Big catches at Sportsmen’s Show

Three-day event offers vendors, seminars with fishing, hunting experts

By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican

FISHING SEASON IS just around the corner and this weekend’s Springfield Sportsmen’s Show at the Eastern States Exposition has everything needed to help catch that big one.

The event isn’t just for those who love fishing, but any type of sporting activity, especially hunting, noted Doug Sousa, show promoter, of Outdoor Sports Expo Group in Granby.

“We have a bigger show planned than last year with 100 more exhibitors than in 2022. There will be many returning and other great new exhibitors such as Ruger and Marlin, America’s biggest firearm manufacturer for the commercial sporting market,” Sousa said.

Hours are Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual event features sporting vendors from all over the country selling the latest hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear. Those attending can also meet with hunting and fishing celebrities, industry experts, and participate in seminars to further their knowledge.

Among the many new activities at this year’s show will be the Huntstock archery competition, where archers of all ages and skill levels can shoot and be entered to win thousands of dollars in prizes.

Another new attraction is the SCI New England Mobile Wildlife Education Center, housed in a 40-foot trailer, featuring taxidermy and an array of educational experiences.

There is even something for art lovers at the show, Sousa noted.

“Artist Josh Durant will have some of his original paintings on display and for sale. I love his work and have one of his paintings, which are mostly of deer,” he said.

And it wouldn’t be the Sportsmen’s Show without the return of the popular trout pond, Sousa noted, where for a small fee you can grab a pole and cast your line for a fish to bring home and cook or release back into the pool.

“I can’t tell you how many people have come back to the show and told me they caught their first fish as a youngster here,” he said.

This year’s show also features a new Kids Fun Area, where the folks from Pete and Chris Amusements have a variety of games and activities to keep younger visitors busy, including Quack Attack and other fun carnival style games. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be attending the show to meet with military veterans and their family members to assist them in connecting with VA benefits. And there will be a special $3 military discount on Sunday for those with a proper ID. Also, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will be at the show all three days registering ATVs, snowmobiles and boats.

“This year for the first time we are offering online ticket sales to help visitors save time from waiting in line and enabling them to enter the show quicker,” Sousa said.

Tickets are $15 for adults, children 6-12 are $5 and those under 6 are free.

For more information on the many experts who will be presenting at the show and other activities, or for tickets, visit osegsportsmens.com.