Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Adapted From An Article By Judy Hedding

Each spring the Arizona Game and Fish Department hosts the very popular outdoor experience called the "Outdoor Expo". The largest outdoor expo in the state, this interactive experience allows people of all ages to participate in activities, see exhibits, and attend educational presentations relating to Arizona's wildlife, nature, hunting, camping, boating, recreational target shooting, archery, off-roading, and fishing.

Expo Dates

Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 25,from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Expo Location

Ben Avery Shooting Facility: 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85086

Phone: (623) 582-8313

Expo Admission

There are no tickets required and admission and parking are free. Most activities are free although there is a small charge for ammunition used for certain shooting sports and instruction.

Expo Activities

There is plenty to do at the Outdoor Expo, much of which is interactive. Hands-on activities include huge fishing tanks, a kayaking pond, target archery, and other shooting sports. Try specialty-shooting: clay target, cowboy action, practical pistol, black powder, and air gun. You can also watch the cowboy-mounted shooting competition. All shooting activities take place in a supervised, safe environment.

In addition, you can explore off-highway vehicle (OHV) and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) exhibits.There are opportunities to hike a field course and acquire some camping tips. If being on the water is your thing, there is plenty to learn about boating and boat safety. And through all of this, you can observe the local wildlife.

Topping off your day, are opportunities galore to visit with more than 150 exhibitors, including outdoor recreation and conservation groups, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

Expo Auction

There is even an auction, with all proceeds designated for protecting the state's wildlife resources as well as purchasing equipment for the investigation of wildlife crimes. Included in the auction are items that have been donated, seized during law-enforcement investigations, or from animals killed in vehicle collisions: wildlife artwork, taxidermy, as well as antlers, hides, and head mounts.

Expo Info

If you have relevant outdoor equipment of your own, it is suggested that you bring it -or some may be borrowed at the Expo. Many of the food and beverage concession stands only accept cash, so a good idea is to bring currency, thus avoiding ATM fees. And, feel free to bring the kids - this is a definitely a family event!

Note: No Arizona tax dollars are used to present this event. Arizona Game and Fish, and the Ben Avery Shooting Facility are funded by user fees (on days other than on Expo days), fishing and hunting licenses, and grants and receives some financial support from the Heritage Fund (Arizona Lottery receipts).