Upcoming outdoors shows

We’re entering that time of year when many of us look forward to the upcoming outdoor shows around the area. Usually, the first outdoor show of the season, and historically the largest, is the Great Alaskan Outdoors Show held at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage. The show is scheduled for this upcoming weekend, March 6 to March 8, (Friday through Sunday). The hours are 10 AM to 7 PM on Friday and Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. General admission is $13.

The show’s webpage describes the show this way: “Get ready for an exhilarating experience at Alaska's premier fishing, hunting, and outdoor sports show! Join us for three unforgettable days filled with everything you need to fuel your passion for the great outdoors, located at the Sullivan Arena in downtown Anchorage!”

The copy continues, “Discover a paradise under one roof for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you're an avid hunter, an intrepid hiker, a seasoned camper, or an adventure seeker with a love for climbing. The Great Alaska Sportsman Show has it all and more!” That’s the sales pitch I would expect to get folks excited about attending. I used to write similar stuff for the Valley show when Tony Russ owned and operated it.

With my various physical concerns over the past few years, I haven’t attended this show recently, so I can’t comment on whether it’s still the biggest and greatest show. Regardless of whether it is or not, I’m sure going to the show would be worth at least one day if your schedule permits.

If you’re planning any kind of hunting or fishing trip in Alaska this coming season, attending this show can often provide you the opportunity to “meet and greet” numerous guiding operations. These folks can give you valuable information about how, when, and maybe a general where for your trip. If you ask, they will tell you about necessary equipment, clothing, and general weather conditions for your planned excursion. You might even decide to book a trip with one of the guiding services and probably get the best price for the trip that guide concession is offering for the year.

I also like to go to these outdoors shows to see some of the new equipment becoming available and to listen to one or more of the seminars being presented. This year’s seminar schedule has several topics I could easily spend time listening to. There are a couple of seminars on hunting black bears: one is a how-to DIY and the other explains baiting. Another seminar discusses how to interact with the Alaska Board of Game if you’re looking to introduce a proposal affecting hunting.

There are three seminars on various aspects of fishing: two fly fishing, one halibut fishing, and a fourth on the concerns centered around commercial trawling in both federal and state waters. There’s a first-aid seminar and one explaining outdoor opportunities for women in Alaska. Check the schedule online on the show’s website.

The other show I have attended in the past is the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show. This year’s show will be held at the Menard Center in Wasilla, running from April 17 to 19. Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, with general admission of $10.

Comments I made earlier about the Anchorage show regarding touching base with guides, learning about new equipment, and such apply equally to this show. A new feature at the Mat-Su show involves a kids’ free fishing pond. This activity occurred historically at the Anchorage show but, to my knowledge, it hasn’t been available for a few years. I’m glad to see the kids fishing program revived and being held in Wasilla for the Valley kids.

While we’re talking about upcoming events, don’t forget the Big Lake Gun Show, happening on April 25 and 26 at the Big Lake Lions Club in Big Lake. The show is officially called the Houston Hockey Gun and Outdoor Show. The blackpowder club has had a set of display and sale tables at this show for years. Assuming that happens again this year, you’ll probably see me helping man their tables and talking with folks.

My wife tells me I’ve never met a stranger, and I guess maybe she’s right. I enjoy chatting with folks as they come by the table. Since I live in Big Lake, I usually see a lot of folks I know and can chat with. It never hurts to be nice!