Grapevine -

Texans will have a unique opportunity to be part of the 73rd Ducks Unlimited National Convention when DU's annual gathering comes to North Texas on May 28-30, 2010. This year's national convention will be highlighted by the DU Sporting Expo. If you want to see the best in hunting, fishing and conservation, mark your calendar and plan to bring your family and friends to this unique and entertaining event.

"This new component to the DU National Convention will give outdoor enthusiasts the chance to interact with outdoor industry leaders and outdoor personalities as part of the annual DU family reunion," said Dale Hall, DU's chief executive officer. "The Ducks Unlimited Sporting Expo is open to the public, and we are sure that outdoorsmen and women from Texas and surrounding states will not want to miss this event."

The DU Sporting Expo offers something for everyone including: 3-D archery range, laser sporting clays range, climbing wall, hundreds of vendors, outfitters and guides, seminars, exhibitors, duck and goose calling contests, conservation information and of course food, drink and fun.

"The DU Sporting Expo will allow outdoorsmen and women to see the latest hunting and fishing gear and encompasses everything great about hunting, the outdoors and the spirit of adventure," said Clay Connor, event manager. "The Sporting Expo is everything outdoors for the entire family."

The Sporting Expo will also be highlighted by two music events, including an acoustic performance Friday afternoon at the Gaylord Texan Convention Center by Texas-country legend, Roger Creager and a Budweiser Duck Jam held Friday evening at the Grapevine Bass Pro Shops. Kids and adults will be entertained by Trout Fishing America when the music starts at 6 p.m. The all-star line-up will continue for an all-ages crowd with Roger Creager and the red-hot band Reckless Kelly.

The Ducks Unlimited National Convention and Sporting Expo will be held at The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Expo Dates:
May 28-30, 2010 - Gaylord Texan Convention Center, Longhorn Exhibit Hall, Grapevine, Texas

Show Hours:
Friday - noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets: 
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at expo.ducks.org and are available at Academy Sports + Outdoors.

* One-day adult ticket: $10 *
* Child (11 and under) ticket: FREE *
* Weekend ticket: $15 *
* $5 off coupon available, which also entitles you to a complimentary DU membership

Parking: Free parking is available.

Appearances

Friday, May 28
Joe Thomas of "Ultimate Match Fishing" - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Nick Mundt & Travis "T-Bone" Turner of "Bone Collector" - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 29
Kelly Gotch of "Step Outside" - 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Nick Mundt & Travis "T-Bone" Turner of "Bone Collector" - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jim Zumbo of "Jim Zumbo Outdoors" - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Willie, Phil and Jace Robertson of "Benelli Presents Duck Commander" - 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 30
Rick & Julie Kreuter of "Beyond the Hunt" - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Other special appearances:
Mike Stewart - Trainer of Drake and Deke, the DU mascots, Wildrose Kennels
Jim Ronquest - World-champion duck caller, RNT Calls
Scot Storm - Federal Duck Stamp winner with numerous state and conservation 
                  stamp winners, Wild Wings Arts
Jim Killen - Nationally recognized wildlife artist
Tom Dokken - Owner of Oak Ridge Kennels and inventor of the Dokken Dead-fowl
                     Trainer
J. Paul Jackson - Owner of Lone Oak Retrievers and Drake Waterfowl pro staff
                         member
Ronnie Wells - Nationally known painter and sculptor

The Ducks Unlimited Sporting Expo is presented by Hevi Shot and Ford Trucks and hosted by the Dallas Safari Club, Outdoor Channel, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Remington, Yamaha, Cabela's, Berretta, Texas Fish&Game, Texas Sporting Journal, First Fidelity Reserve, Enhance, and supported by Jack Daniels, ECHO, Legacy, Bank of America, and Final Approach.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

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