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

W H2026 09 Knowhow 6.8Set9.25.4
W H2026 09 Knowhow 6.8Set9.25.4

Things I’ve Learned About Public-Land Elk

Every generation has a story starting with, “I remember the good old days.” Elk hunters have a similar dialogue and although elk numbers are at some of their highest in modern history, public-land hunting still represents a sea of challenges. With decades of elk hunting in my rearview and an ongoing education, a few lessons I’ve learned from elk hunting may aid you in your public-land elk pursuits.

Colorado Ballot Battle Heats Up

The required number of valid signatures to put a “Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment” on Colorado’s Nov. 3 ballot was reached on Sept. 4. If approved by voters—according to Ballotpedia’s summary—it would add the “…right to hunt, fish, and take fish and wildlife through traditional methods” to the state constitution.

#SundayGunday: CZ 600+ ST3 American

On this week's #SundayGunday, we are taking a look at the new-for-2026 design of the CZ 600+ ST3 American, the ST3 being the long- and magnum-action model. Built by the legendary Czech company for the American market, this is a rifle adapted perfectly to hunting on this continent.

How Can Hunters Travel Out of State With Suppressed Firearms?

Getting federal and state agencies out of the way of the citizens who wish to use suppressors to make their guns more polite to their ears and to their neighbors’ is an ongoing, complex and multifaceted effort. There is, however, progress being made thanks to the Trump administration.

A Shared Memory Between Life’s Chapters

Check out this memorable hunting story from member William Scott Aldridge.

Hardware Review: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

First, the Browning Automatic Rifle addressed in this article is not the renowned 1918 BAR of military fame. I’ve actually seen an American Rifleman editor hunt hogs with a reproduction 1918 BAR. While it was a spectacle to behold, it’s probably not the optimal choice for the deer woods, but hey, who am I to judge? The Browning BAR we’re talking about in this article is the iconic hunting rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.