Outdoors and Gun Show hits the bullseye in Desbarats

The population of Desbarats temporarily multiplied on Sunday as well over 1,000 residents from across the region came together for this year’s St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Outdoors and Gun Show.

Taking place inside the Desbarats Arena, the market brought together dozens of area vendors who specialize in all sorts of outdoor and recreational activities like camping, boating, hunting, fishing, and shooting.

SJI Hunters and Anglers Association vice-president Neil Caughill says this is the first show they’ve put on since the pandemic, and he was blown away with how well the day went.

“It’s good to see everyone out,” he says. “It’s not just adult males either. There’s a lot of females who are very interested in what we do, and the kids are getting an introduction to some hands-on things, and they’ve been asking lots of questions about what we do too.”

Despite some rainfall, visitors also had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including a fishing rod casting competition, tomahawk throwing, and archery.

Entry to the show was by donation. Money raised goes towards the association’s mission of promoting fish and wildlife conservation.