The biggest outdoors event of them all is now in play in Harrisburg.
The National Rifle Association’s Great American Outdoor Show opened on Saturday and will run through Sunday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.
With the demise of the Greater Philadelphia Sports Show held for years in Oaks, the NRA’s extravaganza is now the only such event within reasonable driving distance of our area.
At its heart this festival of all things outdoors, featuring firearm manufacturers, hunting and fishing outfitters, fishing tackle, boats, RVs, archery, and fun-filled events for the family. More than 1,100 exhibitors fill nine halls and cover 650,000 square feet, making the Great American Outdoor Show the largest consumer sports and outdoor show in the world. This year’s show will again feature a jam-packed schedule of events and attractions.
Exhibits in the nine halls include guns, archery, fishing tackle, tree stands, boats, RVs and more. Of special interest for anyone looking to book an outdoors adventure afield or afloat are the more than 400 outfitters and charter boat captains on hand to fill the bill. Over the years I’ve booked some half a dozen such trips at this show and never been disappointed. The popular Hawg Tank will also be back as will the famous Dock Dogs with their “big air” jumping contests. Raptors up close will introduce you to a variety of birds of prey.
Other attractions geared to the younger crowd include the expanded Eddie Eagle Kid’s Zone which has everything you might need to keep the small fry entertained with engaging activities. Located in the Hunting Outfitter Hall, the Kid’s Zone is free of charge and open all 9 days of the show with activities like wildlife identification, arts & crafts, face painting, basketball court, a safety movie, and plenty of prizes. Kids will also enjoy rock climbing and the always popular trout pond.
Two men look at guns and ammunition at the Great American Outdoor Show on Feb. 9, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, it features more than 1,000 exhibitors showing off the latest in weapons, hunting accessories and other outdoor items. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/TNS)
The Kids Casting Contest is being hosted by Capital City Bassmaster volunteers who teach kids how to cast, pitch, and flip a fishing rod, and then compete in a friendly contest. Casting contests will be held on Feb. 14 and 15.
For archery enthusiasts, the 3D bowhunter challenge returns along with the Spot Shoot activity and “try before you buy” shooting lanes. A mainstay of this show remains the broad roster of seminars and expert presenters it offers with more than 200 seminars from leading outdoors experts, covering hunting, trapping, self-defense tactics and strategies, cooking with wild game, fishing tips from angling experts, and more.
Firearms occupy a prominent place throughout this event with a focus on the “Wall of Guns” raffle. With the purchase of an entry ticket, you could be the lucky winner of one of over 40 different firearms displayed on the wall. With a combination of rifles, pistols, and shotguns there’s something for everyone, and with only 100 chances being sold at a time the odds are in your favor.
Then there’s the NRA Air Gun Range that features a 15-meter indoor air gun range, reactive targets like spinning metal plates, animal silhouettes and even lollipops. Air guns are provided and NRA Range Safety Officers are there to provide tips and guidance. The NRA Range Experience in the Hunting Outfitter Hall is a special area where families and youth can learn how to shoot airsoft guns at various stations including Airsoft Rifle, Airsoft Pistol, and a 2-Gun Range of both Airsoft Rifle and Pistol.
Another highlight of the event is the 9th Annual NRA Country Concert on Friday, Feb. 13 starring Zach Williams and special guest Megan Woods. This will be followed on Saturday night by another concert courtesy of the Brunette World Tour featuring Tucker Wetmore with special guest Larry Fleet.
Other attractions include the PA Taxidermy Association Competition where members of the PA Taxidermy Association, both professionals and hobbyists, showcase their work.
Among my own favorite aspects of this show is the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association’s (POWA) Annual Sportsman’s Auction which takes place on the show’s final day, Sunday, Feb. 15 from 1-3 p.m. This is the 41st Annual Sportsmen’s Auction to benefit the Kermit Henning Youth Educational Grant Program. All funds raised are granted to organizations around the state for activities that include young people in the outdoors, such as conservation camps, field days, hunting and fishing programs, etc.
To date, these sportsmen’s auctions have raised almost $500,000.
The remaining days and hours of the show are Tuesday, Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To purchase tickets or browse the list of events, seminars, exhibitors and more, visit the official website at https://www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.
Tom Tatum is the outdoors columnist for the MediaNews Group. You can reach him at tatumt2@yahoo.com.