11pt

I grew up going to the Chicago sport show every year at the Rosemont. That thing was incredible. I think I was 18 the last time I went. WellI just happened to be in Chicago this week (15 years later) and was really excited to finally go again. In fact Iplanned much of my trip around going to the show.WHAT THE H&%$ HAPPENED????? I must have missed something becausethat showwas a shadow of its former self. It was so small we got through the whole thing in about an hour. It wasn't even worth the$9 to get in let alone the gas for the drive up.

Is it gas prices? The effect of the internet?Inflated costs for floor space?

Whatever the reason, I doubt I'll go to the trouble any more. [:'(]

duckdog132

go to the bloomington deer and turkey classic. its much better!!! i think it mostly gas prices but also the lack of hunters anymore. just my opinion.

Tody_PSE

I went but just because I'm planing a trip to the Boundary Waters this summer and wanted to talk to some guys. Other than than it was pretty weak, took me 1.5 hr to go through it. It was fun watching "Duck Dogs" - dog height jumping, I saw one jump 7'1". Overall nothing special.

fastetti

11pt, I to have been going since I was was barely able to walk 25 years ago and completely agree. The show has gone from having many, MANY good hunting and fishing outfitters to having only a few decent outfitters and charter boats. I think it has to do with many things. Gas Prices for people coming in from the West and Canada along with the floor space just isn't worth it for most. I mainly go to look at hunting outfitters and look and great wall mounts, both fish and animals. I really don't care to see the latest in spray paint t-shirts, $20 cross bow pistols and blow guns. If they bring back the actual hunting and fishing boothes, I'd gladly pay more, but for me as well, unless they turn that place around, my yearly tradition of heading there will come to an end. If anyone knows of any good shows around the midwest, please feel free to post. Its 9 months until bow season and Im always looking to spend a day amongst hunters!!

jaysweet3

Theword is that the show is under new ownership and booth prices are up. Couple that with people not booking trips with outfitters anymore, you have low attendance and les and less vendors. I worked the NRA booth seling memberships this year, our numbers were way down. We sold some but not nearly as many as past years.