Northwest Georgia Hunting & Fishing Expo this weekend

IF YOU GOWhat: Northwest Georgia Hunting & Fishing Expo.When: 3-9 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.Where: Northwest Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton (west of I-75 at Exit 333).Admission: $7 adults (ages 13-64), $5 seniors (65 and older); $14 three-day adult pass. Free parking.Phone: 706-260-0216 (hunting), 706-226-4844 (fishing).Website: http://nwghuntingexpo.com.

A turkey-calling championship, reality-show snake wranglers and a shotgun giveaway will highlight the third annual Northwest Georgia Hunting & Fishing Expo, scheduled this weekend in Dalton.

Some of the top turkey callers in the country will compete in this National Wild Turkey Federation-sanctioned contest for the Southeastern Classic Championship. The winner earns a spot in the NWTF Grand Nationals Calling Championships in Nashville.

In addition to contests for professional callers, there will be divisions for anyone who wants to compete. To register in advance, call Paul Davis at 706-260-0214.

The snake wranglers are Jason and Sarah Clark, who own and operate Southeastern Reptile Rescue. The Clarks and their crew are featured on the show "SnakesKin" on Animal Planet.

During the weekend, they will offer "The Snakes of Georgia Encounter." These live, interactive programs are meant to give practical information, such as how to identify venomous snakes, how to avoid a bite and first-aid in the event of one, how venom works, mechanics of a rattlesnake rattle, a guide to a snake-free yard and the statistics of snake bites vs. dog bites.

During the stage show, the Clarks also recount adventures in past wildlife removal emergencies as well as the strange things that happen while operating a reptile rescue.

Visitors on Saturday and Sunday can enter to win a Remington 870 Express shotgun (pending background check), along with other door prizes (must be present to win).

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