Gun & Horn Show celebrating 41st year

SANDPOINT — If you love the outdoors, the fairgrounds is where you want to be this weekend with the 41st annual Gun & Horn Show taking center stage.

The event kicked off Friday, packing the main exhibit hall at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. A volunteer-run event by the Bonner County Sportsmen Association, the annual event with roughly 160 tables featuring everything from knife and firearm vendors, informational booths, food, and a horn and skull competition. 

Admission is $5 per person, with a weekend pass available for $10. There is no charge to attend for youth 11 and under.

The event is family-friendly, with grandparents and grandkids walking around together sharing memories — and creating new ones.

The free-to-enter horn competition is scored by a panel of judges, with racks to remain on display the entire weekend “for people to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over.” Awards are given for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader — deer, elk, whitetail, and mule deer. Animals that don’t have horns are also going to be judged in the competition, including bear, moose, and elk skulls. 

Antlers will be available for public viewing beginning at noon Saturday.

Antlers and skulls from the region's hunters are just the starting point of the event with everything from taxidermy, knives, furs, hunting rifles, and ammunition. There are books on survival, dehydrated food, and more.

Whether you are just starting and learning to hunt, are a competitive shooter, or are looking to learn more about the different guns available, chances are you'll find it at the Gun & Horn Show.

There literally, BCSA officials said, something for everyone.

Proceeds raised at the event go to scholarships, youth programs

Bonner County Sportsmen also offers various scholarships for those considering, or actively pursuing, trade school and higher education.

All proceeds benefit hunter education programs, including a youth day at the range, and youth scholarships in Bonner County. Funds also go to help youth attend the Conservation Officers youth summer camp program, the Idaho Forestry State Contest, and many others.

For those hungry while at the show, the Eagles Auxiliary is staffing a food booth with a variety of items available. All proceeds go toward the group's scholarship program.

Events on Saturday and Sunday begin at 9 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.

Bonner County Sportsmen hold monthly meetings from September through May at the Leo Hadley Range, 1114 Lake St. The public is invited to attend.

Information: bonnercountysportsmen.org