This year was one of the biggest ever for the National Rifle Association of America, and, as 2023 draws to a close, I want to highlight a few accomplishments.
In February, the NRA Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pa., welcomed more than 200,000 attendees, an improvement over last year by approximately 35,000 people. During the nine-day show, our nation’s hunting and outdoor heritage was on full display, as more than 1,000 exhibitors covering 650,000 square feet presented the latest products, gear and technologies, as well as booking once-in-a-lifetime hunts and fishing trips in America and abroad. In addition, leading outdoors experts at GAOS conducted more than 200 educational seminars and demonstrations, covering topics such as hunting, fishing, trapping, self-defense tactics and wild-game cooking. The second Saturday of the show featured a sold-out NRA Country concert headlined by Brantley Gilbert with special guests Jacob Bryant and Nate Hosie and set an attendance record for an event held in the Large Arena of the Farm Show Complex! Don’t miss out on the fun at the 2024 Great American Outdoor Show—visit greatamericanoutdoorshow.org for information.
The NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, which returned to the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis in April, attracted more than 77,000 NRA members. Boasting acres of guns and gear, this year’s exhibit hall did not disappoint, plus there was a host of special events for NRA members, as well as dozens of seminars and workshops. During the show, large banners featuring many NRA members graced the halls of the Indiana Convention Center. The banners were part of our “Defend the 2nd” campaign and served as a salute to the millions of NRA members that live by this credo, day in and day out. Plan your visit
now for the 2024 Annual Meeting in Dallas
at nraam.org!
This past summer, the NRA National Matches entered its third year at Camp Atterbury, an Indiana National Guard base located about 37 miles south of Indianapolis. Helping NRA kick off the five weeks of continuous competition in High Power Rifle, Precision Pistol and Smallbore Rifle at Camp Atterbury was Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, who fired the ceremonial first shot for the third consecutive year. Another can’t-miss competition will be the 2024 NRA World Shooting Championship presented by Walther, which will also be at Camp Atterbury from April 3-6, 2024. Learn more at wsc.nra.org.
In September, the NRA National Police Shooting Championships (NPSC) returned to the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Pearl, Miss. Open to all law enforcement, once again the match was conducted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol Pistol Team in conjunction with the NRA Law Enforcement Division.
Additionally, I would like to highlight the many NRA programs that made a difference this year, such as the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program, Youth Hunter Education Challenge, NRA Days and our Hunter Education initiatives. And our dedicated cadre of Certified Firearms Instructors delivered firearm safety education to new gun owners, as well as those looking to refresh their knowledge and marksmanship.
None of these programs and events would be possible without the enduring support of NRA members. These programs underscore a vital commitment—keeping America safe and free. To ensure these programs and shows are available to future generations, give the gift of an NRA membership this holiday season to a family member, neighbor, friend or colleague. Go to membership.nra.org to find out how to gift an NRA membership.
To all NRA members, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, along with good shooting in 2024. Learn more about NRA programs at explore.nra.org.
