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

350 Raging Hunter Lede
350 Raging Hunter Lede

#SundayGunday: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're taking a look at a capable hunting revolver that’s chambered in a caliber you’re more likely to see in a rifle: the 350 Legend. That’s right, Taurus has released their large-frame Raging Hunter in the whitetail-thumping 350 Legend cartridge. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.