Families, friends, Scouts and Youth Groups! Mark your calendars and join the fun at the 10th annual Massachusetts Outdoor Expo (MOE) from 9AM - 4:30 PM at the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, off New Boston Road, in Sturbridge. The Big MOE, sponsored by Facts About Wildlife and Nature Society (FAWNS), is a free, family oriented event, thanks to co-sponsors including MassWildlife, Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, Whitetails Unlimited and The Weatherby Foundation. A number of sportsmens clubs, local outdoor related businesses and other conservation groups also participate. The "Big MOE" is the perfect opportunity to introduce young and old to outdoor skills and activities.

New activities and exhibits this year include: an impressive exhibit of fully mounted North American mammals by renowned taxidermist Al West, the Massachusetts Environmental Police with their patrol boat, ATV and snowmobile and cruiser, GPS and Map & Compass activities will be offered by Hull Forest Products, MassWildlife and Boy Scout Troop 338 from Charlton respectively. A special guest, Butch Johnson of the US Archery Team, is invited to put on an archery shooting demonstration. Impressive live birds of prey, snakes and turtles will be on display. There's an opportunity to scale a rock climbing wall, paddle a kayak or build a bug! Try your hand at tomahawk throwing, fishing, building a bird house, wildlife crafts or testing marksmanship skills on the airgun, rifle, shotgun or archery target ranges under safe and expert supervision. Taxidermy, black powder stump shoot demonstrations and a New England Pioneer Encampment will run throughout the day. Offerings from MassWildlife include: Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp drawing competition, GPS and fishing with the Angler Education Program. There is something for the whole family. Admission and parking is free. For more information visit the FAWNS website at www.FAWNS.org or contact Gary Zima, 508/792-7270 x114.

 

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www.mass.gov/masswildlife