For those who like to hunt and fish and for those who just enjoy the outdoors, the Georgia National Fairgrounds will be the place to be this weekend for the Perry Buckarama sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

The Buckarama, held Friday through Sunday, is a fundraiser for conservation and education programs in Georgia, said Sam Stowe, sportsmen’s programs manager for the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

“Hunters and fishers are the original conservationists,” said Stowe. “Since the beginning of time, we have supported programs that enhance wildlife.”

This is the 24th year the show has been held in Perry. About 18,000 people attended last year.

Stowe said the Georgia Wildlife Federation, started in the 1930s, is the oldest conservation group in Georgia. It is a diverse group with associate members ranging from hunting to garden clubs.

At the Buckarama, this diversity will be visible through the numerous exhibitors and vendors. Stowe said a wide range of products for the outdoors will be on sale including plants, guns, fishing equipment, and hiking and camping gear.

Bobby Brantley of Lizard Lick Towing, a repossession and towing company featured on a truTV reality show by the same name, will be at the Buckarama all three days for pictures and autographs.

Also, the Buckarama’s Deer and North American Big Game Competition will be held with a completely redesigned format. Mounted game will be scored with prizes ranging from trophies to a gun or bow.

An important part of the Buckarama is the educational portion. Every day there are three seminars by the Georgia Falconry Association, Retriever World and Southeastern Reptile Rescue, which will include demonstrations.

Also in the education category is the hunter safety course starting on Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday. Because space is limited for this free course, preregistration is encouraged.

“There is a lot going on, but if I had to sum up the whole thing, I would say that the Buckarama is the kickoff for the hunting season,” said Stowe.

Stowe, who said he began deer hunting at the age of 7 in 1957, said for generations hunting has been a bonding time for parents and kids.

“We don’t say fathers and sons anymore because there are a lot of mothers and daughters hunting now,” said Stowe. “But hunting is a time for families to be in the outdoors, and it is much more about the hunt than it is about the kill.”

The hours are 1-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices are $8. Seniors (65 and older) and youth (ages 6-12) are $5. Children 5 and younger are free.

For a detailed schedule of each day’s events and the vendors who will be attending, visit the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s webpage (www.gwf.org) and click on the events tab. The website has detailed information about the big game competition, and there is a link for registering for the hunter safety course.

Contact Alline Kent at 396-2467 or allinekent@cox.net.