Who going to the sportsman show

[mark270wsm]

I know what your saying Outback, I love going to these shows, most times just enjoy the social time out with the guys. I love to chat with folks at these shows about hunting stuff etc. I don't need anything for hunting, but still end up a buying few goodies with my allowance.

From the sound of it, a lot of guys are hitting the show fairly focused on seeing new stuff and finding a good deal...if that is are they are looking for, it's probably why they don't get much out of them. Like urbansherpa said, he was there less than an hour. How many guys could he have possible talked to in that short a time. I spend close to 15 minutes outside the front door in the rope trailer talking to the guy about rope even before I go in

Never complain about a venue where you can mingle with kindred spirits in something you have a passion with.

I hope you don,t go to the grocery store with your kids as it probably takes a hour or so talking to every one in the isles. My wife is brutal that way. glad you had fun but every since they gutted the place about 20 years ago , i stopped going .

[Redbull]

I stopped in Friday at noon since I was downtown for work anyway. Walked around for 2 hrs - had a chance to talk to Mike Miller, Luke Scherders, some boat dealers, poked around the new 2014 Toyota Highlander (they were offering test drives to!), birds of prey booth, handled a few Browning shotguns (20g Cynergy is nice!), saw some nice Berettas, talked to the Eureka folks, visited the Garmin booth, Backroad maps, etc etc. If I had more time I'd visit with the fishing outfitter/camp booths but had to go.

I to remember the good 'ol days but glad I went - did some recon on future purchases and talked to some real nice folks.

RB

[mattadam]

Im new with all this stuff still, this is my third year hunting fifth year going to the show. I enjoy seeing the new stuff, talking to the people about fishing and hunting, meeting new people, checking out the seminars etc. I got to shoulder a few shotguns that I won't be able to afford anytime in the foreseeable future lol but it was still cool to do. I also picked up a few packages of pepperettes and some beef jerky, two new diaphragm calls from Gobblestalker Calls, and I got a reusable heat pad (got caught by the two young sales girls and they sweet talked me into buying it). I spent about half an hour talking with Kevin and Paul Beasley which I enjoyed. I really have a bad case of turkey fever now!

[Roper]

I went Friday night (free underground parking) with my son and one of his friends. Our main interest was to write our turkey test. That was really good - took about 20 minutes.
My son is looking for a new rifle (he's thinking .270 right now), and we were dissapointed with the limited amount of firearm manufacturers/vendors there. Browning, Beretta and Savage were there.
I was surprised to be told Beretta owns Sako and Tikka. Didn't know that.
Anyways - I like to go to shows but to be honest I could probably see more by spending a couple of hours in Bass Pro or Sail. I think those large stores have stolen a lot of the thunder previously found at the sportsman show.

[mattadam]

I agree with you Roper about the lack of variety in the firearms part. Even at places like shooters choice that had gun selections I couldnt find any Remington 870s or Mossbergs of any kind there to shoulder and see how they fit. That was one of the reasons I was going to the show, I was hoping to talk to both manufacturers and check out both guns to see what feels better.

[Brampton Mike]

Well my girlfriend won free tickets to the Sportsman Show and we went yesterday and felt totally ripped off...what a waste of time...we chatted with Adrian, Paul & Kevin Beasley, Ken Cull & Kevin Bartley....as Kim just got her turkey course last weekend we sat through Adrian's seminar but other than the above it felt more like an oversized flea market...booths selling mops, sunglasses, mystery meat etc. does not belong in a Sportsman Show considering we got in for free it wasn't a bad deal but for those having to pay $19 a head plus $14 for parking is a total rip off! No deals to be had at all!

[ryandir]

image.jpgFor me it was worth it to see these guys alone. I'm a big fan of canada in the rough and these guys were super nice answering my questions and taking the time to speak with me. I'm looking at purchasing my first bow and was talking to the guys at Excalibur, Elite, and ten point who gave me a lot of info about the different types and what I might go with. Shooters choice had a no tax sale but I decided to take a trip to their place and try a few out first before I spend the money on one. It was fun to take a Toyota tundra out for a test drive and walk around eating the pepperettes I bought. Also had another chance to see the coyote legend fratri. Last year was my first year going to the show and liked the layout better this year but noticed the decrease in hunting vendors. I enjoyed myself but can see how some more experienced hunters who don't need anything new would be disappointed driving from further distances. I would go again.

[fishguru22]

Hey Ryandir, it was nice meeting you on the weekend. It was me that you were talking to at the Elite booth.

Rob

[backmaster]

I went but never again

[ryandir]

It was a pleasure speaking with you Rob. All of your advice and information really helped out. When I asked the Canada in the Rough guys what they thought they told me the same thing, depends on how much time you have to practice. I really love that Elite bow though.

Hey Ryandir, it was nice meeting you on the weekend. It was me that you were talking to at the Elite booth.

Rob