More than 200,000 Attend the 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show

by
posted on March 11, 2025
** 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. **
LEDE More Than 200

More than 200,000 enthusiasts filled Pennsylvania’s Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Penn., when the annual NRA Great American Outdoor Show returned Feb. 1 to 9. The world’s largest outdoor show isn’t just about numbers, though. It’s a celebration of our nation’s outdoor traditions, including hunting, fishing, archery, boating, camping and others. Over 1,000 exhibitors were on display across nine different halls, and roughly $50,000 in local grants were awarded by the NRA Foundation.  

“The NRA Great American Outdoor Show is a true celebration of American freedom, and the energy and enthusiasm of attendees was palpable throughout the event,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA executive vice president and CEO. “It was incredibly satisfying to see so many families spending time together, exploring outdoor products, connecting with outfitters and planning future adventures. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for their hospitality and support in making this another hugely successful event. The NRA is honored to be part of this proud tradition.”

Attendees explored the latest guns and gear from firearm manufacturers throughout the nine days, booked what are sure to be memorable hunts and fishing charters, shopped the top brands of bows and archery accessories, and perused the latest boats, RVs and ATVs. In addition, more than 200 educational seminars were conducted by leading outdoors experts like Seek One, Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo and Melissa Bachman. Country music artists Nate Hosie and Nathan Merovich, and actor Justin Melnick and his K9 partner Pepper—from the TV show “Seal Team”—entertained fans with their own performances on select days in the Small Arena.

“From DockDogs and the Pennsylvania Lumberjack Championships to a 30-target 3D Bowhunter Challenge, the Great American Outdoor Show has something for every outdoor enthusiast,” said Josh Savani, executive director of NRA General Operations. “It was great to see so many younger attendees enjoying the Kids Casting Contest and our Eddie Eagle Kid’s Zone. Thanks to our staff, exhibitors, and attendees for making the 2025 Great American Outdoor Show such a success.”

The night before the show opened, NRA officials and members of the Dauphin County community gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony where The NRA Foundation announced approximately $50,000 in grants to six groups including a local law enforcement agency and central Pennsylvania organizations that promote hunting and youth shooting. Since 2014, The NRA Foundation has donated roughly $500,000 in conjunction with the NRA Great American Outdoor Show. Also that evening, supporters of the Second Amendment gathered for The NRA Foundation’s Sportsmen’s Auction to bid on exclusive firearms, gear, hunts, décor and NRA collectibles. Money raised at this event will support the shooting sports and activities that promote safe, responsible firearms ownership.

The last Saturday of the show concluded with a sold-out NRA Country concert featuring headliner Riley Green and special guests John Morgan and Nate Hosie. The New Holland Arena was at full capacity with country music fans to hear Riley perform his three-time platinum hit “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” along his newer songs on country radio “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “You Look Like You Love Me” and others. It was a night celebrating cherished traditions, freedom, and our shared American values.

The 2026 NRA Great American Outdoor Show will be held Feb. 7 to 15, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Penn. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to learn more and stay up to date on the schedule of events by visiting the website.

Latest

Learn To Make Meat Inset3
Learn To Make Meat Inset3

Does This Bioethicist Want to Make Us All Allergic to Meat?

When Dr. S. Matthew Liao, a “bioethicist” affiliated with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the director of the Center for Bioethics at New York University (NYU), floated the idea of deliberately making people allergic to red meat, he created a counterreaction that still reverberates on social media today.

How To Pull Coyotes Close

Use these strategies to lure coyotes into confident shooting range.

New for 2026: Savage 110 Trophy Series

Savage Arms has introduced its 110 Trophy Series. As part of the overhaul of the Model 110, the 110 Trophy Series is a four-gun lineup of rifles incorporating the 110 Trail Blazer, 110 Trail Blazer XP, 110 Ridge Hunter and 110 Carbon Hunter.

#SundayGunday: Dead Air Nomad 30

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Dead Air Nomad 30, the 30-caliber hunting stalwart of Dead Air’s suppressor lineup. The stainless-steel can tips the scales at less than a pound, despite being rated for calibers up to .300 Norma Magnum, and 4400 ft.-lbs. of energy. For more on the Nomad 30, check out this exclusive video.

Eye on the Future of Hunting and Conservation

The dedication to passing on the enthusiasm and understanding of hunting’s role shows in the number of courses, seminars and special hunts already on the calendar with various state game and fish departments, and conservation organizations. Here are a few that crossed my desk just last week, but there are dozens of others—likely a few near you.

Funding Boost for Migration Corridors

On Feb. 11 Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgrum announced nearly $8 million would be added to the Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors grant program’s base funding of $2 million this year.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.