Explore The Outdoors

By Mike Archer. Whether you’re into some of the coolest ATV’s available; some great deals on guns; or this year’s new boats, the BC Boat and Sportsmen’s Show and BC Hunting Show at Tradex in Abbotsford this weekend is a must.

If you either devote a portion of your life to the outdoors or even if you think you want to, there is really nothing missing at the show. You can find out how to explore BC’s outdoors and every bit of paraphernalia you could ever use there.

I only have the Vancouver Boat Show and the mammoth Toronto Boat and Sportsman Show to compare and I have to say Abbotsford’s Show is up there with the best of both. Though obviously smaller, it provides an perfect sampling of just about anything you need to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

I spent Friday afternoon at the show and, despite the crowds, I was able to find everything I needed and got one-on-one access to each and every booth and exhibit.

Perhaps the most fun I had all afternoon was at the fly-tying exhibit at the far south end of the west hall. Several booths are set up with experienced fly-tiers teaching others how to tie. I was amazed at the care with which the old boys shared their skills and the undivided attention they had from their students.

I spent half an hour watching the live demonstration (with closeups on video screens) and continue to be fascinated with the surgeon-like expertise of the masters in converting bits of felt and fuzz into the pieces of art they create. These are more than artists – they are real fisherman. And they share the real-life, edge-of-the-boat action where their creations either work or fail.

From live demos to some of the best salmon jerky on the planet, this show is not to be missed if you have the slightest bit of a pulse and it gets even a little excited at the thought getting off the road, out into the woods or out on the water.

BC’s largest boating, fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s event returns to TRADEX in Abbotsford this weekend, March 6th through 8th. The 2015 BC Boat and Sportsmen’s Show and BC Hunting Show include a range of exciting features, including more than 275 exhibitors and seminars, plus tons of demos, show specials and prizes to be won!

Visitors will enjoy a series of dynamic presentations on three stages throughout the weekend as part of this year’s seminar offerings. Featured presenters include television personalities Paul Beasley of Canada in the Rough (Saturday only) and Mariko Izumi of the World Fishing Network’s Hookin’ Up (Sunday only), along with many other experts and pros from the hunting and fishing worlds and beyond! The full list of seminars along with the complete weekend schedule is available on the SHOW WEBSITE.

Sturgeon caught by Western Canoeing & Kayaking staff member Sandra Ramsey.

Exhibitors of these two shows will have tons of gear, supplies and services for sale – not to mention exclusive show deals and discounts! This is a one-stop shopping event, and visitors should come prepared to buy! Whether it’s fishing, boating, camping, hunting, or other outdoor products and services they’re shopping for, this show is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Show visitors will also have a chance to win several exciting door prizes! This year’s grand prize is a 2015 Sea-Doo Spark 900 2-up, courtesy of Greater Vancouver Powersports and BRP. Additional prizes include a fishing prize package for two consisting of two nights’ accommodation at The Stoney Lake Lodge with all meals included; and a Cariboo Truck/Camper Getaway package including a 4-day truck and camper rental, sponsored by RV Rental Association of Canada and presented by Camping & RV in BC. For complete details, visit the SHOW WEBSITE.

New for 2015, show visitors can write their Hunting CORE Exam Challenge right at the show! Sponsored by the BC Wildlife Federation, those planning to take the written or practical exam at the show are invited to register in advance atWWW.BCWF.BC.CA. The Fly Fishing Film Tour is back this year, presented by Sturgeon Slayers. Plus, heads, horns and antlers will be professionally scored by the Boone & Crockett and Wildlife Records BC professionals at the Measures Booth. Learn to fly tie and more on the Toyota World of Fly Fishing Stage, and don’t miss the gun dog demos, kids’ fishing pond, and so much more!

Advance tickets are still available for purchase online for a limited time… avoid the line-ups by visitingWWW.BCBOATANDSPORTSMENSHOW.CA.

SHOW HOURS:
Friday, March 6 12 Noon – 9pm
Saturday, March 7 9am – 6pm
Sunday, March 8 10am – 5pm

ADMISSION:
Adult – $13
Senior (60+) – $11
Junior (6-16) – $11
Family Pass – $32 (2 adults + 2 juniors)
Children under 6 FREE when accompanied by an adult

For all the exciting show details, visit WWW.BCBOATANDSPORTSMENSHOW.CA.

Don’t miss your shot to check out BC’s largest boating, fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s show!

Back for 2015, the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show and the BC Hunting Show will take place March 6th through 8th at TRADEX.

Find what’s new in the boating, hunting, fishing and recreational world!