Allamakee anglers, hunters to be honored at March 11-13 Eastern Iowa Sportshow

Several Allamakee County residents have been invited to receive the 2004 Trophy Fish or Buck Print Award at the 30th Annual Eastern Iowa Sportshow scheduled for March 11-13 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The awards recognize trophy animals taken in Iowa and registered with the Department of Natural Resources in 2003-2004.

Trophy Fish awardees will receive a signed and serialized print commemorating the fish they caught in 2004. The print is signed and serialized by artist Rick Morkel, who will personally present the print at the show. The award is co-sponsored by KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids.

Trophy Buck awardees will receive a signed and serialized print by artist Dan Damjanovic, who will also personally present awards at the show.

Area individuals earning the Trophy Buck award include:

Jeff Kelly of Waukon, who harvested a typical Allamakee County deer that scored 155-1/8 points in the shotgun division;

Jason J. Johnson, Waukon, who downed a non-typical buck while bow hunting in Allamakee County that scored 211-1/8 points;

Mark Egan, Waukon, took a non-typical buck while hunting in Allamakee County. The animal scored 173-2/8 points in the shotgun division; and

Nick Jones of Waukon harvested a typical Allamakee County deer scoring 159-5/8 points during shotgun season.

Almost 550 Iowans harvested a trophy buck during the 2003-2004 Iowa deer-hunting season and registered it with the DNR. To qualify, a buck’s rack must meet or exceed specific minimum scores as determined by the DNR.

Allamakee County anglers scheduled to be recognized include:

Earl Meeter of Harpers Ferry, who caught a 26-inch brown trout while fishing at Yellow River in Allamakee County;

Kurt Smith, also of Harpers Ferry, who hooked a fine smallmouth bass while fishing the Mississippi River in Allamakee County;

Randy Huffey of Waterville, who snagged a 37-inch Northern Pike while patrolling the Mississippi River; and

Jake Needham, Waukon, who reeled in an 18.3 inch brown trout while fishing in Allamakee County’s Village Creek.

Last year, nearly 450 Iowans caught trophy fish in Iowa waters and registered their catch with the DNR. To qualify, a fish must meet or exceed specific species length and weight minimums as determined by the DNR.

Exhibits at the sportshow include hunting outfitters, equipment, seminars, antler scoring, boats, RVs, fishing camps, resorts, tourism, tackle, camping, and other outdoor exhibits.

Fishing seminars feature Dave Csanda and Dan Sura. Hunting seminars on white tail deer and turkey hunting will be presented by Rick White while a gun dog training session will be led by Jim Fink.

Regular admission at the 30th Annual Sportshow is $5 for adults, $3 for children five through 12, and free for children under five. Friday, March 11, from 2 to 5 p.m, children will be admitted free and adults will be charged only $3.

For more information visit www.iowashows.com or call (319) 232-0218.