Atlanta, Georgia — Anyone interested in learning more about the outdoors — from hunting wild turkeys to capturing the outdoor experience on video, or even learning to cook outdoors — will have an opportunity at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s seminar series during its annual Convention and Sport Show.

The Federation’s 32nd annual Convention and Sport Show, held Feb. 21 to Feb. 24 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, will help keep hunters on the cutting edge of the sport by hosting seminars from turkey hunting’s elite.

During the three-day event, sportsmen and women can learn from deer and turkey hunting’s finest on subjects such as managing their property for white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, hunting tactics, callmaking, filming the hunt, wingshooting, selecting a properly fitted shotgun and much, much more. Participants will also have a chance to speak with many of the legends in a classroom-sized venue.

General admission tickets for the event are only $10 daily or $25 for three days. The ticket also grants admission to the exhibit hall, where participants can stock up on the latest deer and turkey hunting gear and gadgets from more than 545 exhibitors. Convention-goers will also have a chance to sit in on the Wild Turkey Bourbon NWTF Grand National Calling Championships.

Choose from a lineup of experts and tips to help you in the woods this year:

• How to Video Your Hunt, by Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland, Mossy Oak
• On the Road with Michael Waddell, by Michael Waddell, Realtree
• Tips on Buddy Hunting, by Alex Rutledge and Eddie Salter, Hunter’s Specialties
• Decoying Turkeys, by Harold Knight and David Hale, Knight and Hale Game Calls
• Set-ups and Patterns, by Tom Kelly, author
• Ask a Little;I’ll Give a Lot: Q&A with Preston Pittman, by Preston Pittman, Preston Pittman Game Calls
• Radical Roosting Tactic for Greater Success, by Ray Eye, Eye on the Outdoors
• Competition Calling 101, by previous NWTF/Wild Turkey Bourbon Champions: Ricky Joe Bishop, Matt VanCise, Chris Parrish, Denny Gulvas, Walter Parrott, Jim Pollard, Matt Morrett, Shane Hendershot and Steve Stoltz, Moderator
• Healthier Food Plots Mean Healthier Wildlife, by Johnny McRight, DeltAg
• Outdoor Cooking Tips, by Mark Kelly, Lodge Manufacturing
• All About Shooting, by Clark Bush, professional shooter
• How Government Really Works: How Turkey Hunters Can Make Politicians Vote Pro-Sportsmen, by Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
• Box Call Basics: How to Make a Beckoning Box Call, by Scott Basehore, Scott Basehore Custom Calls
• How to Fund Your Chapter’s Wheelin’ Event, by Illana Burkhart, Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF
• The Modern Trumpet and How to Play It, by Bill Lester, Art Professor, Delta State University
• Mastering the Wind Instruments for Turkey Calling, by Rev. Zach Farmer, Custom Call Maker
• Ladies: Tips on Selecting Your First Firearm, by Marty Fischer, Host of Shotgun Journal TV
• How to Host a Jakes Event, by Mandy Harling, NWTF JAKES Program Manager
• Monster Whitetails: 3 Phases of the Rut, by Steve Stoltz, Knight and Hale Game Calls and Mossy Oak
• Spring Turkey Hunting Fast and Furious, by Paul Butski, Butski Game Calls
• Talking Turkey, by Eddie Salter, Hunter’s Specialties
• Antique and Collectible Turkey Calls, by Howard Harlan, author of “Turkey Calls: An Enduring American Folk Art” and Chris McDonald
• Improving Your Land for Wildlife - Take it to the Next Level, by Bryan Burhans, NWTF Director of Land Management Programs and Buford Sanders, GA Forestry Commission
• Identifying Sounds & Coursing Directions, by Bob Walker, Walker’s Game Ear and Paul Butski, Butski Game Calls
• Barbarians at the Turkey Hunter’s Gate: The Rise of the New Anti-Hunting Movement, by Rick Story, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
• Improving Wildlife and Forest Health with Herbicides, by Jonathan Smith, BASF and Randy Denhart, BASF
• Building a Strong Wheelin’ Sportsmen Program in Your State, by Robin Clark, NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen Event Coordinator
• Masters of the Wingbone & Trumpet, by Thomas Nickerson, Parker Whendon, Sam Worthington, Brad Campbell, and Hilary Nickerson
• If it Flies: Tips for Better Wingshooting, by Marty Fischer, Host of Shotgun Journal TV

32nd Annual International Sportsmen’s Expo Offers Bay Area’s Only Outdoor Enthusiast Show January 10-13 At San Mateo County Event Center

San Mateo, California – The 32nd Annual San Mateo International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) brings the best of the outdoors to the San Mateo County Event Center Thursday, January 10 through Sunday, January 13, 2008. The San Mateo ISE is the Bay Area’s only gathering of the year for fishing, hunting and outdoor enthusiasts who want to try and buy gear, meet outdoor celebrities and experts, and research and book travel packages to destinations near and far. From fly-fishing clinics and dog long-jumping competitions, to kayak demonstrations and off-road test drives, outdoor lovers of all ages can participate in a variety of hands-on sporting activities.

“With a wide diversity of outdoor products and services, experts and information not found at any other event in the area all year, the ISE combines an exciting fishing, boating, hunting, off-road, and travel expo all under one roof,” said ISE CEO and President Brian Layng. “At the same time, the show offers a variety of entertainment for experts or newcomers to the outdoors.”

With nearly 400 exhibitors, there is truly something for every outdoors enthusiast at the show, including: fishing tackle and gear; hunting products and gear; outdoor apparel and optics; outdoor gadgets and furnishings; clubs, groups and publications; trucks, trailers and aftermarket products; boats, motors and marine accessories; RVs and campers; and ATVs and motorcycles. But the show’s largest category of exhibitors is travel experts – lodges and resorts, guides and outfitters. This group alone includes more than 200 companies spotlighting outdoor activities throughout California and the West, as well as Alaska, Canada, Central and South America, and even Africa.

Throughout the expo in three special theaters and on multiple stages, top local and national experts will lend their expertise in fishing, camping, survival, photography, cooking, travel and hunting. Apropos for an election year, the ISE will also offer a special presentation on environmental issues affecting sportsmen. Exciting entertainment includes contests and competitions for enthusiasts of every skill level and age. Children can personally experience the spirit of outdoor adventure at the hands-on Youth Outdoor Sports Fair, presented by Western Outdoor News.

Show highlights include:

Interactive Entertainment:

• Off-Road Test-Drive Track, sponsored by Toyota, offers attendees the unique opportunity to try out Toyota’s latest trucks and SUVs on a specially designed off-road track.
• “Lowrance Learning Center” is a complete interactive training area for hands-on clinics in GPS navigation and fish-finding. Guided by Capt. Jack Findleton and pro bass angler Jeff Boyer, participants will take a virtual tour of an Alaska fishing trip, learning how to use gear as they go.
• “Splash Dogs” Jumping Contest now includes a Best-of-the-West series with $1,000 in prize money. Any size or breed of dog is welcome to compete! Winners from the San Mateo stop will qualify to compete for the title at ISE’s Salt Lake City event in March. Register online at www.splashdogs.com.
• NEW: Expanded Western Outdoor News Youth Outdoor Sports Fair now includes hands-on activities from the California Department of Fish & Game. The Fair features a kids’ catch-and-release fishing pond, fly-casting instruction, airgun and archery ranges, lure-making, animal and habitat education, a mountain-man camp, contests, and thousands of dollars of giveaways. Staffed with dozens of experienced guides, the Youth Fair will draw thousands of youth and their families, helping to create the next generation of enthusiastic, informed outdoor participants (Opens Friday, January 11, at 3 p.m. and runs through Sunday, January 13, at 5 p.m.).
• NEW: Movie Premiere of Mike Wier’s “Soulfish,” plus best of Wier’s “Fish Eye” video series. Lake Tahoe-based Wier also created “Trout Bum Diaries,” seen last year on a national film tour.
• Best-of-the-West Distance Fly-Casting Competition with $2,000 in cash prizes. San Mateo is the first stop in the series. Winners will compete for the title at ISE’s Salt Lake City event in March.
• Fly-casting demonstrations and instruction at the fly-casting ponds.
• Fly-Tying Video Theater and How-To Center, where legends and newcomers alike demonstrate favorite patterns and materials either from a stage or one-on-one with the public.
• Kayak demos in the splash pond – Presented by Wind Toys, attendees can learn about various kayak models and techniques.
• Sporting-Dog demonstrations from trainers will highlight various breeds and training styles.

Demonstrations and Presentations:

• NEW: Seminars at the Eastmans’ Journals Adventure Theater. Topics range from survival stories to fly-fishing tropical destinations; taxidermy to wild-game preparation; bird to big-game hunting. Presenters include global-survival expert and author Greg Davenport; author, editor and TV show host Scott Haugen; taxidermist Chris Crabtree; biologist Ryan Mathis; guide, editor and TV show host Chad Schearer; local saltwater fly-fishing guru Dan Blanton; professional photographer Brian O’Keefe; and legendary fly-fishers Bob Clouser, Jack Dennis and Denny Rickards.
• NEW: “Plight of our Fisheries” expert panel discussion – learn the issues and how to support the future of fishing. Mike Aughney of USAFishing.com will moderate and panelists include: Jim Martin, Pure Fishing; Dick Poole, Water4Fish; Dan Bacher, “The Fish Sniffer”; and John Beuttler, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (Sat., January 12, at 1 p.m., in the Sportfishing Theater).
• Gear and technique seminars by California’s top pro bass anglers at the Ultimate Bass Demonstration Tank.
• NEW: Seminars at the Sportfishing Theater by Northern California’s finest guides, captains and outdoor communicators.
• Food’s on! Learn how to prepare a harvest for the best eating from “Bugle” (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) columnist and Bay Area wild-game chef John McGannon.
• “California Outdoor Hall of Fame” annual awards presentation, hosted by local writer and San Francisco Chronicle outdoor columnist Tom Stienstra (Saturday, January 12, at 4 p.m.).

Special Exhibits:

• NEW: World Taxidermy Display, presented by the Bay Area Chapter of Safari Club International.
• NEW: Fishing licenses for sale and expert information available at the California Department of Fish & Game Pavilion.
• A 30-foot-long aquarium filled with living fish found in local waters.
• An outdoor climbing wall that all family members will enjoy (additional charge).
•  Wildlife paintings, sculpture and lifestyle furnishings.

The ISE will take place at the San Mateo County Event Center, located at 2495 South Delaware Street in San Mateo, Calif., 94403. Show hours are: Thursday and Friday from 12 – 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Entrance is $12 for adults and children 12 and younger enter for free. Discount coupons are available at select Long’s Drug stores, Kragen Auto Parts, and Togo’s. Discount coupons and tickets are also available at http://SanMateo.SportsExpos.com. Parking is $7 per car. For more information, visit http://SanMateo.SportsExpos.com.

About ISE
Since 1975 International Sportsmen’s Expositions (ISE) has produced America’s premier adventure-travel, fishing, shooting-sports and boat shows for outdoor enthusiasts at events held during the first quarter throughout the largest western and Rocky Mountain markets. International Sportsmen’s Expositions’ reputation as the industry leader is based on their commitment to presenting a broad spectrum of outdoor recreational opportunities as honorable, quality and conservation-affective pursuits. For more information, visit SportsExpos.com.

Bird dogs, youth, habitat and Farm Bill highlight seminar events

Saint Paul, Minnesota – Pheasants Forever (PF) announces the schedule of seminars slated for National Pheasant Fest 2008 presented by Cabela’s. The Fest will be taking place January 18th, 19th and 20th, 2008, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. The 3-day event will feature four seminar stages and 10 seminar rooms. A complete list of seminars can be seen at www.nationalpheasantfest.org/page/1/pfestSeminarList.

The Bird Dog Bonanza Stage - Immensely popular, the Bird Dog Bonanza Stage is presented by Nestle Purina Pet Car and SportDOG brand electronic dog training systems. Dog training seminars and sport dog demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend on the hour. Speakers will include Purina/SportDOG consultant Rick Smith, Tom Dokken, Purina consultant Jerry Cacchio, and SportDOG’s Charley Jurney. These experts will demonstrate everything from how to turn your pup into a successful hunting partner to discussions on proper exercise and nutrition. They’ll also give advice on picking a puppy appropriate for your family. Each day, the presenters will join a panel discussion, taking questions from Pheasant Fest attendees.

Family/Youth Stage – Presented by Cabela’s, the Family/Youth Stage at National Pheasant Fest makes learning fun! There will be plenty of critters, from birds to reptiles. You’ll also be able to learn about the Mighty Mississippi “River to the Sea,” a fantastic presentation by Underwater Adventures Aquarium.

Habitat Stages – Two Habitat Stages will feature a variety of presentations on all things habitat. PF’s Habitat Forever will present “Creating Effective Food Plots for Upland Wildlife.” You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the great habitat building and hunting moments from Pheasants Forever Television with “The Man Afield,” Bill Sherck. And a full slate of presentations and speakers throughout the weekend fill seminar rooms on topics including pheasants, bobwhite quail, predators, deer management and more.

Pheasants Forever’s 2008 Farm Bill Forum - PF has grown into a leader in conservation policy at the highest levels of government. In that vein, PF will host the second-ever Farm Bill Forum at National Pheasant Fest 2008. Last year’s Forum featured the first joint public appearance of brand new U.S. House Ag Chair Collin Peterson and U.S. Senate Ag Chair Tom Harkin. This year’s participants are yet to be announced, but attendees can expect a similar caliber of participants to discuss Farm Bill topics ranging from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), wetlands, public hunting access, ethanol and biofuels, as well as soil rental rates, The event will take place on Saturday, January 19th at 10:30 AM in Rooms 10 and 11 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

For the special price of $30, a National Pheasant Fest advance ticket includes floor admission for the entire three-day weekend, as well as a one-year membership to Pheasants Forever. The PF membership includes a free PF hat (a $17 value), a subscription to the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation (5 issues) and PF member card and decal. Purchasing advance tickets to National Pheasant Fest is a $77 value at less than half the price, a savings of over 60 percent! Tickets are available at any Ticketmaster outlet (find links at www.NationalPheasantFest.org) or by calling (651)989-5151. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Saint Paul RiverCentre Box Office (located in the southeast lobby of Xcel Energy Center). Adult daily tickets are $10 and youth ages 6-16 are $5.Youth under 5 are free.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org.

Fairfax, Virginia - The National Rifle Association’s National Awards for the year 2005 were presented at a special ceremony on September 16 in Arlington, Virginia.
NRA President Sandy Froman presided. The NRA National Awards Program is offered as a part of NRA’s fall Board of Directors meeting.
The NRA National Awards Program recognizes outstanding service of those who support the NRA in areas such as legislative affairs, club operations, youth programs, fundraising and others. Individuals and groups who are honored exemplify the diverse character of the Association. Winners might include a dedicated shooting coach running a youth program at his local club, a woman who works to bring shooting opportunities to other women, or a law enforcement officer protecting his community.
This year 16 awards were given. “It’s important to recognize the people and organizations who have distinguished themselves through dedication and commitment to the NRA,” said Sandy Froman. “These people have made a unique commitment to the gun-owning public across America and their willingness to give of themselves speaks tremendously of their character.”
A complete listing of awards and award recipients follows. For more information about applying for NRA National Awards, please call NRA-CLUB. The deadline to submit is December 31st.
NRA National Award Winners
2005 Show Recruiter of the Year Award
Firearms Education and Safety Council of Vallejo - Vallejo, California
2005 Instructor Recruiter of the Year Award
Terry N. Tate - Salt Lake City, Utah
2005 Dealer Recruiter of the Year Award
Valley Firearms, LLC - Shelton, Connecticut
2005 Club Recruiter of the Year
The Manhattan Wildlife Association - Logan, Montana
2005 Outstanding Club Award
Palmetto Gun Club - Charleston, South Carolina
2005 Outstanding Youth Club Award
DuBois Rifle and Pistol Club - Rockton, Pennsylvania
2005 Outstanding State Association Award
New Mexico Shooting Sports Association
2005 Marlin R. Scarborough Award
Missouri Department of Conservation - Jefferson City, Missouri
2005 Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee Award
Pennsylvania’s First Friends of NRA Committee - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
2005 NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Officer James D. Niggemeyer - Columbus, Ohio, Division of Police
2005 Jay M. Littlefield NRA/ILA Volunteer of the Year Award
Joseph DeBergalis, Jr. - West Seneca, New York
2005 Jay M. Littlefield NRA/ILA Volunteer of the Year Award
Ed Williamson - Heiskell, Tennessee
2005 Jay M. Littlefield NRA/ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
Kansas State Rifle Association
2005 Jay M. Littlefield NRA/ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
New York State Rifle and Pistol Association
2005 Outstanding Achievement Youth Award
Johnathan W. Zimmerer - Gainesville, Texas
2005 Sybil Ludington Freedom Award
Patricia “Peggy” Tartaro - Buffalo, NY
Media Contact:
Jorge Amselle
267-1595

Richfield Festivities to Include Celebrities and Hunting, Fishing Experts
RICHFIELD, Wis. - Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is planning its Grand Opening activities October 6-15, 2006 at its new 165,000-square-foot, large-format superstore in Richfield, Wis. The 10-day festivities will feature celebrities and hunting and fishing experts sharing stories and advice.
Celebrities attending the Grand Opening will include NASCAR champion Kasey Kahne, 2006 Iditarod Champion Jeff King; former Dallas Cowboy’s legend Randy White; and Cabela’s founders Dick and Mary Cabela, who will sign their book, “Two Hearts; One Passion.” Other special guests include hunting and fishing authorities, expert dog trainers, wild game chefs, authors and wildlife artists.
Grand Opening giveaways and special prices on clothing and merchandise will also be offered. Customers can enter drawings to win an 8-day Yukon Moose Hunt, a 10-day African Safari, a 3-day Pheasant Hunt in South Dakota, and a trip to the 2007 Iditarod. Also, Wyndham Worldwide and Fairfield Resorts will be giving away a 2007 F-150 Styleside Ford pickup and other opportunities for special vacation packages that include $50 Cabela gift cards and vacation property ownership. Shoppers can register to win at kiosk machines located at the store.
In addition, starting at 8:00 am on October 10th, Cabela’s will be awarding 300 Kasey Kahne autograph passes, courtesy of Remington, on a first-come, first-served basis. Another 100 autograph passes will be drawn at 4:00 pm on October 10th. Customers may enter the drawing by filling out an entry form at the store on October 10th, and winners must be present when the names are drawn at 4:00 pm.
Normal store hours are Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. Cabela’s is located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 41, U.S. Highway 45 and State Highway 145 in Richfield.
Cabela’s Richfield store is the company’s 17th retail location in a line of famous destination stores. In 2006, the company is also opening retail stores in Glendale, Ariz.; Boise, Idaho; and La Vista, Neb. Cabela’s has announced plans to open stores in 2007 in Wheat Ridge, Colo.; East Hartford, Conn.; Adairsville, Ga.; Hoffman Estates, Ill.; Gonzales, La.; Hazelwood, Mo.; Reno, Nev., and East Rutherford, N.J. A Montreal, Quebec, store is scheduled for early 2008.
CABELA’S GRAND OPENING SCHEDULE
RICHFIELD, WIS. OCT. 6-15, 2006
Jim Zumbo - Big Game hunting authority - Oct. 6,7 - 9am-5pm
Randy White - Dallas Cowboy legend - Oct. 6 - 10am-2pm
Greg Sesselman - Scent-Lok inventor - Oct. 6 - 10am-2pm
Cameron Hanes - Eastman’s Bowhunting Journal - Oct. 6,7 - 10am-2pm
Dick and Mary Cabela - Cabela’s founders - Oct. 6-8 - 10am-noon and 1-3pm
Mike Iaconelli - Cocoons pro staff - Oct. 6,7 - 11am-1pm; 2-4pm
Kasey Kahne - NASCAR champion - Oct. 10 - 6-8pm
CJ Buck - Buck Knives - Oct. 13-15- 9am-noon and 2-5pm
Jeff King - Iditarod Champion - Oct. 14,15 - noon-3pm
Kris Winkleman - Winkleman products, as seen on TV - Oct. 15,16* - noon-5pm
* Note: Kris Winkleman is extending her appearance to Oct. 16

Shooters from throughout the industry, including top company executives, are preparing for the 2006 Shooting Industry Masters, which supports NSSF’s STEP OUTSIDE mentoring program. “FMG Publications has done a tremendous service for the industry in raising money and awareness of STEP OUTSIDE. These efforts are very important to the future of our sport and industry,” said Doug Painter, NSSF president.
The three-gun competition will be held Sept. 22 and 23 in St. Cloud, Minn. For a look at last year’s event and to download an entry form, visit www.shootingindustry.com.

The International Hunter Education Association, dedicated to continuing the heritage of hunting worldwide by developing safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters, has announced its annual conference’s theme as “Partnerships for Responsible Hunting - Bridging Our Values.”
The gathering is scheduled for May 6-10 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta.

GunBroker.com has officially joined the renaissance of National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 23. The company has offered a sponsorship package to help return the federally recognized holiday to its early glory as the most successful sporting campaign in American history.
The movement to energize the 35th annual commemoration is being driven by Wonders of Wildlife, the National Fish and Wildlife Museum and Aquarium. Based in Springfield, Mo., the museum is the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
President George W. Bush recently acknowledged the importance of the day, as well as Wonders of Wildlife, in a special video release that can be seen at www.nhfday.org.
National Hunting and Fishing Day, formalized by Congress in 1971, was created by NSSF to celebrate the conservation successes of hunters and anglers.

It was a magic moment Thursday near the end of a two-day radiothon to raise money for children’s cancer treatment and research. Outdoor writer Mike Roberts, representing the Shooting Sportsmen of Connecticut, made an on-air $20,000 gift and matching challenge to gun owners.
A Hartford disk jockey acknowledged that guns often get a bad rap in the media, and he thanked hunters and shooters for caring. Phones, previously quiet, suddenly lit up and the tote board went nuts. In the end, the radio station credited gun owners with a giant surge that pushed the total to a record $926,089. Shooters will continue raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the 4th Annual Ladies Charity Skeet Classic in Memphis, April 7-9.
Click here for more info. NSSF is a sponsor in both fundraisers.

Join Wil Askew, NW Regional Turkey Calling Champion, at your local Oregon G.I. Joe’s store as he reveals the tricks and tips that brings success while hunting these extremely wily creatures. Whether your’re a seasoned veteran of the turkey woods or a beginner, this the seminar for you!
Enter to Win for your chance to hunt with Wil. Details and registration at each seminar!
Dates:
March 4th - Bend, Or 11:00AM
March 11th - Medford, Or 11:00AM
March 18th - Salem, Or 11:00AM
March 19th - Eugene, Or 11:00AM
March 24th - Lakewood Wa. 7:00PM
March 25th - Issaquah Wa. 11:00 AM
March 26th - Vancouver WA. 11:00AM
Locations:
Check your local yellow pages for the G.I. Joe’s location listed above.

LAS VEGAS — The annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show set records in its 28th year, posting new highs in exhibit space and attendance.
And next year’s show will be even bigger. The 2006 show featured 616,300 square feet of exhibit space, and before the closing bell had rung, exhibitors had already booked 620,000 square feet for next year’s show in Orlando, indicating that this year’s optimistic outlook has been well founded.
“The show began and ended on a highly positive note with a wide range of exhibitors noting exceptionally strong interest and sales,” said Doug Painter, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation , which owns and sponsors the show. “We’re extremely pleased our exhibitors are experiencing a great kickoff to the new year.”
The 2006 SHOT Show — held Feb. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center — attracted more than 1,846 exhibiting companies, surpassing last year’s 1,725. Preliminary figures indicate that the show attracted 23,740 buyers, 1,387 members of the press and 14,082 exhibiting personnel for a total attendance of 39,209.
The show is the world’s largest showcase of firearms, hunting and outdoor products. It provides a forum like no other for the industry to show off its newest products that will adorn the shelves of gun and sporting goods shops this year.
Optimism and enthusiasm were prevalent among exhibiting companies and retailers, signaling a positive outlook for the year to come.
“Everybody should be looking forward to a very good year,” said Bill Sugg, president of camouflage giant Mossy Oak. “Overall, it was a very good show for us. Everything has been upbeat among retailers and among our licensees. We’ve seen a lot of optimism.”
“We’ve been overwhelmed,” said Jeff Pugh, director of sales for Ellett Brothers. “We picked up more dealers than in the past.”
Technological advances highlighted many new products on display this year, several hundred of which were showcased in the New Product Section.
“Our visibility in the New Product Section drove a lot of traffic to our booth,” said Ric Sidebotham of Kick-Eez, a Washington company that makes firearm recoil pads.
Among the new items was a new look for selling products by a leading manufacturer.
“There were two things that were very positive for us: attendance and the reception from dealers to our new booth design,” said Matteo Recanatini, director of consumer marketing and communications for Beretta.
The company unveiled its “shop in shop” initiative for retailers who want to promote the sporting lifestyle to customers by showcasing Beretta accessories, apparel and firearms in one location.
For some manufacturers, the great attendance at this year’s show may require upsizing at the 2007 edition.
“We’re trying to get a bigger booth in the law enforcement section next year. We couldn’t put enough people in the booth to handle the crowd,” said Leslie Edelman, president of Kimber.
Retailers recognized the increased traffic in the booths and aisles.
“I’ve been to many SHOT Shows, and this one was the biggest, with more attendees than ever,” said Bob Strachan, owner of RCS Classic Firearms in Durango, Colo.
Aside from the action on the show floor, more than 200 exhibitors were featured in a giant temporary structure in the convention center parking lot. Called the “Campsite,” the area also featured food and music, and attendees showed strong approval of the new feature.
A capacity crowd of more than 1,800 attended the show’s annual State of the Industry Gala. The night included an upbeat message from Painter, video highlights of NSSF’s efforts over the past year, a concert from Grammy-winning country artist Lee Ann Womack and the presentation of two special awards.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to renowned outdoor communicator Grits Gresham, recognizing his extraordinary achievements made in support of America’s hunting heritage and firearm freedoms. A new and annually presented award will bear Gresham’s name permanently. NSSF and the recently formed Professional Outdoor Media Association will begin presenting the POMA/NSSF Grits Gresham Communicator of the Year Award in 2007.
NSSF also presented an award to the National Rifle Association , recognizing its persistence in helping Congress to pass the historic Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which was signed into law last year by President Bush. The new law protects law-abiding firearms manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits.
Capacity crowds also attended the annual Women in the Industry luncheon, which featured an address by Christine Godleski, vice president and general manager of ESPN Outdoors, and the Future Leaders luncheon, which included an address from business growth expert Steven S. Little.
The annual SHOT Show Gun and Knife Auction raised $13,175 for Wonders of Wildlife, the new home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. A one-of-a-kind Ruger No. 1 marking the 100th anniversary of the .30-06 sold for $10,425, and a RavenFork Hunter-Skinner package from custom knife maker Ross Tyser sold for $2,750.
SHOT Show University — a series of helpful seminars for firearms retailers — was attended by more than 100.

Henricks Outdoors, LLC, publisher of HuntTheOutdoors.com, will be at the 2006 SHOT Show February 9 - 12, 2006.
The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Tradeshow
is the worldwide annual gathering that unites manufacturer and retailer and all other industry stakeholders to trade, source and learn about the latest products, innovations and trends in the shooting sports industry.
Over the coming weeks we’ll be featuring tons of new products that we find at the show, and bringing you the latest news from the hunting and sport shooting industry.
Stayed tuned for more news and information as we cover the 2006 SHOT Show for you, our readers.
Jeremy Henricks
Publisher
Henricks Outdoors, LLC

An indication of the importance the industry gives to the SHOT Show is the numbers that mark increased exhibitor presence. Two weeks out from the Feb. 9-12 expo, the final exhibitor count is 1,846 companies, an increase of 118 over the 2005 show.
Together, they occupy 616,280 square feet at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a jump of more than 47,000 square feet. “The stage is set for the year’s largest gathering of exhibitors and buyers, as well as outdoor media,” said Doug Painter, NSSF president. NSSF is owner and sponsor of the SHOT Show. To get in on the SHOT Show experience, as an attendee or member of the media, visit www.shotshow.org.

The Legends Celebrity Invitational Sporting Clays Team Challenge will be held on the Saturday before SHOT Show at Desert Lake Country Club, located just outside Las Vegas. Those attending the show are invited to attend.
A number of celebrities are planning to shoot, including Roger Clemens, John Elway and Dan Marino. NSSF is a sponsor of the event. For more information, visit http://legendscelebrityinvitational.com/events_clays.htm.

Sporting Goods Business reports that the annual super trade show owned by the Sporting Good Manufacturers Association will end in 2006.
In 2007, the organization’s trade show strategy will focus on two new market events, a Spring Market and a Fall Market, spotlighting seasonal selling cycles.

Bidding for the annual SHOT Show gun and knife auction began last week at www.gunbroker.com. To mark the 100th anniversary of America’s most popular deer-hunting cartridge, the 30-06, Sturm, Ruger & Co.’s Ruger Studio produced a one-of-a-kind Ruger No. 1 for the auction.
Custom knife maker Ross Tyser and a team of craftsmen created a unique RavenFork Hunter-Skinner package. As of today, the current bid was $6,000 for the rifle and $1,525 for the knife package.
Bidding will conclude at SHOT Show in Las Vegas on Feb. 12, at noon, PST. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Wonders of Wildlife, the new home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

The annual ESPN Great Outdoor Games will not be staged in 2006, ESPN has announced.
“Our plan is to re-launch the event in 2007 with fresh ideas and approaches that will improve it for our fans, viewers and participants,” said Christine Godleski, vice president and general manager of ESPN Outdoors. NSSF has managed and sponsored the shotgun and rifle competitions for the games since their inception in 2000.
The televised events have helped put a spotlight on the shooting sports like no other by reaching ESPN’s millions of viewers. The annual television broadcast has generated strong ratings and has won three Sports Emmy awards.

The Second Amendment Foundation’s 20th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference will take place Sept. 23, 24 and 25 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott in Los Angeles, Calif. This year’s conference will include some 50 speakers. The conference will tackle many critical issues including expanding gun ownership, defeating gun bans, “smart” guns and ballistic imaging, city lawsuits, concealed carry legislation, gun show regulation, legal scholarship, state and local action and the 2006 election. NSSF is a supporter of the event.

When it comes to getting the support of a senator or congressman on a sportsmen-specific issue the key to success often relies on working with a staff member. Building good relationships with these individuals and educating them about hunting and recreational shooting is important. That’s why the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation annually invites congressional staffers to a shoot at the Prince George’s County Trap and Skeet Center.
More than 50 came out last week to gain valuable hands-on outdoors experience and a lesson in the shooting sports. Participants ranged from beginners who had never touched a firearm to experts who shot nearly perfect scores on the trap, skeet and sporting clays fields. Learn more about this valuable effort from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

Women interested in attaining NRA/USAS/CMP shotgun coach certification can do so in a ladies-only class, Sept. 26-28, in Nashville. NSSF and its Scholastic Clay Target Program actively participate in and endorse this training. For more information, e-mail John Jackson.