CHARLESTON, W.Va. — This weekend marks the annual gathering for the state’s largest hunting and fishing event. The West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show is now into its 37th year and will be this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

“If you want to get out and you’ve got cabin fever, just come on down to the show,” laughed Glen Jarrell, spokesman for the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association.

The event was started by a group or sportsmen nearly four decades ago who wanted to bring a quality show to West Virginia like those they had visited in other states. They wanted a show to feature outfitters from around the world offering hunting and fishing adventures. The show is the only event the West Virginia Trophy Hunters puts on each year and every member agrees to put their volunteer efforts into the long weekend.

“We really try to present a great quality show. Come on down, there’s something for everyone,” said Jarrell.

Those on hand will have the opportunity to book hunting trips from the western U.S., Canada, and even African safaris. Various vendors offer taxidermy, apparel, hunting and fishing gear, and fishing outfitters from here in West Virginia as well as other parts of the United States will book fishing trips right on the show floor all weekend.

“We have a great display of boats out in the lobby. The Division of Natural Resources will be there if you want to talk with any of the law enforcement or wildlife guys, they’ll all be there,” he added.

Along with the opportunities to buy various items, the show is also a celebration of the outdoors. The West Virginia DNR will have certified scorers from Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young on hand and will be scoring antlers all weekend. Many of those mounted deer will be featured in the West Virginia Whitetail Hall of Fame. The display includes some of the biggest bucks ever killed in the Mountain State. Those who feature their buck in the display could qualify for a prizes in a drawing.

This year’s event will feature presentations from the Three Rivers Avian Center. Those on hand can get an up close look at eagles, hawks, owls and other large birds of prey. The Trophy Hunters also work to accommodate children as much as possible. Throughout the show there will be a Youth Outdoor Challenge featuring an opportunity for children to participate in activities to learn more about the outdoors.

West Virginia Outdoors will originate live from the show floor in a pre-recorded segment Friday to be aired Saturday morning statewide. There will also be a special live three-hour edition of West Virginia Outdoors from 9 a.m. to noon on the West Virginia DNR stage which can be heard on MetroNews flagship station 580 WCHS in Charleston. The stage will also be the venue for an array of seminars and interesting presentations all weekend for those on hand. It’s a popular centerpiece where show goers can relax and have a seat.

The stage will also be the site of the always popular charity auction on Saturday at 5 p.m. The auction always features an array of firearms along with various trips and other items donated by show vendors. Proceeds from both the charity auction, the silent auction, the show’s gate receipts, and vendor fees are all donated to causes benefiting conservation or youth outdoor education.

Admission is $12 for those over the age of 12. Those age 12 and under are admitted free. The hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.