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The 14th annual Arizona International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) will fill the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 20-23 with an expanded presence of outdoor product and service exhibitors, attractions, seminars, and the incorporation of the Arizona Boat Show.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will once again have several exhibits. The department will conduct its wildlife assets sale – always a big attraction at ISE. The sale enables the public to legally purchase items such as antlers, head mounts, hides and other wildlife parts that have been seized during law enforcement investigations, obtained from animals killed in vehicle collisions, or acquired through donations. The funds raised through this silent auction-format sale are used to purchase equipment or training to assist Game and Fish officers in more effectively enforcing anti-poaching and other wildlife laws.
Other department booths will include: general information on hunting, fishing, wildlife and license sales; information on the California condor program and how using non-lead ammunition when hunting in condor country can help endangered condor recovery; and information on the off-highway vehicle program and the Operation Game Thief program.
ISE will spotlight 300 companies and organizations, including: manufacturers and retailers; local, regional and international destinations; guides and outfitters; travel bureaus; enthusiast clubs and groups; and nonprofit organizations representing a wide range of outdoor interests. The show also presents campers, trailers and a huge selection of off-road vehicles, including UTVs, ATVs, trucks and 4x4s.
ISE’s new, co-located Arizona Boat Show will feature 11 local marine dealers presenting 20 national sport- and fishing-boat brands, including wakeboard and ski boats, fish/ski boats, family runabouts, party pontoons, deck boats, personal watercraft, kayaks and stand-up-paddle boards. A giant houseboat will be on hand, too, plus a wide selection of marine accessories.
The event also offers two outdoor-skills and seminar venues. Among the many presentations at the Adventure Theater (see schedule) are talks from the Game and Fish Department on turkey hunting (Thursday at 1:30 p.m.), Arizona’s new hunting and fishing license structure (Saturday at 10:30 a.m.), and the expanded Community Fishing Program (Sunday at 10:30 a.m.). The 40-ft.-long aquarium-demonstration tank presents some of Arizona’s top fishing guides and pros. At the Adventure Theater, special guests include Scottsdale-based outdoor-gear guru Tim Ralston, and Richard Nance, host of Personal Defense TV. There’s also a large, new display of fishing lures. In addition, two trophy displays spotlight elk and deer from throughout the West.
Interactive features that also host statewide contests are a perennial show favorite. Winners from the DockDogs water-jumping contest will have a chance at the World Championships. The show’s 9,000-sq.-ft., three-dimensional-target archery range hosts a high-energy tournament.
The Youth Fair represents ISE’s significant investment in the future of the outdoors, offering youth free instruction in catch-and-release fishing, archery and shooting safety.
Once again, on Saturday, the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America will co-locate its annual Scout-O-Rama on the giant west lawn outside the stadium (separate admission). ISE supports this popular family event.
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