Many outdoorsmen know the value of a good utility vehicle, but those who don’t can test-drive one at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, and one lucky sportsman will take one home with them.

The fourth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is slated for Sept. 26-28 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, but those planning to attend can pre-register for the event online and be eligible to win a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Expo sponsor P&K Equipment. Then they just have to show up one day at the Expo to secure their chance to win. To pre-register, log on to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.

“Everyone at the Expo needs to swing by the ATV course at the Expo and see a John Deere Gator in action,” said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “But first they need to make sure they pre-register for the event so they can have a chance to win one.”

Along with the Gator, those who pre-register become eligible to win a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, a $775 value.

Other prizes will be given away every hour at the Expo to guests who enter drawings during their visit. Stop by the prize registration booth at the Expo to enter.

The Expo is a free three-day event hosted by the Wildlife Department and designed to perpetuate an interest in the outdoors and conservation through hands-on education and learning opportunities. Visitors to the Expo have the opportunity to shoot shotguns and archery equipment, catch a fish, ride a mountain bike, float in a kayak, build a birdhouse and more. More than a hundred booths and activities are available that are designed to expose visitors to different outdoor pursuits and educational opportunities, and seminars are held on a number of wildlife and outdoor topics ranging from land management to training hunting dogs.

Expo visitors can also shop for outdoor gear at the Expo’s Outdoor Marketplace and hear music from native country music singer Devin Derrick on Saturday and Sunday and Ada musician Clancy Davis on Sunday.

The Wildlife Department works with a range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo — an event intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma’s wildlife and natural resources.

To pre-register for the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.