The 2007 show season for sportsmen kicks off from Jan. 11-14 with the 31st International Sportsman Exposition (ISE) in San Mateo.

No matter what type of hunting or fishing you do, you will find something of interest at these shows. There are numerous exhibitors related to all types of hunting and fishing, as well as seminars from some of the biggest names in the industry. You can speak to guides and outfitters and learn more about the type of hunting or fishing that you do.

For fly fishermen, world renown angler, author, fly tier and artist Dave Whitlock will make an appearance at this year’s San Mateo show. Regarded as one of the best at what he does, Whitlock will present a program on fly fishing the world. He is also one of the world’s most notable fly tiers and will demonstrate his ability in the Fly Tying Theatre along with many other renown tiers.

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In addition to Whitlock, other notable people at this year’s show will be Dan Blanton, Jack Dennis, Ken Hanley, Jay Murakoshi, Brian O’Keefe and Denny Rickards.

These notables will be presenting programs and demonstrating their tying abilities.

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The International Sportsman Exposition will be held at the San Mateo County Event Center, located at 2495 S. Delaware in San Mateo. Show hours will be Thursday and Friday from noon-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The cost of the show will be $12 for General Admission, with children 12 years and younger free. A parking fee of $7 per car is also charged.

The International Sportsman Exposition will be followed closely by the Sacramento ISE that runs from Jan. 18-21 at the Cal Expo at the California State Fairgrounds, located at 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento.

Show hours for this show will be Thursday and Friday from noon-9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost of the show will be the same as in San Mateo, but the parking fee is not yet specified. Just figure that parking will most likely cost you about the same as in San Mateo. Directions to Cal Expo can be obtained by going to http://www.bigfun.com.

Dave Whitlock is not scheduled to be in Sacramento, but almost all of the rest are scheduled to make an appearance. The San Mateo show is traditionally much larger than the one in Sacramento. Judging by the information provided on the Web site that lists both exhibitors and seminar schedules, this is probably true again this year.

If you want to go you may purchase your tickets online to save yourself some time. Go to http://www.sportsexpos.com and you can get your tickets in advance. You may also see what the show has to offer in the way of programs and exhibitors.

These shows are a great way to keep in touch with the newest developments in your respective sport and to help you plan out your next season. Housebound sportsmen generally show up in large numbers to check these shows out. Many consider it to be a traditional event on their calendars.

Bruce Ajari is a Truckee resident and regular fishing columnist for the Sierra Sun and other area newspapers.