A.J. Downs' San Jacinton buck scored 256 4/8.

For deer hunters it will be Christmas in June as 25 of the top white-tailed deer ever taken in East Texas will be on display Saturday at the 2014 Outdoor and Hunting Extravaganza, also at the Nacogdoches Expo and Civic Center.

Bucks ranging from Clyde Weaver’s Smith County Boone and Crockett 170 2/8 typical to A.J. Downs 256 4/8 net non-typical state record open range archery buck from San Jacinto County will be at the East Texas Giants display at the show benefitting the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

The event begins Friday night with a dinner benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Keynote speaker will be Dr. James Kroll, who will discuss the future of deer hunting in East Texas.

Saturday’s Extravaganza, which is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will feature 60 booths, outdoor exhibits and other activities. The East Texas Giants should prove the most popular. The lowest scoring deer in the exhibit will be a 166-inch 8-point buck from Cherokee County. There will be at least six 200-inch-plus deer, including Makayla Hay’s 205-inch Madison County buck, which currently stands as the state record youth open range deer. There will be at least five bucks scoring in the 190s.

Tickets for Friday’s banquet $25 and are available by calling 936-564-8361.

Admission to the Extravaganza is $5. Children under 5 are admitted free. The Nacogdoches Expo and Civic Center is located at 3805 Northwest Stallings Dr.

 

 

Tyler State Park is hosting an exciting, fun-filled morning of fishing for kids and their families from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Community youth are invited to come to the park to try their hand at catching a fish. Loaner poles, tackle and bait will be provided, but families are welcome to bring their own if they have them.

Each child registered will receive a free fishing bag full. In addition to the fishing, there will be activities such as fish painting, backyard bass, wildlife table and prize give-aways.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no license required for anyone to fish in a state park.

Tyler State Park is located seven miles north of Tyler on FM 14 or two miles north of I-20. The event is free with the $5 per person admission to the park for those 13 and older.