Regarding the Expo and would folks support it if someone other than SFW was involved.
Here’s a story that might share some light on the general public’s attitude regarding SFW and the EXPO.
When I was a volunteer for SFW, until a few years ago, I was asked to stand outside of the SWR Booth, right as you enter the exhibition hall, and gather signatures, by the SFW leadership folks, for a BLM/State of Utah habitat restoration project, down in the Panguitch area (I think it was. or maybe the Paunsagunt area, I don’t recall which unit it was for sure. Doesn’t matter anyway.)
As people entered the exhibition hall, I was just about the first person they met. I would just walk over and ask them if they would be willing to sign a habitat restoration petition. Most would ask two questions, what kind of habitat project and who was sponsoring it.
I would tell them about the project and I would tell them I was representing SFW and that they were one of the sportsmen’s groups that were sponsoring the project. I would then ask, are you familiar with SFW. At least 90% of the time, they would answer was, “no, who are they”………. literally standing under the EXPO’s SWF welcome banner. I would give them a little explanation as to SFW’s Mission etc. I would then ask if, they were aware SFW and MDF were co-sponsors for the EXPO, most answered, “Nope, didn’t know that. Where would you like me to sign.”
It was the same for all three days.
I don’t think I would believe that, if I had not been the one doing it. I was actually stunned by most peoples lack of knowledge and their real lack interest in conservation, in general.
After that experience I concluded most, if not nearly all the attendees (not the vendors) where there for one reason and it wasn’t to donate or contribute to wildlife conservation, to support MDF or SWF but to buy a raffle ticket for both the 200 offered by the State of Utah, buy raffle tickets for other species, boots, tents, bows, rifles, clothes, bid on gear and bid on auction tags at the banquets, wander the vendor floor to talk to outfitters, see new gear, meet old friends………. and in general have a good time, interacting with like minded sportsman.
Now…….. could another group do as well or better? Likely. There are a couple of other Outdoor Hunting events around the US, like the Great American Outdoor Show is a nine-day event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that celebrates hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions, Safari Club in Las Vegas, Dallas Safari Club, Shot Show, etc. All all are very successful and all successful because they are well run and are marketed very well by the people that put them together.
On the other hand, there are hundreds, if not thousands of other outdoor hunting/fishing shows that are held every year, some are moderately successful other fadeaway for lack of good management.
The Western Hunting Expo has continued to be successful and apparently continued to grow. I would say, that is because it has been run well, with mostly satisfied attendees and a growing number of vendors.
In my personal opinion, most of the attendees don’t know anything at all about the two host organizations and whether or not a different host than either: SFW and or MDF would be better or worse. I believe the only way the State or the public would know, one way or the other would be to take a chance and give it at try. Personally I wouldn’t take a chance, based on the idea that if it ain’t broke don’t screw with it, cuz you might well destroy what most of the public think is a fun, satisfactory event.
Changing an event host is a calculated risk……… guess we’ll have to see if the State still thinks that……. the next time they send out a RFP.
Just my opinion of course.