Steuben County has the largest bow-hunted bucks

Exhibitor booths are filling up as we count down the last two months to the third annual Southern Tier Outdoor Recreation Exposition (STORE). Scheduled for October 10-11 at the spacious Wilkins RV, Inc. facility, the event allows Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide education on how increased participation in outdoor activities promotes environmental stewardship. We also can introduce new ways of thinking about alternative energy that can be derived from our natural resources and explain our current environmental issues are affecting our natural resources. Why did we bring this show to Bath? Steuben County is featured in the 2009 Summer Issue of Northeast Big Bucks with one of the STORE's loyal exhibitors, Steven Calderwood, owner of Edge of Time Trading Post in Prattsburgh. The article highlights Steven's monster buck take that was described as New York State's best archery typical of 2008! The article states, "Several other great bucks have been arrowed in Steuben County in the last decade including one of the largest gross-scoring bucks ever arrowed in New York...So this county certainly has built a reputation as a great bow hunting destination as more and more hunters get serious about archery hunting opportunities. But this county is primarily recognized for its long standing tradition of gun hunting, and it has produced many of the state's top shotgun bucks over the years. Regardless of your choice of weapon or hunting season, you can be sure some of the state's biggest bucks are roaming this county's woods and fields!" The highlight of the 2009 outdoor show will be the Bowhunter Challenge, a competitive real-woods experience that recreates the many decisions a bowhunter must deal with. Nine moving 3-D targets represent ethical bowhunting shots. Visitors to the show are encouraged to bring their own bow to shoot the course and vie for $500 prize packages. Those ages 18 and over can use show equipment. Those ages 14-17 must bring their own bow to compete. Stay in touch with each new activity and exhibitor being added to the show daily by becoming a fan of the Southern Tier Outdoor Recreation Exposition's Facebook page or visit the show's website at www.SouthernTierOutdoorShow.com.