09-10-2007, 03:10 PM
Jon Michael McGrath, Tulsa, is a 15-year old skeet shooting phenom, currently holding 14 Junior World Skeet Titles, three Junior National Titles and a United States Junior National Championship. And though he is currently training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., he's making time to visit with fellow Oklahoma shooters both old and young alike at this year's Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
Young female shooters who come to the Expo will have a rising star to visit with as well. Amber English, 17, is an International Skeet shooting competitor and a member of the United States National Development Team. She is also in training at the United States Olympic Training Center.<br />
"This is a good chance for shooters to meet and talk with some of the best youth shooters in competition today," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "And while they're there, they can try their own hand at shooting a shotgun."<br />
Instructors with the Wildlife Department's Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP) will be on hand at the Expo giving participants an opportunity to shoot clay targets.<br />
The free Wildlife Expo, which drew about 80,000 people from around the state in its first two years, will offer hands-on learning opportunities at nearly 200 booths and activities, including shotgun shooting and other shooting sports like pellet gun shooting and archery.<br />
. Expo attendees will also be able to participate in an interactive Oklahoma Archery in Schools demonstration. This Wildlife Department program helps schools teach students about archery by incorporating it into the physical education curriculum.<br />
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from live butterflies to mountain bike riding, dog training, wild game tasting, fishing and more.<br />
For more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, or to pre-register for the event and become eligible to win one of several prizes from Expo sponsors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Young female shooters who come to the Expo will have a rising star to visit with as well. Amber English, 17, is an International Skeet shooting competitor and a member of the United States National Development Team. She is also in training at the United States Olympic Training Center.<br />
"This is a good chance for shooters to meet and talk with some of the best youth shooters in competition today," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "And while they're there, they can try their own hand at shooting a shotgun."<br />
Instructors with the Wildlife Department's Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP) will be on hand at the Expo giving participants an opportunity to shoot clay targets.<br />
The free Wildlife Expo, which drew about 80,000 people from around the state in its first two years, will offer hands-on learning opportunities at nearly 200 booths and activities, including shotgun shooting and other shooting sports like pellet gun shooting and archery.<br />
. Expo attendees will also be able to participate in an interactive Oklahoma Archery in Schools demonstration. This Wildlife Department program helps schools teach students about archery by incorporating it into the physical education curriculum.<br />
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from live butterflies to mountain bike riding, dog training, wild game tasting, fishing and more.<br />
For more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, or to pre-register for the event and become eligible to win one of several prizes from Expo sponsors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.