Happy New Year to all NRA members, new and old. This month, I’m highlighting some major events the NRA will conduct in 2023. From the Great American Outdoor Show to the National Police Shooting Championships, there’s an event or program that’s a perfect fit for all NRA members, whatever your interest.
The 2023 Great American Outdoor Show will be held February 4-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. I hope you’ll join us for this event, one of my favorites every year—a nine-day-long showcase of hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions treasured by millions of Americans and their families. Exhibitors at GAOS include manufacturers and outfitters, with fishing boats and RVs, archery and more. Last year, we filled 650,000 square-feet of exhibit-hall space, and this year is looking to be even bigger. Plus, there are more than just vendors at GAOS, which also features speaking events and seminars, archery competitions, celebrity appearances and the famous Wall of Guns. Don’t wait; buy your 2023 GAOS tickets today at greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.
Another can’t-miss event is the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, scheduled for April 14-16 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. The Exhibit Hall will be open all three days, with more than 14 acres of the latest guns and gear to peruse from many of your favorite companies. I’m always excited to visit the Hoosier State, like many of my fellow NRA members. Make your Indy 2023 travel plans now and join fellow Second Amendment patriots for a freedom-filled weekend jam-packed with fun for the entire family. Go to nraam.org for more information.
Speaking of Indiana, the 2023 NRA National Matches will be held July 8 through August 6 at Camp Atterbury, the Indiana National Guard facility hosting the competition for the third consecutive year. The place to be on July 8 at Camp Atterbury will be Range Six, where the NRA High Power Rifle National Championships will kick off the competition, followed by the Precision Pistol Nationals on July 18 and the Smallbore Rifle Nationals on July 25. To register for the 2023 NRA National Matches, visit competitions.nra.org.
This year’s NRA National Police Shooting Championships (NPSC), open to all law enforcement, will return to the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Pearl, Miss., on Sept. 14-16. The 2022 NRA National Police Shooting Championships saw Robert Vadasz of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marksmanship Unit capture his 12th title, a new record. I also want to express my thanks to our friends at the Mississippi Highway Patrol Pistol Team, who conducted last year’s NPSC match operations to much success. Go to lecompetitions.nra.org for more information about NPSC.
And, of course, throughout the entire year, NRA’s dedicated cadre of Certified Instructors and Range Safety Officers will train hundreds of thousands of gun owners, Eddie Eagle will be taught to eager students, and various events dedicated to youth development—such as the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) and family-friendly NRA Days—will take place around the country. There is truly an NRA program for everyone.
These valuable NRA programs are able to be offered in all corners of the country due to the generosity of NRA members and gun owners who attend Friends of NRA events. I encourage you to visit friendsofnra.org/events to see what FNRA events are happening in your area and make a plan to attend. These are great gatherings of fun and comradery with fellow Second Amendment activists to support the future of the shooting sports and firearm-related activities we all enjoy.
Discover more about the NRA’s programs today at explore.nra.org.
