Alaska Outdoor Expo and Gun Show

A month ago I mentioned this free event would be occurring at Wasilla’s Menard Sports Center on Saturday and Sunday October 28 & 29 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. This will be the first year I will be both attending and running a booth. Through my fishing guide service, I’ve accumulated a significant collection of higher quality spinning reels, many of which I would be happy to pass on to other anglers. I’ll likely bring some of the Flashtrap Spinners, I build primarily for use on my salmon fishing charters, and perhaps a rack of custom-built spinning rods. In case someone is interested in reserving a future fishing trip I’ll bring along my charter reservations book as well. Not knowing what to expect from this show, I’ll bring an initial selection on Saturday, and may bring additional items for Sunday. Part of the fun of doing one of these shows is connecting with people / talking at the booth, and of course walking around and looking at all the additional booths and outdoor gear. Many shower goers know better deals can sometimes be had on the last day of a show — assuming of course — that particular item that caught your attention has not already been dealt earlier in the show!

Alaska Outdoor Council/Gun Collectors Wasilla Banquet

It has been a few years since my wife and I attended an Alaska Outdoor Council Banquet / Fund Raising Auction, but in connection with the Expo mentioned above, we will be attending the banquet at the same location on Saturday evening (Oct. 28) after that first day of the Expo. To help with the fund raising effort, we’ve donated a lower Susitna River personal use dip netting trip for two people to be auctioned during the banquet. Similar to the Expo, I am hopeful to meet up and talk with other outdoor enthusiasts during the banquet. Our friend, Gary Feaster, has often been the auctioneer at some of these banquets, so we are hoping to see him there. When he has been the auctioneer in the past, however, there has often not been much time to visit with him at this event. There is often a chance to talk with one or more local politicians or even the governor at one of these events, and many attendees appreciate seeing them at an event supporting Alaska's outdoor heritage.

For outdoors folks who are not familiar with Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC), it is a statewide organization that advocates for access rights to Alaska lands, and also for hunting and fishing opportunities for all Alaskans. AOC often submits hunting and fishing regulation proposals and usually has a representative at Board of Fisheries and Board of Game regulatory meetings — many years that person has been Mat-su valley resident, Rod Arno. AOC works with politicians to protect, increase, or reinstate Alaska hunting and fishing opportunities enjoyed by many. While I do not participate in all of the activities the council works to protect, it is good to know those opportunities remain available for other outdoor enthusiasts who do enjoy and utilize them.

In hopes of visiting with you at the Wasilla Expo or banquet this weekend: Fish On!

Andy Couch’s business, Fishtale River Guides, has a supporting membership with Alaska Outdoor Council.