AZGFD Outdoor Expo Draws 17,400

This year’s Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo was a resounding success, judging from total attendance, feedback from visitor surveys, and the smiles on the faces of kids and families.

More than 17,400 people — three times the number of last year’s Shooting Showcase — visited the free expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix on March 31 and April 1.

“People indicated they enjoyed the expanded scope of the event, the hands-on outdoor recreation opportunities, and especially the variety of activities available for young people and families,” says Dana Yost, assistant director for information and education.

Popular activities included trying out firearms from various manufacturers on the shooting range; checking out fishing, archery, air gun and .22 shooting at the Family Fun Adventures area; test-driving off-highway vehicles and seeing demonstrations at the OHV area; seeing live wildlife and learning about wildlife conservation; trying out specialty shooting disciplines at venues hosted by local shooting organizations, and experiencing archery and clay target shooting.

In the Family Fun Adventures area, nearly 1,700 young anglers tried their skill at the family fishing tank, while more than 500 people ventured out onto hunter field course. More than 8,000 rounds of .22 ammunition were expended at the beginners’ rifle range.

More than 100 exhibitors — sportsmen’s/conservation groups, government agencies and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services — participated at this year’s event.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Expo—it’s scheduled for March 28-30, 2008 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. It will be the biggest and best yet! We look forward to seeing you all in 2008.

For more information, call Tristanna Bickford, AZGFD outdoor event coordinator, at (602) 789-3241.