by John Kruse, January 24, 2005

This may be the slowest time of year for most outdoors lovers. Fortunately, the annual sports shows make their arrival to get our blood going for the upcoming season. You can book a trip to a lodge, check out some bargains from your favorite sporting goods retailers, or learn a little bit in a seminar. There are casting demonstrations by the pros, RV’s for sale, and some awfully nice fishing boats too. In fact, there is guaranteed to be several things you’ll just have to see at some of the bigger shows this winter.

Here’s a rundown of when and where the shows are going to be this year:

The first show will take place in the Tri-Cities on January 21st through the 23rd. Shuyler Productions comes here every year and in addition to exhibitors, seminars and an outdoor cooking camp, they will also have two special things worth coming for. The first is a dog pull contest taking place on Saturday at Noon and Sunday at 11 AM. The second is the opportunity for you to bring your own big game trophy rack or mount and have it scored. If you think you bagged a record, this is the place to find out.

O’Laughlin Trade Shows brings their very impressive line up to the Puyallup Fairgrounds this year on January 26th. The show runs through the 30th. In addition to the constant seminars and demonstrations where you get a chance to learn from the experts, there are literally hundreds of exhibitors at this show. Make sure you tear yourself away from the exhibits long enough to take your kid to the free trout pond. Something worth seeing this year will be the Dock Dogs Big Air Challenge. While you’re their admiring those high jumping dogs, pick up some discounted food and snacks for your own four legged friend at the big Ralston Purina booth.

If you didn’t get a chance to get to the Tri-Cities for their show, don’t worry. Shuyler Productions sets up shop again in the Yakima Sun Dome for the Central Washington Sporstmen Show from February 4th through the 6th.

Speaking of second chances, O’Laughlin Trade Shows will also make a second appearance this year at the Evergreen Fairgrounds in Monroe from February 23rd through the 27th. Last year was their first year in Monroe, and it was great.. Not only was there a lot to see and do, but the drive to Monroe is a lot quicker than the one to Puyallup.

Finally, don’t forget the annual big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show in Spokane. The last Sportsmen Show of the season will take place at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on March 17th and 18th.

That should be enough to get you through the worst of the winter. If you get the chance, check out my web site, Pacific Northwest Outdoors (http://pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com). Until next time, take care, and I’ll see you at the show!