With spring knocking at our door, what better way to spend a day than at the 34th annual State of Maine Sportsman’s Show? This year’s event jam-packs the Augusta Civic Center with everything outdoors.

Show hours are Friday, March 28, 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults (13-64), $6 for kids age 5-12, active military and seniors (65-plus), children under 5 are free.

This year’s sportsman’s dream show features hundreds of exhibitors, over 75 seminars, a Cub’s Den for all the little ones complete with bow shooting, laser shot, face painting, entertainment by Sparky the Clown and even a kids fishing pond!

Major show sponsor L.L.Bean has again donated a brand new kayak that everyone who attends the show has a chance to win. And don’t forget to stop and check out the awesome Bootmobile!

New this year is the Miss Maine Sportsman contest, an almost-overnight Facebook sensation. Twelve finalists will compete for your vote to win the coveted deer antler crown. “This is no beauty contest! This contest was designed to showcase Maine women who actively participate in hunting, fishing and the traditional Maine activities that we love so much,” said Kelly Allen, co-manager of this year’s show.

Returning favorites include training hunting dogs with NAVHDA, seminars featuring outdoor experts from all over New England and Canada, the Moose and Turkey Calling Contests, Q&A with DIF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock, Turkey Hunting with Ted Nassivera and Trophy Measuring with MASTC. Come learn something new!

Interested in tracking, hunting the big woods or stand hunting in rural farm country? Three of Maine’s best trophy deer hunters gather for a free for all of deer talk, hunting tactics and advice on deer hunting in Maine. Join Joe Saltalamachia, Hal Blood and Lee Shanz for our first Trophy Whitetail Symposium. This is a new feature this year that promises to be well-worth attending.

Exhibits from Maine’s outdoor agencies, sporting camps and lodges, hunting and fishing gear, sportsman’s clubs, outdoor writers, dock systems, ATVs, boats, forest equipment, guns, guides, fishing charters and much more will fill the main auditorium floor, ready to share their expertise.

Artists from all over New England enter amazing photos, paintings and carvings in the ever-popular art contest. Come view the talent of people right in your backyard and vote for “Sportsman’s Choice,” in each category. Many artists sell their artwork at the show, so come pick up a painting to hang at camp. Well-known Maine artist Georgette Kanach has been chosen as the 2014 Artist of the Year. From 3-D carvings on antlers to intricate carvings on emu eggs, her work is stunning.

This year has potential to impact sportsmen and women in many ways. Not only is 2014 an election year, there is a threat to our outdoor heritage that we faced 10 years ago. Save Maine’s Bear Hunt and Management Program will be on hand to share information on the upcoming referendum.

A legislative/political exhibitor room has been added this year. Come meet the candidates! Gubernatorial, congressional and Maine House and Senate candidates will be on hand to answer your questions about issues important to Maine Outdoorsmen and women.

From shooting trophy Maine moose to Becoming an Outdoors Woman, this show has it all. Throw on your best camo, grab that turkey call you promised yourself you’d learn to use, pack up the wife and kids and spend a day, or the entire weekend, at this show.

For more information, including exhibitor and seminar information, visit www.mainesportsman.com/the-me-sportsmans-show or our Facebook page: State of Maine Sportsman’s Show.