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A Sportsman’s Blast In Macon
GON hunting show a hit with hunters and kids.
Nick Carter | September 1, 2008
For the first time in Truck-Buck history, weekly winners of GON’s contest found a place to show off their trophy mounts. Throughout the weekend, crowds gathered at the Wall of Fame, where weekly winners were on display. The best Georgia bucks of 2007 were showcased, and the highlight was Jay Maxwell’s new state-record bow-kill, which scored 213 4/8 non-typical.
Growing into its second year, the GON Outdoor Blast held Aug. 8-10 at the Macon Centreplex was even bigger and better than last year. This year’s Blast welcomed visitors to a show floor packed wall-to-wall with nothing but hunting and fishing.
From guide services, call makers and taxidermy displays to hunting-gear vendors, archery shoots and duck-calling contests, there was something at the show for every sportsman and woman. And, for the little’uns, there were enough kid-friendly activities to keep them occupied throughout the weekend. It truly was an event for the whole family.
The following four pages are a pictorial look at the 2008 GON Outdoor Blast. For more from this weekend of outdoors in Macon, look through this issue for articles on the Truck-Buck Shoot-Out, the Barbecue Blast, the Georgia State Duck Calling Contest and the food drive for Sportsman’s Pantry.
The floor of the Macon Centreplex was filled with hunters preparing for deer season and vendors offering deals on everything from gear to guided trips.
From the bungee bounce and rock-climbing wall to giant inflatable amusements, paintball and hunting and fishing simulators, there were more than enough fun kid’s activities to keep the little’uns happy. Most of the children’s activities were included in the cost of admission.
Blast attendees received $2 off the price of admission if they brought a can of meat to donate to Sportsman’s Pantry. Hundreds of pounds of food were collected to feed the needy.
During the GONetwork Banquet held Saturday night in conjunction with the Outdoor Blast, a drawing was held to determine the winners of this year’s SEEDS Big-Buck Contest. The grand-prize sponsors were (back row, from left) Roland Whitt, country-music artist; Todd Fox and Chris Albrecht of Flies & Fletching; and Matt Futtere of Arrowdynamic Solutions. The lucky winners (front row, from left) Mathew Price of Ellabell, 11, and David Roney of Vienna, 13, will go on all-expense paid trophy-hunting trips to Texas.
One of the most popular draws at this year’s Blast was the archery competition hosted by Southern Woods n’ Water. This archer, Hagen Young, 6, of Dublin, won the Cub Division of the open tournament.
Some show attendees took the opportunity to earn their Hunter Safety Certification. Here, Hunter Safety Instructor Wayne Davis shows proper handling of a shotgun.
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