Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a novice wanting to learn, be sure to come on out to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1.

Arizona’s largest hands-on outdoor expo is held at the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix and offers loads of fun activities, exhibits and educational presentations for the entire family

Adults and kids will get a chance to see live wildlife, including hawks, owls, snakes, small mammals, and more.

Shoot And Fish

Want to learn target archery? You can learn through organized classes, or you can walk a desert course with 3D targets and instruction.

Kids will get a thrill from catch-and-release fishing at two huge family fishing tanks. Adults can pick up fishing tips from experts at the casting tank.

Target shooters can try out firearms from different manufacturers on the range, or learn specialty shooting disciplines (such as cowboy action, practical pistol, trap/skeet and more) from different shooting organizations.

Boats Too

Boating enthusiasts can see a variety of boats on display from different dealers and can learn about safe, responsible watercraft use. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can see exciting demos while picking up tips about safe, responsible riding.

There’s lots more to do at the Expo: see camping demos, watch thrilling cowboy mounted shooting competitions, hike a nature/hunter education field course, attend wildlife presentations, or visit with more than 150 exhibitors, including outdoor organizations, government agencies, and vendors of outdoor products and services.

Best of all, admission and parking are free! You might want to bring a little cash to purchase food and beverages from the variety of concessionaires who will be on the Expo grounds. For those wanting to try out firearms on the range, there is a nominal fee for ammunition at some of the shooting venues.

Helpful Details

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 1.

Gold sponsors of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo are Cabela’s and Airpark Dodge/Ram/Chrysler/Jeep.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located at 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd. in Phoenix (located on Carefree Highway, about 1/2 mile west of I-17 – just follow the signs).

For more information, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/expo.