Hunting simulator debuts at county fair

PHOTO PROVIDED Steuben County Cooperative Extension Board President Chris Brown, Hammondsport, takes aim in the exciting new hunting and shooting simulator.

BATH - A new feature at the Cornell Cooperative Extension booth under the grandstand at this week's Steuben County Fair has been a hunting and shooting simulator.

The system offers several hunting scenarios and the chance to take aim at numerous different animals. The games are available to those ages 10 and over who make a small donation to the Extension agency.

The simulator is designed to provide education on shooting proficiency and safety while hunting. The interactive laser display is produced by LaserShot Incorporated. The public can choose between two different firearms and a youth firearm. Games range from whitetail deer in four regions across the United States, quail, and clay pigeons to targets, varmints and prairie dogs.

The simulator is also a preview for Cooperative Extension's upcoming Southern Tier Outdoor Recreation Exposition (STORE) on October 6-7 at Wilkins RV in Bath. This first annual outdoor show in our own area will bring together all types of exhibitors related to outdoor leisure, sports and recreation. It will cover the gamut from hiking, fishing, forest management, and wild game cooking to soil testing, sportsman education, RV's and boating.

"The STORE event is geared to developing an appreciation for the activities people can do outdoors," says Steuben Cooperative Extension Executive Director Tom Tomsa. "It will raise the awareness of the vast wealth of natural resources our area offers and the opportunity for outdoor recreation that is provided by these valuable natural resources."

STORE is another way to "Buy Local" and support our local economy. More details on the show and information on how to become a vendor can be found at www.southerntieroutdoorshow. com or by calling 607-664- 2300.