: 2-8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: $10 online*; $12 at the door. Online purchase will include a one-year subscription to either Field & Steam, Caribbean Travel & Life, Outdoor Life or Popular Science.

*www.ChicagoSportsmenShow.com

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