Good time had by all at Mat-Su Outdoor Show

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Outdoor Show brings the outdoorsmen and women of the Mat-Su together to kick off the summer season.

Vendors from all over the state showed up to show the Mat Su outdoorsmen what they have to offer. The event was broadcast by Country Legends 100.9 FM. Cutco sold knives all weekend as one of their biggest events of the year. Five-piece sets that include the Cutco filet knife with an adjustable blade sold like hot cakes, as well as their hunting and skinning knives.

“This show has been fantastic,” said showgoer Peyton Kellar.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sponsored a number of booths, too. One booth had information on fishing regulations and closures. Their staff answered questions all weekend, and the busiest booth by far was Fish and Game’s hunting simulator, which forces the hunter to determine when to make an ethical shot based on what animals were on screen. Hunters, mostly kids, tried their luck at shooting deer, moose, and other projected images of animals after reading the rules of safe firearm handling.

Hunting clinics promoted archery programs, becoming an outdoorswoman, muzzleloader certifications, crossbow, archery, youth shooting sports, and a youth shotgun league promoted by the Hunter Information Training booth at the show.

Event director Tony Russ marveled at the wealth of knowledge spread at the show. Often times, vendors who offer fishing charters are willing to share their secret spots.

“This is a big social thing. One of the big things is just going to see your friends, people you haven’t seen for a long time. You see them here and also you go listen to all these outdoors people, some of them will tell you your favorite spots because they just like talking,” said Russ.

The wealth of information available for the $5 entry fee included seminars Friday-Sunday on topics like fly fishing techniques, solar energy systems for off grid homes and so on. While Russ says the seminars are not as well attended as he’d like them to be, there are always anglers who take something from them.

“It gets them started. It’s something to do early in the year,” said Russ.

Often, the Mat-Su show will be a precursor for the larger Anchorage show. If an item is hot at the Mat-Su show, it may be more likely to take off in Anchorage. Outdoorsmen may also do further research on a product more costly than $100 and return to the Anchorage show to purchase it.

Of the more than 4,500 people who walked through the doors at the Menard Center, Russ estimates there were nearly 1,000 children. The Houston High football team set up a raffle for Three Bears Alaska gift certificates to help them purchase new gear. Kozmo Roehl manned the booth. Roehl plays defensive line and wears whatever jersey is available to him on game day, part of the reason they needed new gear.

“Most people are interested in helping local schools,” said Lieba Putnam.

Guide Andy Couch, of Fishtale Charters, did not have the year he had hoped as a result of the King salmon fishing closures, but he said he has certainly had worse shows. He also teaches seminars.