Good for Cabela's, boycotting sports show over gun ban

[10ga]

PHILADELPHIA – Hunting and fishing retailer Cabela’s Inc. and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will not participate in what has been billed as Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor sports show next month following the decision to ban the display and sale of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Event organizer Reed Exhibitions imposed the ban at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show following the deadly Connecticut elementary school shooting that has prompted the ongoing gun control debate in Washington.

The event’s website says officials “strongly support the 2nd Amendment” but decided negative attention on such weapons “would distract from the strong focus on hunting and fishing at this family-oriented event and possibly disrupt the broader positive experience of our guests.“

Cabela’s said on its Facebook page on Saturday that after carefully considering their business practices “and the feelings of our customers, Cabela’s will, unfortunately, not have a presence at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.“

The Missoula-based Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation canceled its exhibit and its management of the show’s elk-calling contest.

“RMEF reached this decision after careful deliberations and taking into account the stance of our members, volunteers, industry partners and fellow hunters,” a statement from the organization read. “We urge Reed Exhibitions to reconsider its policies to avoid a divisive and political atmosphere so RMEF can take part in an event that generates needed revenue for important on-the-ground conservation and hunting heritage projects in the region.

RMEF spokesman Mark Holyoak said the organization objected to a ban of legal firearms, although it did not make any comment on the use of military-style weapons as hunting rifles.

“Our organization members and others use all sorts of different weapons,” Holyoak said. “If they’re legal that’s great, if they’re illegal, that’s a totally different thing.”

Event director Chris O’Hara of Reed Exhibitions did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The nine-day show is scheduled to open Feb. 2 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Word of the event organizer’s action drew numerous calls for a boycott from gun enthusiasts on the show’s Facebook page and accusations that Reed wasn’t standing up for their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

The National Rifle Association issued a statement calling upon Reed Exhibitions to reconsider, saying their future participation in the show would be determined by the response. The NRA also urged members to follow the organization’s lead by “voicing their displeasure.“

Several other companies earlier announced their intention to withdraw from the show. The (Lancaster) Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era said Kinsey’s Outdoors of Mount Joy, Lancaster Archery Supply and Trop Gun Shop of Elizabethtown had said they do not intend to participate.

Cabela’s Inc. of Sidney, Neb., currently has 40 outdoor gear and sporting goods stores across the United States and Canada.

[10ga]

Here are the exhibitors who have backed out of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show:
Appalachian Big Game TV
Arrowhead Outdoors
Athens Archery
Atlantic Tactical
AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

Benelli
Blitz TV
The Bear Whisperer
Boondock Outdoors
BowHunter Planet
Bowhunting.com
CanCooker
Cabela’s
Cross Canyon Arms
Cutting Edge Bullets
Dead Ringer
Direct Action Tactical Firearms
Domari Nolo Defense Consulting
Dominator 365
DuckWater Boats
Farmland Trophies Outfitting
Firearms Industry Consulting Group
FoxPro Game Calls
Full Circle Outdoors
Gut-N-Tag
Heartland Whitetails
HookHunt
Hunters and Guides Connection
Hunter Safety Systems
Keystone Country Store
King of the Mountain Inc.
Kinsey’s Outdoors
KodaBow
Lancaster Archery Supply
Midwest Whitetail Adventures
Dominance is Everything Hunting System
Mountain Dog Chews
National Wild Turkey Federation
Nature Blinds
Northern Hideaway Outfitters
Open Season TV
Outdoor Edge Knives
Pipeline Ridge Hunting Preserve
Primal Urge Outdoors
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ruger Arms
Smith & Wesson
Spook Spann
Sportsmen of North America TV
Stay Ready Inc.
Stokerized Stabilizers
TNT Archery
Trijicon Inc.
Trop Gun Shop
The Warmbag
Whitetail Bosses
Whitetail Heaven Outdoors
Wired Outdoors
Woodcock Limited of PA
Wyvern Creations
X-Stand Treestands
Zook Cabins
2 Million Bullets

Edited January 24, 2013 by 10ga

[TripleDigitRide]

This was already posted somewhere. Yesterday, I think.

[10ga]

Sorry, didn't see that. I'm glad to see these guys take a stand. Makes me want to buy more from Cabela's and I wished we would get one in Tennessee.

[Guest halutz]

What is left in that show????

[10ga]

I didn't see the other thread about this, sorry about that. Please feel free to delete this one. Next time I'll take a better look before posting something.

[10ga]

What is left in that show????

Fishing vendors is about it from what I can see. I talked to some fellow duck hunters on another site and the ones that live in the area and normally attend, said they will not be going this year.

[Wingshooter]

I'd say the show is effectively cancelled due to lack of support for the 2A. Good job vendors!

 

I know I'll be supporting the ones on that list when I can. I'm curious about "The Bear Whisperer". Sounds like a hunting show or something.... or maybe an outfitter (?)

Edited January 24, 2013 by Batman

[rugerla1]

Well any fishermen who are anti-gun, will have plenty of elbow room while walking through what's left of the show. Bad, bad decision, a lot of people have probably been anticipating this show only to be let down. I hope they go to their local gun stores and spend money in support of their decisions to not be in the show.

[Wingshooter]

FYI... I have been finding some good stuff in stock at Cabelas recently. They had a good sale on Gold Dot 9mm ammo. They also had hard to find mags in stock recently. Good store, and I will continue to purchase from them.

[10-Ring]

That's awesome that all of the vendors came together to essentially ruin this show.  Surprised the show promoters have not changed their minds yet.

[alingo2001]

Saw they have now canceled the whole show. That's great.