Southern Trophy Hunters Big Buck Expo

I had the great pleasure of attending the Saturday session of the Southern Trophy Hunters Big Buck Expo in Lakeland, FL on July 10. As a sportsmen, this was my paradise for the day. This could only compare to a 6 year old's first trip to Disney World. When I entered the exhibit hall for the first time of the day I was treated to the sights and sounds that would put a smile on any outdoorsman's face. There were over 300 exhibitors in attendance covering all aspects of the hunting industry. I was able to visit booths of several outfitters from all over North America, tree stand manufactures, call makers, scent makers, archery companies, gun stores, etc., etc. etc.,...... If you needed something for that next hunting adventure you surely could have found it here. After spending a few hours walking the entire show floor and visiting all of the exhibitors I decided that it was time to make a return trip to several of the booths and for  many different reasons.

My first return visit was to the Hunters In Christ's Kingdom booth where I was really looking forward to meeting a couple of my fellow Talk Hunting members, Burt "Hickmaster" Thomas and Matt "Matt3" Spencer. Burt is a co-founder of HICK and Matt is the Florida Director. I really enjoyed meeting them both and wanted to thank them for taking the time from their very busy day of signing people up to say hello. They even took the time to sign me upon my second visit to the booth.

I also had the chance to meet another Talk Hunting member and moderator on the forum, Allen "cowmanhunter" Ridgdill. He was there with his son walking the floor and was sporting a Talk Hunting Polo. It was a  real pleasure to meet them all.

My next return trip was to the Hunter Safety System booth. I really wanted to stop by and take the time to introduce myself and thank them for their continued support of Talk Hunting. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Michael Wydner and his wife Alison. Michael is the Assistant Director of Marketing for Hunter Safety System and was very delighted by my visit. We had a chance to talk about their products and I was really impressed with his message. Michael told me their goal was to leave no one an excuse not to be tied off to a tree. Hunter Safety System is a great company with a great product and I for one appreciate their continued involvement with Talk Hunting. After taking time for a quick picture it was off to my next stop, a meeting with the owner and CEO of Southern Trophy Hunters.

Southern Trophy Hunters is a hunting show promoter and the man that makes it happen is Jay Everett. Southern Trophy Hunters have put on the show in Lakeland for the last 8 years. The show is held every year during the second weekend in July. They also hold a show annually in Greensboro, N.C. and will be adding a third show in Chattanooga, TN in 2011. Jay was expecting about 10,000 patrons at this years show in Lakeland with a record number of exhibitors. Every year at the show they have several hunting industry celebrities to put on seminars and have Q& A sessions and this year was no different. The gang from Backwoods Life TV (Michael Lee, Kevin Knighton, and Trey Wetherington) on the Pursuit channel were at the event and put on a great show answering everyone's questions and giving out their favorite tips. Last year the Bone Collectors (Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt, and Travis T-Bone Turner) were in attendance.

My day had to come to an end at some point, but I am already looking forward to my return trip next year. If you ha ve never had an opportunity to attend one of these events, you should really give it a try. You will not regret it. Who knows, I may run into you at next year's show.