All true.
I missed it last year, but sure hope I can get there again this year. I mostly go to see good friends, from many different places, home and else where. The comradery and friendships create the great atmosphere for me.
Most years I see a lot of the anti Expo hosts there too, meeting friends, high-fiving draw winners, attended the banquets, enjoying the great meals, and the western themed entertainment. So glad they are having a good time too, they have every right to put in for the drawings as anyone else, it's open to everyone wanting to apply. And........half the cost of applying for the DWR draws, at $5 a pop. Secondly, it's $5 each, for Residents to apply for all the moose, both desert and big horn sheep, bison, and mountain goat tags, whereas you can only apply for one during the DWR draws. And......third, if you have already drawn a Once In A Life Time tag for any of these species, you get to hunt them again, if you draw them on an Expo tag.
Another thing a lot of folks like about the Expo tags is it is a Random draw and not awarded based on the number of points you have accumulated, so if you're an old guy, with no points, you have the same chance as anyone else and if you have children that are just starting to show an interest in hunting, they too have the same chance as a seasoned hunter with 22 San Juan elk or Alton CWMU mule deer points. For those wanting a Utah Random draw, this is it. If you like random systems this is a system you could take advantage of, if you don't like point systems, it seems you're missing a opportunity for your family, if you're not applying at the Expo. And, like I said, it's half as expensive and you can apply for a lot of different units, as well as for most every species of big game in the State.
The Expo draw is kind of an equal opportunity for residents and non-residents, without giving advantage to one over another, if you think the DWR system is unfair, the Expo provides you an alternative.
If the vendor show is of no interest or you're not into Guides, Outfitters, State Fish and Game Departments, Public Land Agencies, Private Ranch owners, Camping Gear, Boots, Hunting Fabrics, Taxidermy, Fire Arms, Optics, knives, GPSs/Maps, Interesting Hunting Discussions, Auctions, Dinners, Country Music Entertainment...........REMEMBER,you don't need to pay for access to the Show, to apply for the draw tags. Just come, pay the application fee at $5 per draw and leave. So, if you want to apply for one draw, it's $5, if you want to apply for a 100 different draws, it's $55, fill out the form, pay, then leave. No one is going to object or even notice, it's designed so that you can.
The number of hunting related vendor booths seems to be increasing in numbers every year. Hotel/motel accommodations with 20 miles of downtown fill up for the event, so if you're planning to attend, especially the first two days, I'll recommend you book your lodging as soon as you can.
Party time!!!
DC