Deer hunting season may be more than a month away, but the festivities begin in August. For many hunters around the state, the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Perry Buckaramas have marked the unofficial beginning of deer season in the state for more than 20 years. One of the top shows in the nation, the Buckarama features products from hundreds of vendors across the globe, highlighting the latest in
hunting, fishing and outdoor sporting products.
“This is an opportunity for sportsmen and women to get together with each other for a good time and some fellowship with something for the whole family,” said Sam Stowe, Sportsman’s Program Manager for the Georgia Wildlife Federation. As always, the event will feature a number of activities for children, as well as guest appearances and seminars. The Georgia Wildlife Federation also hosts The Buckarama Deer Head Competition in Perry, encouraging contestants to bring their deer head The heads will be displayed and judged throughout the weekend and certificates will be awarded on Sunday. There are many “Best of” categories as well, including for youth. The Perry and Buckaramas are presented by The Georgia Wildlife Federation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization as a fund raiser in support of education and conservation projects benefiting sportsmen. The Georgia Wildlife Federation is the state’s oldest member-supported conservation organization and the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Since 1936, the Federation’s work in politics, environmental education and sportsmen and women’s issues has shaped every aspect of Georgia’s diverse environmental landscape and give them a strong reputation for conservation success. The first Southeastern Buckarama was held at the Atlanta Civic Center in 1984. In 1987, the show changed locations and moved to the Lakewood Fairgrounds. In 1989, Albany was added to the Atlanta Buckarama, and then Augusta in 1990. In 1991, the Atlanta show moved to the Atlanta Expo Center North, Albany and Augusta locations were discontinued, and the Perry Buckarama was added at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The Atlanta Buckarama changed from a three-day event to a four-day event in 1993. A third Buckarama was again added in Charolotte, North Carolina in 1995 and continued until 1999. The Atlanta Buckarama changed back to a three-day event in 2010. To date, Buckarama tradition remains strong and well attended. The Perry show is held on the third full weekend in August at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, Georgia, I-75 South at Exit 135. Exhibitors report excellent sales during the event and local motels report good business with out of town visitors staying over to attend the shows throughout the weekend.
