Groups host popular outdoorsman show in Wasilla

A crowd of people strolled through the Curtis D. Menard Center during the Alaska Outdoorsman Show.

Hosted by the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) and the Alaska Gun Collector’s Association (AGCA), the gun and outdoor show featured rows of new and used firearms, ammunition, knives, clothing and more. Local businesses sold artwork, held show specials for their products and services and interacted with their customers in-person.

The Alaska Machine Gun Association (AMGA) hosted an educational display of machine guns, both foreign and domestic, spanning over multiple decades and wars. AMGA Vice President Keith Stegall said many stop by their table to discuss machine guns and admire the displays. Stegall said the association works to educate the public on the laws regarding machine gun ownership. The AMGA has been attending shows for nearly 20 years.

In conjunction with the AGCA, the AMGA hosts a youth firearm shoot during the first Saturday in June every year. Stegall explained that youth and their families are invited out to Birchwood Recreation and Shooting Park to learn to shoot multiple disciplines and learn about firearms safety, including operating machine guns. The show allows them to share the opportunity with people that stop by to check out their display.

Nick Butcher is a member of the AGCA and helped operate some of the tables. This show is one of multiple that he attends each year. He said he enjoys interacting with people whether the show is in Fairbanks, the Valley or Anchorage.

“We’re all like-minded, easy, well-spoken people,” Butcher said. “It’s something good to do on a day off.”

The AGCA hosts shows to help spread firearm awareness and promote youth education in firearms. They host youth scholarship firearm raffles during the year and shows like these help to get their name out.

“We’re trying to educate children about being safe with firearms and that it’s not a bad thing,” Butcher said. “We’re just trying to teach people.”

Another vendor said he enjoys attending the events because it’s a fun hobby that gives him something to do. He said it’s also an opportunity to do a little shopping for himself. His tables included ammunition, firearms and knives. He said he attended events as a customer before hosting his own tables to sell off some of his collected wares.

“Started getting too much stuff at the house,” he laughed. “I had to get rid of some of it.”

He also mentioned that attending the event is a great source of camaraderie amongst the vendors.

“There’s a lot of people here that’s worthwhile knowing,” he said.

The AOC Alaska Outdoorsman Banquet was also held at the Curtis D. Menard Center on Saturday. Funds raised at the event go towards outdoor conservation and youth shooting and outdoor education opportunities through live and silent auctions, raffle ticket sales and in-person ticket sales. New outdoor gear, firearms and guided trips were all up for grabs and a full catered dinner was available to all in attendance with live music.

Upcoming gun and outdoor shows include the Willow Area Community Organization and Upper Susitna Shooters Association Gun Show on November 15-16 at the Willow Community Center and the Alaska Youth Education in Shooting Sports Christmas Extravaganza and Gun Show Fundraiser on December 13-14 at Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. The Wasilla High School Gun and Outdoor Show will be on January 17 and 18.