GAOS 2017 Survival Guide

GAOS 2017 Survival Guide

By Tyler Frantz

            Next weekend, the largest consumer sports and outdoor show in the world will open its doors in Harrisburg to nearly 20,000 attendees over a nine-day period.  Hosted at Pennsylvania’s Farm Show Complex, the NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show will run February 4-12, featuring just about anything and everything an outdoor enthusiast could ever possibly imagine.

            If you’ve never been, you should strongly consider making the trip, as there’s something for everyone- plus the show is just an experience in itself. But there are ways to do it right, keep things organized, and avoid unnecessary frustrations in the process.

            As a self-proclaimed GAOS junkie, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and the tips that follow just might help enhance your show-going experience. Consider this your official GAOS 2017 survival guide to make this year your best show yet!

Make plans ahead of time

            Much like the key to any successful hunting or fishing trip, planning is essential to a productive day at GAOS. Be sure to visit the show’s website (www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org) ahead of time to become oriented with the full schedule of events, locations of must-see exhibitors, confirm show hours, and map out your route.

 

            If you plan to go with friends or family, don’t just meet there- carpool. Parking is not cheap, nor is it particularly convenient, so save yourself some scratch and arrive in one vehicle.

            While you’re on the website, it is beneficial to purchase advance tickets online. Then you can go right in with your printable admission sheet instead of shivering in line at the door. Better yet, join or renew your NRA membership through the show website and you get in free. God Bless America!

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing

            I get it- It’s an outdoor show. You’re supposed to rock camo and boots, right? Wrong! With more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing their wares in nine different exhibition halls over 650,000 square feet of floor space, attendees better bet their Mossy Oak britches they’ll cover as much ground as a spring gobbler hunt. 

            Two years ago, I ran into a friend and his fiancée in the Shooting Sports Exhibition Hall. His gal happened to be wearing a Fitbit step counter at the time, and though they hadn’t even made it through the whole show, she had already logged nearly six miles for the day.

            I’ve found that a good pair of mesh-lined, breathable sneakers is the best way to go for all-day comfort. Also, layer your clothing, as the indoor thermal reading is much warmer than outside temperatures.

            A lightweight fleece jacket is perfect for blocking the wind on your way to the complex, but easy enough to roll up and stash in a backpack once you enter the building. And believe me; with all the merchandise you’re destined to acquire throughout the day, you’ll definitely wish you had a backpack to carry it all. Take one along, or you’ll be buying one there.

Shop around for your trip of a lifetime

            With more than 475 outfitters in attendance, comprising over 40-percent of all exhibitors, this is the time and place to make plans for your next dream hunt or bucket-list fishing destination. Even if it isn’t in the cards to book right away, it is helpful to meet with guides, pick their brains and see what their outfit has to offer. In the very least, grab a brochure to let it simmer. 

            Since these outfitters pay decent money and travel long distances to acquire a large percentage of their annual bookings at this show, they are eager to make connections with potential clients. Many offer show specials at discounted rates- especially later in the week if their quota is low, while others fill two years worth of bookings before the week is out.

            Be sure to compare prices and ask plenty of questions before you commit to anything, and be advised that most will ask for a down payment at time of booking. If you’d like to do a little preseason scouting on the outfitters list, you can easily do so on the show website.

Know your limits

            This show has it all: Entire halls full of archery and fishing equipment, brand new boats and RVs, game calls, decoys, knives, hunting apparel, you name it! It is easy to get swallowed up and max out your credit card or over-extend yourself financially.

            The best advice is to set your personal limit ahead of time. If you’re disciplined enough to set a price and stick to it, great; If not, leave your plastic at home and only carry cash.

            Sometimes you go into a show knowing exactly what you want to get. If you need new arrows or a new spinning reel- they’ve got it; Plan to purchase those items. But it’s also wise to allocate a few extra flex dollars, because you’ll also see products you never considered before, but decide you’d like to buy those too.

            If that means forgoing an expensive vendor lunch and packing a sandwich and bottle of water to make it more feasible, do what you need to do. But let me tell you now, coming home with your tail between your legs, explaining to your wife that you’ll need to eat grilled cheese and fish crackers until your next paycheck because you splurged on one too many Can Cookers just isn’t worth it. Trust me.

            Live a little

            GAOS is one of my favorite wintertime events. It’s a great place to catch up on all the latest in the outdoor industry, reconnect with old acquaintances, make new friends, and try out some pretty cool gear.

            There’s a lot of fun to be had, expert advice to be soaked in, and new adventures to be found. Best of all, it leaves an economic impact of more than $80-million on the surrounding community.

            As a local boy, I don’t mind spending a little extra cash on such a worthy cause. Come to think of it, those Can Cookers are pretty cool. I suppose we’ll see what this year’s “flex” money brings- Happy GAOS week everyone!  

Show Hours
February 4, 2017 (Saturday)
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

February 5, 2017 (Sunday)
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

February 6 - February 10, 2017 (Mon-Fri)
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

February 11, 2017 (Saturday)
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

February 12, 2017 (Sunday)
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ticket Prices

**Tickets are now on sale at www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org**

Adult: $14.00

Child (6-12): $6.00

Children 5 and under: FREE!

Senior (65 or older): $11.00

2-Day Pass: $24.00

Group ticket: $11.00 (10 or more)

For more great writing, photography and video work by outdoors freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

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