Texas Hunters and Sportsman’s Expo in 32nd year

Can you believe it has been 32 years?

It’s that time of year again when hunters and outdoorsmen from across Texas head south to the McAllen Convention Center July 21-23 to experience one of the best outdoor shows in the country — the Texas Hunters and Sportsman’s Expo.

“We have had solid crowds over the past 31 years and the show’s attendance continues to grow each year,” show director Justin Curl said. “This three-day weekend event is expected to draw several thousand hunting and fishing enthusiasts and visitors from both sides of the border.”

Exhibits for everyone, including women and children, and all types of retailers will be on hand for attendees to check out.

“Another thing we want to focus on this year is the fact that we are going to have items for everyone, as usual, and a variety of exhibits to enjoy,” Curl said.

Want to go on a great hunt? The expo is recognized as the highest-quality hunting and fishing show in South Texas, with outfitters from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Africa booking hunts for white-tailed deer, exotics, bear, moose, elk, mule deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, dove and waterfowl.

Is fishing more your thing? Come and speak with trophy guides for bass and saltwater game fish. Also, a huge display of boats, motors, rods, reels, fishing lights, tackle and more waits for you this year.

Manufacturers and dealers will also be in attendance, offering special show prices on hunting blinds, ATVs, camouflage clothing, ranching equipment, tractors, hunting accessories and more.

“This is a show the entire family can enjoy,” Curl said. “There is something here for everyone.”

Feature attractions:

Wildlife artist Don Breeden

WOW Trophy Whitetail Display

Roxor hunting vehicle

Hourly giveaways

CCA boat raffle

Frank Addington Jr., “The Aspirin Buster”

Live Rattlesnake Pit

Operation Game Thief Wildlife Trailer

KTO Ice Chest Super Display

Meet and greet with Pedro Sors, host of Con Cana y Carette

VIP Friday Night live country music by

Southern Ashes Band

Admission prices are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and children 12 and under are free. Better yet, the prices are good all weekend. For information, call (956) 664-2884 or visit texashunterassociation.com.

Show Dates and Times:

Friday, July 21 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, July 22 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday, July 23 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

IDAHO Grizzly mistaken for black bear

On June 8, a nonresident hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear he mistook for a black bear. The bear was killed in Idaho’s Panhandle. After shooting the bear and identifying it as a grizzly, the hunter contacted Idaho Fish and Game and is cooperating with the investigation.

Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and bear hunters are responsible for proper identification of their target. Size and color of the animal are not reliable indicators of species. Grizzlies typically have short, rounded ears, a dished facial profile, a prominent shoulder hump and 2-4 inch long claws.

—IDFG

NEBRASKA Record carp

Chuck Hensel, of Valentine, was fishing Merritt Reservoir in April baited with tiny wax worms. He landed a giant common carp. Hensel’s common carp beat the old Nebraska state record by more than 4 1/2 pounds. His fish was more than 40 inches long and weighed 39 pounds, 8 ounces.

—NGPC

INTERNATIONAL MANITOBA, CANADA Deadline for U.S. waterfowl hunters

Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development announced new licensing requirements for foreign resident migratory bird hunters in the province beginning with the 2023 hunting season.

Under the new regulations there will be three categories of foreign resident licenses: 1) a seven-day permit for freelance hunters issued via a drawing, 2) a legacy migratory gamebird license for grandfathered property interest holders, and 3) a seven-day permit purchased through a licensed Manitoba outfitter.

Hunters who want to go to Manitoba and hunt on their own this fall will need to apply via the e-licensing portal by July 15. All hunters who apply via the portal within the proper time frame will receive a license, but will be limited to one seven-day period during the season.

Another portion of the regulation change reduces the number of outfitters licensed to guide waterfowl hunters in Manitoba by approximately 50 percent, intended to crack down on rogue outfitters who have operated illegally in the province.

—Staff report