This was the first year for the Outdoor Skills Network / HAHWG Camp exhibit. It turned out well, and there is a lot to grow on. At a minimum, all our partners could see the loaner equipment AZGFD has to offer, and kids got to shoot some BB Guns and see some cool demonstrations. We even had KTAR doing a live broadcast.

A big thank you to all the partners and exhibitors, of which many are part of the HAHWG, for making Expo a success. A special thanks to NWTF for providing their inflatable BB gun range and staff to help us teach youngsters how to shoot – nearly 750 of them. And thanks to AES, NWTF, PVCI, APC, Delta Waterfowl, QF, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue for doing calling and other demonstrations at the camp.

In addition to introducing people to the many wildlife- and outdoor-related activities, this year we deployed iPads in some key activity areas and collected customer contact information (name and email), so we can directly communicate with them in a timely manner. Before we just hoped they would take action, now we can help guide them to relevant information, events, education, partners, activities and more while they are still excited from Expo.

The goal with all of this is to inform the public about -

Wildlife management and conservation,

The role sportsmen and sportswomen  (hunting, shooting, fishing, and boating) play in that conservation model. and

Connect with those that have general awareness and interest to take the next step.