Lots on offer for hunters and anglers at 2013 Wild Expo

Words: Liesel Swart

If the thought of hunting, angling, wildlife, off-road exploring or camping in the great outdoors makes your heart beat faster, the 2013 Wild Expo being held at the Tshwane Events Centre (Pretoria Show Grounds) this weekend - from Friday, 9 August to Sunday, 11 August - is the place for you.

This expo, one of the most complete selections of hunting, angling and outdoor equipment, offers an elaborate programme and a selection of nearly 130 exhibitors that will satisfy the most discerning tastes. This is a hands-on event where enthusiasts can try new equipment, see informative presentations and talk to experts.

 

Hennie van der Walt, organiser of the expo, says the Wild Expo is one of South Africa’s top outdoor adventure shows with something for the whole family. “Highlights for young and old will be the exhibition of Ultimate Creatures, where visitors will have the chance to see some of the amazing venomous and non-venomous snakes which occur in southern Africa, as well as the exhibition of the Lion Park, where visitors can meet lion and cheetah cubs. For the more adventurous the three indoor and outdoor bow courses, air rifle courses, laser clay pigeon shooting, casting and angling demonstrations, as well as the 4 x 4 course should add excitement to the day.”

 

Angling enthusiasts can look forward to a wide variety of informative talks by top South African anglers who will cover topics such as fishing from float tubes, baitfish behaviour, how to use your fish finder, selecting the right lures and fishing jerkbaits. Visitors will also have the opportunity to ask questions, to gain advice and to discuss techniques with members of the Protea Feeder Angling team and the Protea Carp Angling Team. Activities such as spot casting and feeding with a catapult will be presented at the tailor made angling lake at the show grounds.

 

The Wild Expo has a special significance for game farmers this year as Wildlife Ranching South Africa is presenting a symposium to introduce new trends, developments and opportunities in the rapidly growing wildlife industry, at the Wild Expo on Friday, 9 August.

 

This symposium, organised by Care for Wild on behalf of Wildlife Ranching South Africa, will give a good overview of how the various economic activities in the game industry complement each other and the opportunities that exist for new businesses and job creation. The cost for the symposium is R650 per delegate. For more information about the symposium or to book as a delegate contact Petronel Nieuwoudt at or 082 825 8735.

 

The Wild Expo is open to the public on Friday, 9 August, from 09:00 – 19:00, Saturday 10 August, from 09:00 – 19:00 and Sunday, 11 August, from 10:00 – 16:00. Entry fees are R 80 per adult, R 40 per pensioner, and R 20 per primary school child, while parking is free.

 

For more information about the Wild Expo visit www.wild-expo.co.za or tel 012 348 5550.

 

Topic: 
Expos & Shows