6 Reasons to Attend the Great American Outdoor Show

The Great American Outdoor Show is a hunter's candy store. In recent years, it has grown to include multiple events, exhibits and all things hunting. Here are six reasons you should consider journeying to Harrisburg, Pa., to attend this year.

Appearances by Some of the Biggest Names in the Sport
Yes, hunting has its fair share of celebrities, and there is no shortage of famous faces at the Great American Outdoor Show. This year’s lineup include people like Jim Shockey, Melissa Bachman, Bill Winke and R. Lee Ermey (AKA “Gunny”), to name a few.

Seminars and Demonstrations
Some of the attending celebrities will be available to teach you tools of the trade in one of the over 200 seminars and demonstrations. Topics cover anything and everything from hunting internationally to predator, waterfowl, turkey and deer hunting to archery skills, cooking and long-range shooting.

Equipment
With over 1,100 exhibitors spanning nine different halls, there's no shortage of gear on display at the show. Clothing, calls, optics, knives, processing equipment—you name it, it’ll be there. Once you've eyed up the gear necessary for your hunt, the obvious can’t be forgotten. You're going to need the necessary firearms, too. Which leads me to my next point.

Wall of Guns
Even if you’re not a rifle hunter, there is still some really cool stuff to be seen over at the NRA Foundation’s Wall of Guns. Hunters have a chance to walk away with a new firearm with the purchase of a raffle ticket. The Wall of Guns has more than 60 guns on display, and all proceeds go towards the NRA Foundation, so it's money well spent.

3D Bowhunter Challenge
The 3D Bowhunter Challenge is a 30-shot course featuring 3D targets at distances out to 50 yards. Competition brackets are broken down by age and skill, with each bracket winner taking home a trophy or money. Archers can shoot as many qualifying rounds as often as they'd like for a small fee, and the top shooters from each day, in each bracket, will go on to the finals. Be sure to pre-register, as that guarantees a spot. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get in if you don’t, because in the event that not all spots are filled, walk-ins are accepted.

Outfitters
The Great American Outdoor show wouldn’t be complete without a wide selection of outfitters. Featuring over 475 hunting and fishing outfitters, the Great American Outdoor Show provides several options for you to find the dream trip you've been looking for.

For more information, go to GreatAmericanOutdoorShow.org.