There are certain things that you can count on recurring each and every year, some of which we look forward to, and some, like tax deadlines and dentist visits……..not so much. Unlike getting your teeth cleaned, one of those recurrences that we happily anticipate every year is the New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Hunting & Fishing Show. The show is hosted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and has been held at EXPO New Mexico for well over two decades. The 2024 show kicks off this Friday, February 16 at noon and runs through Sunday, February 18.

There are lots of reasons why the upcoming event is legendary, not the least of which involves the wonderful legacy of its founder, a great New Mexican, and a much-beloved outdoorsman.

The Gerding Legacy

The outdoor adventure show has a rich history in New Mexico, due in great part to its founder, Bob Gerding, for whom our EXPO New Mexico Natural Resources Building is named. In addition to starting the outdoor adventure show 26 years ago, Gerding shared his love and knowledge of all things outdoors on his television show “Wild New Mexico” and authored books about fly fishing and fly tying.

It’s a testament to Gerding’s legacy that the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has continued to produce the much beloved Bob Gerding Outdoor Adventures Show at EXPO New Mexico each year since he died in 2013. Once when describing the event, Gerding stated “I just love it. These are my people. It’s like a family reunion.” Although Gerding’s participation is greatly missed, we think he’d be proud of how the show has grown and how his family of outdoor enthusiasts continue to gather in celebration of their shared affection for wild New Mexico.

Unique & Engaging Opportunities

In addition to the appeal of its storied history, there is a lot for visitors to enjoy and participate in as part of the show. In the spirit of outdoor adventure, adults and kids alike will have a blast engaging in a whole bunch of hands-on activities, including the pellet shooting range and a catch and release fishing pond. The fishing pond is a great spot for kids to learn to fish or polish their existing skills.

There are great spectator opportunities as well. Throughout the weekend the show will host a turkey calling challenge and an elk calling challenge. The turkey calling challenge, featuring youth, ladies, slate, and open categories, will take place Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. The elk calling challenge will take place Sunday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m., with pee wee (age 9 and under), youth 10-17, ladies, and open categories.

For the first time in the outdoor adventures show history, attendees can also witness the New Mexico 3-D archery tournament, with participants from the National Archery in the Schools program. The tournament will take place Friday-Sunday in the Creative Arts building, across the street from the Manuel Lujan Building, and will feature more than 350 archers from 23 teams. The public is invited to watch the tournament before or after attending the Outdoor Adventures Hunting & Fishing Show.

A One-Stop-Shop for the Newest Equipment

Local dealers representing state-of-the-art equipment for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation will be on hand displaying the latest and greatest gear, vehicles, and outdoor tools. If you’re in the market for off-highway vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats, kayaks, and pretty much anything hunting and fishing related, the outdoor adventures show at EXPO NM is a one-stop-shop to accommodate all your outdoor sporting needs.

Education and Resource Sharing

According to the NMDGF, conservation organizations, outfitters and guides will be available to share information and answer questions.