For the 42nd year, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association is conducting the Kermit Henning Memorial Sportsman’s Auction at the Great American Outdoor Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
This year the auction is Feb. 15 from 1-3 p.m. in the Erie Room, located above the Small Arena, which is “Bounce-Back Day” where admission is free with a ticket stub from attending any previous day.
In addition to serving as the state’s only professional organization for writers, photographers, artists, broadcasters and bloggers dedicated to informing Pennsylvanians about the wise use and management of natural resources and outdoor recreation, POWA’s mission includes promotion of outdoors education and increasing awareness and appreciation of our natural resources and outdoors heritage.
There are a number of membership categories which can be found at paoutdoorwriters.com. There is even a category for students who are just developing their skills in outdoors communication.
Funds raised through the annual auction benefit POWA’s Kermit Henning Youth Education Grant program, which honors the memory of Henning, a life member and past president of POWA. Henning’s dedication was a driving force behind POWA’s annual Sportsman’s Auction and Youth Education Grant Fund awards, which have supported outdoors educational opportunities.
“Even before the auction three of our longtime supporters committed items,” auction coordinator Dennis Scharadin said. “Rod Bates of Koinonia Guide Service has donated a guided fishing trip for two on the Susquehanna River for channel and flathead catfish, River Rock Guide Service has donated an overnight trip that includes lodging on the Juniata River for smallmouth bass and channel catfish and Mike Martz of Martz’s Gap View Preserve has donated a two-hunter pheasant hunt for eight birds that includes cleaning and a guide and dog if needed.”
Past auction items have included guided fishing trips, firearms, hunting and fishing accessories and artwork which are donated by exhibitors at the show. Bidders have an opportunity to obtain some incredible merchandise, knowing their money directly benefits youth in the outdoors.
To date, POWA has raised and distributed more than $471,000 to fund youth educational opportunities across the state. Last year, 14 organizations received $9,100 in funding for programs.
In addition, other organizations hosting conservation camps, field days, fishing derbies, educational activities and shooting programs received grants. Information about POWA can be found at the organization’s show booth, No. 4618 in the Hunting Outfitter Hall and auctioneer Jeffrey Dunkleberger, of JDS Auction Company LLC, will also be listing items via his online auction listings.
The last day of GAOS is free with a ticket stub from a prior day. It is also the best day to get great bargains as vendors don’t want to pack up so many items and they also want to increase their income.