Outdoor enthusiasts from across the state will converge in Gonzales today through Sunday to participate in the 34th annual Louisiana Sportsman Show and Festival at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.
The show is touted as “Louisiana’s largest hunting and fishing show,” according to the LSSF website. It will feature almost everything anyone who hunts or fishes in Louisiana will need, said Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Maintenance Manager Bobby Soileau.
Admission is $10 per day, or $15 for a three-day pass, and Troy Landry from “Swamp People” will be at the Pro Power Booth from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, according to the LSSF website.
An obstacle course set up by Yamaha is a new feature this year, said Soileau, and will allow participants to test Yamaha ATVs.
Soileau said the event is about twice the size of last year’s show and will hold the largest boat show in the state, containing around 20 acres of various boat brands and types for people to browse through.
According to the LSSF website, “the show will include dealers’ latest offerings for both fresh and saltwater fishing applications.”
Soileau said the weekend is family-oriented and contains various opportunities for youths to partake in activities such as a bow shoot.
According to the LSSF
website, “the free Kid’s Shoot will have trained instructors on hand to demonstrate proper shooting technique to youngsters.”
The Louisiana Sportsman’s Show Splash Dogs Competition will take place Saturday and Sunday, showcasing dogs and owners competing to “see which dog can jump the furthest into the water,” Soileau said.
Soileau said various hunting and fishing vendors will be present at the expo as well, and a big buck contest will be held. All contestants entered into the contest will be entered into a drawing to win a Yamaha ATV.
Chemical engineering senior Doug McClung has visited the show in the past.
“It’s great, they have just about anything in the outdoors that you’re looking for,” he said.
McClung and friend Kyle Bourgeois have entered the Louisiana Sportsman’s Bass Tournament that will commence Saturday and wrap up Sunday.
The tournament this year will be at Doiron’s Landing in Stephensville, north of Morgan City, McClung said.
More than 100 anglers have been entered into this year’s tournament, each competing for a guaranteed first place prize of $12,000, said McClung.
Dates and Times
Thursday – 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday – 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
