by John Markwell
Contributing Editor
When the outdoor industry came together in protest of Reed Exposition’s decision to ban modern sporting rifles (ARs) from the annual Harrisburg, PA, Eastern Sports Show in 2013, it sent a clear message throughout the industry. The 2013 show was cancelled and the Harrisburg area took an $80 million hit. Under the direction of the National Rifle Association (NRA), The Outdoor Channel, Cabelas, and others within the outdoor industry, an annual event was back for 2014, re-branded as the Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS).
It opened Feb. 8, 2014 in Harrisburg, PA, And what a comeback! We spent three days at the GAOS.
The 2014 Great American Outdoor Show is truly great and it is estimated that 200,000+ consumers will pass through the many halls and arenas of the PA Farm Show Complex over the nine days of the event. The GAOS is truly an outdoors show with something for just about anyone interested in outdoor activities. From camo coveralls to camisoles, knives, outdoor furnishings and art, electronics for outdoorsmen, and dog gear, not to mention guns and fishing gear; The selection of “outdoor stuff” on display and for sale is truly mind boggling.
So, where do we start? First of all, if you can, plan on attending the GAOS for more than one day. That way you will be sure to see the whole show, and it’s easier on your feet. Secondly, the GAOS is divided into separate “halls” by category: Fishing, Archery, Outdoor Products, Boats and RVs, Shooting Sports, and Outfitters. Pick your main interest and start there, then visit the other Halls. It is truly difficult to see the whole show in one day, so planning your time helps.
Over the nine days of the GAOS, there are more than 100 seminars and demonstrations presented for visitors. For those interested in game calling there are contests for Mallard, Turkey, Elk, and Canada Geese. There is also a daily 3D Bowhunter Challenge with cash payouts, as well as daily hunting, fishing, cooking, and firearms seminars and demonstrations by TV celebrities and other experts. The Air Gun range offers an opportunity to try the latest in air gun technology and an NRA staffed exhibit gives folks an introduction to the fast growing sport of 3Gun using Airsoft technology. It is possible to take a concealed carry course that allows one to get covered for CCW in 38 states, and there are a bunch of vendors catering to the needs of the CCW crowd. There is also an NRA foundation banquet and the NRA radio and TV show Cam & Co. broadcasts daily from the show floor. And that just barely touches on what the GAOS has to offer visitors.
The Outfitter’s Hall is the most impressive of all the halls at the GAOS due to the wonderful taxidermy displayed by the many firms. We rambled around the Outfitter’s Hall for over three hours. Whether one hunts whitetails, wallabies, woodchucks, wolves, wildebeest or wart hogs, there is an outfitter at the GAOS who can offer hunts anywhere in the world from Ohio to the Okavango. Many of these outfitters offer show specials which can save the traveling hunter a considerable amount of cash, and meeting outfitters face-to-face is a great way to size up an outfit and the services they offer.
The Archery Hall had an amazing variety of gear for archers. For the traditionalist, there were long bows with wooden arrows and even semifinished wood bow blanks for the build-your-own crowd. At the other end of the spectrum was all the latest in compound bow technology, including a new release system that looked like an AR rifle trigger. Lots of crossbows and bolts were also on display as were optical crossbow sights. Not being personally into archery, we found the shear volume of gear fascinating and we now know why our son (the archer) is always broke.
There was no shortage of fishing, boating and RV stuff on display. In the Fishing Hall there were daily live demos of lures and tackle and the variety of boats, especially bass boats, was impressive. Due to space limitations the number of RVs at the GAOS was pretty limited but those in the market for campers have lots of other venues to shop.
When we attended the Harrisburg Show in 2012 the firearms industry in general was conspicuous by its absence. There were a few manufacturers present in 2012 but not many. 2014 was a whole different story, with many of the major players in the world of firearms, ammunition and optics present. There were several custom gunmakers in the Shooting Sports Hall as well as lots of companies offering shooting-related products. Conspicuously obvious, now that the NRA is in charge of the show, were AR platform rifles with many of the main players in that market being present. Colt, Bushmaster, DPMS, Magpul, and even Doug Turnbull, had ARs on display. In fact, we feel the Shooting Hall has the greatest potential for growth in future years, as more companies within the industry will see the value of being able to reach more than 200,000 potential customers in one nine day venue.
After three days, we left the GAOS with the feeling that participation in the traditional outdoor sports is far from decreasing, despite what the tree huggers may say. The PA Farm Show Complex was awash in people for the entire three days we were there, and we were there on week days. The vendors we talked with were all very positive about the new organization of the show and to a man (and woman) felt that under the auspices of the NRA, the Great American Outdoor Show had the potential to draw even bigger crowds of outdoor enthusiasts in the future. I know we will be back for the 2015 GAOS and hopefully you’ll be able attend this greatest of outdoors shows as well. Regardless of your interests, we wish you pleasant outings and good shooting.
