Fish, ducks, dogs and deer

Want to learn to cast a fly rod or throw a cast net? Want to see what new hunting and fishing gadgets are on the market? Want to learn how to make a pickled shrimp salad?

Or do you just want to finally pick up that bronze marlin statue you know in your heart you deserve?

Then don’t miss the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, set for the weekend of Feb. 12–14 at Marion Square, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Auditorium and Charleston Place.

Now in its 28th year, SEWE is expected to attract more than 40,000 attendees to downtown Charleston. Though primarily a high-end wildlife art show, this blockbuster event always fills the streets with anglers and hunters from across the nation.

The outdoor sporting side of SEWE will once again be centered at Brittlebank Park and will feature vendors offering everything from charter fishing and hunting trips to deer stands, four wheelers, kayaks and canoes.

Staffers from The Charleston Angler will conduct instructional demonstrations during SEWE, including cast-net and fly-fishing.

“We have one or two fly-fishing aficionados get out and show some basic casts and explain fly-fishing in general,” says Caroline Rhodes, owner of The Charleston Angler.

New this year is the casting rodeo, in which anglers will compete for prizes by casting at targets.

“For the most part you need to kind of know what you’re doing,” Rhodes says.

The popular DockDogs competitions also will return for the third year. Competition will be held throughout all three days of the expo, with finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Some dogs travel the pro circuit with DockDogs and compete all over the country, but slots are held for local waterdogs.

“That’s what’s so much fun,” says Ashley Slane, SEWE marketing director. “You can clearly see some of the dogs that are decked out in their gear – in vests and the special retrieval toys, but then you have somebody with their dog from James Island who has never really done this in front of a crowd. They’re just used to doing it off their own docks, and sometimes those dogs do incredibly well.”

Mark Judy of West Ashley entered his dog Nova into the competition two years ago. The 1-year-old yellow Labrador retriever received a junior title the first year with five consecutive jumps beyond 10 feet.

“This year I’m hoping she’s going to get above 15 and 20,” Judy says.

Lowcountry anglers might also want to check out SEWE’s new cooking classes focused on local fish and wild game. Chefs will demonstrate how to create unique dishes like pickled wild shrimp salad, duck hash with spicy potatoes and poached eggs and venison medallions.

Tickets to SEWE cost $20 for adults Friday and Saturday and $10 Sunday. Kids 10 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult. Three-day passes are available for $40; some of the classes and programs cost extra.