It’s here, almost. Weather or no, the 53d edition of the Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel show opens Friday (February 16) for a 10-day run at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Spring, regardless, is nigh.

There is so much about this colossal extravaganza for sportsmen that I don’t know where to start. But I must say that since the late Harry Renfro started this thing I was a fledgling police reporter and outdoor columnist for the state’s largest newspaper. It is only a trifle ironic that the 53d--and many of it’s predecessors--opens/opened on my birthday. And I haven’t missed a one.

In any event, I must tell you the hours. They will be 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on both Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on both Saturdays; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both Sundays; noon to 3:00 p.m. on Monday (February 19), 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the only Tuesday (February 20) and the following Wednesday and Thursday (February 21 and 22). 

Admission fee for adults is $10, if you buy your ticket at the show. Advance tickets at Marsh Groceries will be $9 starting February 12. Discount tickets available through February 15. The price for two days’ admission is $18. Advance tickets discount children’s tickets, too.

The popular Hawg Trough and seminars will be located in Tackle Town. Hoosiers to staff the seminars will be Chris Walker, musky, and Bill McDonald, a local tournament angler. Mike Delvisco, a pro bass angler for more than 10 years, will head seminars on bass fishing.

Also on hand the first three days of the Sports Show will be Indiana Turkey and Deer Exposition in Exposition Hall. Official measurers will again be measuring racks for total scores. Deer racks may be entered in the Hoosier Record Buck Program there. The Wall of Fame, a collection of outstanding deer racks, is expected to be featured at the Expo.

Wrapped up in a neat little package is just about everything outdoorsy (and even some indoorsy) Hoosiers want or need, from travel and vacations

GOOSE WORKSHOP

John Doe steps (blissfully) onto the front walk (barefoot and in bathrobe) to pick up the morning newspaper and sinks into the big chair by the roaring fire. But, wait a minute, there are black and white runny tracks on the expensive oriental rug beneath his feet, and something squishy between his toes.

Goose!. . . Canada goose!

Fear not!  There is help on the way. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled a series of three workshops on the subject where a new deal on destruction of Canade goose nests WILL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT A PERMIT. We are, of course, nearing the nesting season and we are in Canada geese up to our gills, they say. (Bully, says I, watching where I walk.)

The DFW will explain it all at the public meetings.  The first seminar is March 14 at Eastside Park in Washington. Seminars also will be held March 20 at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, and March 22 at Salomon Park in Fort Wayne. 

All seminars run from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. All workshop sessions run from 11:00 a.m. to noon. All interested landowners; managers of corporate campuses, golf courses or parks; and the general are invited. 

 (It should be understood that this reporter, who hasn’t popped a cap on a goose for several years, finds them delightful on the table, and a work of God in the air or anywhere they be. The author also hopes anyone who wrecks a Canada goose nest has a first-hand relationship with the much-vaunted Jabez Stones’ painful whitlow on both thumbs.)

The DFW (not me) says: “If Canada geese have become a problem on your property, register now to attend one of three seminars being presented by the Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Project. (Maybe an ingrown toenail or two would improve their thinking.)

“The seminars will cover various aspects of Canada goose management, including relevant laws, basic biology and methods to control goose damage. A special workshop on the proper techniques for egg and nest destruction will follow.” (A little discomfort might be good for them, too, and throw in the Feds.)

On with the folderol.

Advance registration is required to attend any of these programs. To register or request further information, call the Urban Wildlife Biologist, (812) 334-1137 or e-mail swinks@dnr.in.gov.