Georgia Wildlife Federation

Times and the environment undergo changes. Periodically, the Georgia Wildlife Federation embarks on programs or initiatives that are appropriate for a particular time or ensure we respond to challenges to conservation. For instance, a few years ago we saw the need for a concerted voice on sportsman's issues; we built Camo Coalition to meet the need. Federal funding for wildlife habitat conservation dwindled; we assembled the Teaming With Wildlife coalition in part to make the case for preserving habitat before it's too late. It became clear about six years ago that water management would be the defining environmental issue of the early 21st century; GWF was one of a handful of conservation organizations that created the Georgia Water Coalition to raise a voice on behalf of fair water management with an eye to healthy communities based on a healthy environment.

We're also embarking on another change that's appropriate for the time. Recently, the Georgia Wildlife Federation announced that the Atlanta and Perry Fisharama®/Turkeyrama® are now combined into one super show. We're calling it the Great Outdoors Show. It will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia, on February 8, 9 and 10, 2008.

There will be building after building of fishing — Fishin's Back! — turkey hunting and outdoor gear vendors showcasing and selling their wares, giving hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists a great opportunity to outfit themselves for the upcoming season. For the first time, we'll include camping, hiking, kayaking, and cycling gear.

The Georgia National Fairgrounds, with plenty of free parking, not only will offer expanded space to grow some of the already popular events, but affords space for new and exciting events for the whole family. Among them: free fishing at the south lake for kids 15 and under. Prochoicetackle.com and Shakespeare Fishing Tackle are partnering with GWF to make this both educational and fun for the kids with the opportunity to fish — perhaps for the first time — for prizes, under true angling conditions. We want to make sure the next generation has a chance to experience the fishing heritage we enjoy.

The Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, will host the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Georgia Fun Shoot on Saturday, February 9th. It is the culminating statewide event for students who participate in NASP in their physical education classes. Winners advance to the National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, in April, 2008. Also, back again for the 12th year is the Grand America Turkey Calling Contest, with a new sponsor, Briar Patch Camo, and the Second Annual GWF Call Makers Contest. These new features are just the start of good things to come.

This show — GWF's second largest fund raiser — is vital to our mission since it funds a variety of programs that are critical to sportsmen and conservationists in preserving our heritage and great natural resources. Funded programs include the Camo Coalition — alerting sportsmen about issues that affect wildlife management
and outdoor recreation — and Teaming with Wildlife — promoting the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), designed to identify and protect wildlife and their habitat.