6 Reasons to Attend the Great American Outdoor Show

by
posted on February 3, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gaos-logo.jpg

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.

Latest

DSC 8036
DSC 8036

Ducks Over Deer: A Welcome Reprieve to Cold Mornings

Winchester’s latest waterfowl loads give hunters reason to believe in their shooting.

First Look: Daniel Defense Mute & Null Suppressors

Daniel Defense changed the suppressor landscape with the 3D-printed DD Wave, and now the company applies that innovation to the next generation of sound suppression.

New For 2026: Avian-X Pop-Up Blind

The Pop-Up Waterfowl Blind from Avian-X promises to deliver instant, full-coverage concealment without sacrificing space.

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Hot from SHOT: Best Whitetail Gear for 2026

With the new year comes a wave of newly released hunting gear aimed at giving hunters the edge afield. From cozier tree stands, easy-to-pack bags, feed, blinds, and more, manufacturers have sought every imaginable way to help hunters become more successful on their hunts. Read on as we take a closer look at what caught our eye.

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 2

With some birds on the ground, Jon and Brad take a second to discuss the size of late-season Alberta honkers, before diving into the guns that brought them down. Check out part 2 of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper and American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson's late-season Alberta honker hunt here.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.