9/12/2008
Roanoke, W.Va. – Master archer Byron Ferguson will return as part of the 2008 line-up during West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days at Stonewall Resort State Park September 27 and 28. The event, which draws nearly 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts each year and is the biggest outdoor-oriented event in the state, is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation.
Ferguson first amazed the crowd at the 2007 Hunting and Fishing Days event. “We’re proud to have him back this year,” said Jerry Westfall, event coordinator for DNR. “Byron is able to do the nearly impossible when it involves the bow and arrow.”
Ferguson took an interest in the longbow at the age of 12, first shooting out candles in the pitch dark to hone his skill. He is able to shoot coins out of the air, split playing cards, and even shoot an arrow through a wedding ring in mid-air.
When asked why he prefers the longbow, Byron replied, “It’s because of the romance that is tied to the weapon. Longbows are traceable to the cavemen and have been praised in songs, poems and stories since the dawn of mankind.”
Byron Ferguson is expected to be a show favorite again this year, attracting not only avid bow hunters and archers, but also the whole family. He has taken his talents around the world, performing in eight foreign countries and on dozens of television programs. Additional information is available from Ferguson’s Web site at www.byronferguson.com.
The public is invited to attend the 2008 West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days at Stonewall Resort State Park on September 27th and 28th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m on Saturday and 9 a.m. and 5.p.m. on Sunday. A complete show listing and schedule are available on the Division of Natural Resources Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.
Contact Information
Robert L. Wines, Jerry Westfall, Joe Calvert
304-269-0440,304-558-2771
bobwines@wvdnr.gov,
jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov,
www.wvwf.org