Frankfort, KY (February 15, 2004) - Thousands of Kentucky resident and nonresident hunters and anglers visited the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife display and information booth this past weekend during the Jim Strader Hunting and Fishing Expo in Louisville.

According to agency officials, license sales were brisk, especially for the Kentucky resident sportsman’s license and 2005 elk hunt draw permits. Many hunters are opting for the discounted Kentucky sportsman’s license, especially turkey hunters this year. The sportsman’s license includes a combination hunting and fishing license, and all other state required hunting or fishing permits for $80. Those who "do it all", are finding it a better deal to go with a sportsman’s license rather than spend another $37.50 to buy a license and each permit individually.

The increase in elk permits to be issued for the 2005 season was of interested to many visitors during the weekend show. Many hunters opted to enter the random draw for one of the 100 elk permits this season for only $10. Stephanie Gavin, the 11-year old who last October became the youngest hunter to take an elk in Kentucky in 150 years, had her trophy officially scored by KDFWR measurers during the show. More than 100 whitetails were also measured by Boone & Crockett Club scorers from the KDFWR, some of which qualified as record book class animals. It is possible that a new state record nontypical whitetail may be accepted. A tremendous buck found in Henry County last year was showcased during Strader’s show.

"Jim provides the public an excellent show each year," said Norm Minch, KDFWR information officer.

"The expo allows us to reach many of our constituents in a personal manner and be able to answer their questions or hear their comments face-to-face.

"We share a lot of information about outdoor recreation in Kentucky at these events, and try to publicize new opportunities such as elk hunting, or fishing at a trophy bass lake like Cedar Creek," said Minch.

"We reach many out-of-state people, too, who come in from across the river to see what Kentucky has to offer.

"Kentucky has much that others around us don’t, particularly in the quality and quantity of hunting, fishing and boating.

"We’re incredibly fortunate, and you’d be surprised how many nonresident sportsmen and women remind us of that at these events," said Minch.

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