In 2014 the Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show, a late-winter Pennsylvania outdoors tradition for generations of sportsmen, returns to Agri-Plex (formerly Agriculture Hall) at the Allentown Fairgrounds with an expanded, three-day schedule when

P.B.M. Productions presents the event beginning Friday, Feb. 28, and continuing Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2.Now, due in part to the support of Cabela's Hamburg store, Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, "Pennsylvania Outdoor News" and vendors what once was is again with the show expanding to a three-day weekend event from last year's Saturday and Sunday format. Show hours are Friday, Feb. 28, 1-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.By expanding the Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show to its original three-day format more vendors, exhibitors, guides and outfitters than last year will fill the 60,000-square foot Agri-Plex. In addition, there will be an expanded schedule of seminars and special events most notably of which is the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association auction of outdoors-related merchandise and trips donated by both those at the show and others to benefit outdoors youth education projects returns, which will be held Sunday, March 2, from 1-3 p.m., with services being donated by professional auctioneer Kim Kessler.Through the generous support of show promoters, vendors, guides and outfitters, POWA has raised more than $400,000 through its auctions at outdoors shows. All the money is used to support a scholarship to Penn State University and another to University of Pittsburgh Johnstown for journalism majors with an interest in outdoors communication and underwrite various youth projects such as field day, conservation camps, fishing events, shooting events and school nature activities.Among the hunting and fishing adventures donated to the POWA auction is a 2015 African safari for two or four hunters valued at $8,000. This item carries a reserve, but all other hunts and fishing trips, sporting goods and outdoors-related items will be sold."There has always been a strong focus on youth and bringing back our heritage of hunting, fishing and outdoor life at the Lehigh Valley Outdoor Show, and new in 2014 is "The Fishing Hole" trout pond for kids with some fish 25 inches in length," show promoter Dennis Brozey said. "Through our partnership with POWA we are able to help them sponsor outdoors youth educational events throughout Pennsylvania, and it's an honor for us to welcome Hunt of a Lifetime and help that Pennsylvania-based organization continue making dreams come true for young people."In addition, we have already have commitments from many conservation organizations and many will be worked into our schedule of seminars. Conservation organizations represented are the Keystone Elk County Alliance, Delaware River Shad Fishermen's Association, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Lehigh County Fish and Game Protective Association, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Lehigh Valley Branch of Quality Deer Management, Little Lehigh Chapter of Trout Unlimited and The Lehigh River Stocking Association will have displays at the show."By expanding the show to three days we have been able to attract even more guides and outfitters than last year, and while those attending the show will have plenty of choices for various hunting and fishing trips, we are not overbooking those who provide the same types of hunts or fishing trips."With the show expanding to three days, more Western Plains, Canadian and East Coast waterfowl outfitters will be attending and offer the opportunity to hunt game such as caribou, bear, deer, elk, mountain lion and pronghorn antelope. For those looking for that once-in-a-lifetime hunting adventure to the Dark Continent, professional hunters will be in attendance to book both hunting and photo safaris.While some of those outfitters whose primary focus is hunting trips do offer fishing vacations, there are plenty of fishing guides and charter captains whose only desire is giving anglers a trip to remember. In 2014 the Lehigh Valley Outdoor Show will have charter captains from Lake Ontario, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and river and stream guides from such prime destinations as the St. Lawrence River, the Delaware River, the Susquehanna River, the Potomac River and many smaller trout streams.Seminars that have been schedule for the 2014 Lehigh Valley Outdoor Show are:Butch Mellinger, a nationally recognized bowhunter, is the first hunter to complete the African Big 5 Grand Slam with a crossbow.Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which is certified US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and USDA, the facility cares for injured and orphaned wild animals receive treatment until they can be released back to the wild, including species such as owls, raptors, mammals and reptiles.Shawn Kotchey will present "Calling and Understanding the Wild Turkey," which includes tips and tactics of hunting and calling the wild turkey. A pro-staff member for Mossy Oak, he is a professional turkey guide who has wild turkey in 21 states, placed in more than 30 professional turkey calling contests and owl hooting contests, taken five Grand Slams and is owner of Millcreek Valley Game Calls.Dave Ehrig, known as "Pennsylvania's Mr. Black Powder," he helped work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in creating what is Pennsylvania's flintlock muzzleloader season. He is the author of six books, including the award-winning "Muzzleloader Hunting for Deer and Turkey."Delaware River Shad Association will present the history of shad fishing in the Delaware River and tributaries. It is the objective and purpose of the organization to protect the migratory fish species by keeping the river flowing free of obstructions.Single Action Shooting Society, commonly knows as "Cowboy Action Shooting," will give demonstrations of the organizations shooting events. All members must be dressed in Western attire, adding to the presentation.For information on the Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show, call

P.B.M. Productions at 610-395-5280 or access the website at

www.lehighvalleysportsmanshow.com.