MOOSE JAW — The South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association (SSWA) hosted its annual gun show at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, drawing a strong turnout of firearms enthusiasts, collectors, and outdoor recreationists recently.
Tim Yates, president of the SSWA, said the event serves as a major fundraiser for the organization as it strives to promote wildlife conservation and outdoor activities.
“We put this gun show on every year, generally in the first weekend of March. It’s a fundraiser for us, and we generally see around 2,000 people come through the door between Saturday and Sunday,” Yates said. “So far this year is really good,” he added as he quickly estimated that at least 1,000 guests attended by Saturday afternoon.
The show featured approximately 65 vendors and more than 100 tables, with vendors offering a wide range of firearms, knives, and outdoor gear. Yates noted that many attendees expressed their appreciation for the show’s variety.
“Most of the feedback we got… is that there are a lot of firearms tables here,” he said. “(They said that), at a lot of the shows they go to, there are a lot fewer vendors.”
Among the vendors was Chris Lindwall, a private collector from Nipawin, Sask., who has been attending the Moose Jaw show for the past three years. His collection, which started with vintage German knives, has since expanded to include pieces from around the world.
“I try and get a little bit of everything from all over the world. I’m not a maker — although I do get some knives made — but I am a collector,” Lindwall said. “People appreciate (the collection). There’s a little bit of everything, and stuff you don’t see every day.”
Lindwall also noted how changes in the market have made events like the gun show even more important for collectors.
“Now, with large companies like Cabela’s buying out other companies, we just don’t see very many knife displays that are easily accessible in the general market. These shows are where people get to see them,” he said. “It gives people a chance to look at (and carefully examine) something before they buy it… it’s kind of like taking a car for a test drive.”
The SSWA is a non-profit organization founded in 1954 that supports a range of conservation efforts and outdoor programs, including a biathlon club, target shooting club, and an annual fishing event for the kids.
“We’re a non-profit organization that promotes wildlife conservation, good landowner relationships with private landowners, and we promote youth activities related to outdoor activities,” said Yates.
For more information about the South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association, visit SouthSaskWildlifeAssociation.com or email [email protected].
