Just like groundhog day, Harrisburg becomes the center of the hunting universe the first week of February with the opening of the Great American Outdoor Show. Formally, the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, the NRA has taken the reins and turned the annual sports show into every hunter and shooter’s dream. From February 4-12, you’ll find most major firearm manufacturers present and eager to show you their new lines. Equally, you’ll find many small family business with unique hunting and shooting products that you may not have seen before. Fishermen also flock to the show where they will find challenging and exciting fishing destinations like Alaska and Canadian provinces.
Can-Am to Showcase New Models-
Unlike on-line shopping, the GAOS is a hands-on place where you can physically examine the gear you need for the coming year. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Can-Am launch this past year and witness the power and performance of the new Can-Am line of UTV’s that can carry 1,000 pounds of cargo with ease. Located at Booth #125, Can-Am will display a wide range of 2017 models. Can-Am Defender models, including the 6-passenger Defender MAX,
the Can-Am Outlander, and the new 154-hp Maverick X3, built for performance with ground-breaking design and engineering.
Book a Hunt in Person-
Hundreds of outfitters will offer their services in a friendly, personal format that allows potential clients to make informed decision. Again, anything can look good on the internet, yet when you shake the hand of the guide who will take you on that hunt, you get a feel for what lays ahead. You can see albums of pictures, ask questions about success rates, discuss the logistics of getting there, and consider the best times of year to hunt.
The 9-day Great American Outdoor Show is the world’s largest outdoor show. The show features over 1,000 exhibitors and covering 650,000 square of exhibit hall space. Attendees can also visit concerts, fundraising dinners, seminars, archery competitions, and demonstrations.
