Canadian Hunter Amanda Lynn Mayhew at Shot Show 2020
Shot stands for shooting hunting outdoor trade show, and it’s held in Vegas each year. The first time I heard about this show, I was in awe with what it had to offer and hoped one day I would be able to attend to see what all the excitement was truly about. In 2016 I was invited to SHOT Show as a representative of the 5.11 brand. 2016 was almost overwhelming with so much to see and in very little time to see it in. When people say you don’t sleep in Vegas, you don’t; there is too much to experience, inside and outside SHOT Show. In my first year, I was able to connect with friends Jesse James and Joe Meaux with Aklys Defense.
In the following years, SHOT Show became easier to navigate with the majority of booths staying in the same location, which helps as landmarks because it truly is so large. The other thing about this annual industry show, it allows you to catch up, meet the faces behind the social conversations, see old friends, experience new adventures, learn about new firearms and technology, and plan for your upcoming year, whether you are media, buyer, or seller.
SHOT Show 2020
2020 has been an extension of the past years shows with Industry Range day, Anteris range day, and the recognition from industry leaders and manufacturers throughout the show, with finally getting my bearings set and knowing where I need to go, getting that done and exploring. Running into friend Chuck & Gena Norris (funny story if you want to reach to me on social media) was a highlight of the show, I didn’t expect to see them there.
For products that tickled my interest, Mossberg has an array of new products, but the one that caught my eye is the new three-barrel shotgun package that will hook a hunter up for turkey, deer, waterfowl and all in one box and under $1000.00. I think that’s a great value, especially to help get a new hunter out in the field. Of course, the Mossberg 940 is what EVERYONE was talking about.
Buck knives released the new Buck 2.0, and with a diverse selection, they never cease to amaze me.
I was at Anteris Range Day; I was able to shoot the Umarex Javalon and the smaller version, not ever shooting air guns before; this impressed, so I had to stop by the booth and say hello. (picture attached) Walking through the show you see so many people, and because the show is so large, sometimes you only see them once for a brief moment. (picture of Tink & Larysa?) Heading over to the 5.11 booth as there is always something going on in there, this time, Doug Marcaida was hanging out, demonstrating fight skills, along with Tim Kennedy and the fans. Next to them, the Cadex booth was showcasing their new products like the newly collaborated Cadex 5.11 Long Range Rifle in Orange!
Women of the Gun Reception turned into an incredible event gathering, so many women from so many parts of the industry in one room to network mingle and collaborate on new ideas, networking with each other, congratulating each other and a room full of laughter from a group that all has the same passion.
On day one, I was able to sit in with Marty from Talking Lead to chat with him about who I am where I’m from and what I stand for, which ended up being his first podcast of SHOT Show combined with Buck Knives and a few others, here is the link to listen.
Tuesday nights 5.11 VIP party was an incredible event bringing together 800 individuals in one room for a night of live entertainment, ax throwing, laser shooting, food, and drinks!
Of course, seeing our Canadian friends at SHOT is always exciting like Nanuk, Rob Furlong, O’dell Engineering, CCFR, Code of Arms, and so many others who all share the same passion and drive. The annual CSSA party at the Stratosphere is a great evening of food, drinks, and conversation where we all get together and share our views and what we have seen so far.
How many ranges can you visit in Vegas in one week – ALL OF THEM! Or close to it, heading into town to visit the Range 702 is a must each year, and this year I was able to get in some shooting with my friend Sharla while she was at the range most of the day, I didn’t have a lot of time but found a few hours to join her and get my belt-fed and .50 cal fix in.
At the end of the week, before jumping on the Red Eye back to Toronto, a group of us headed out to the desert to join Adrenaline ATV Tours on a desert UTV Ride, and what a blast! The scenery was incredible, the machines flew through that course like butter, and the company was top notch.
Each year the show changes for me, I embrace each moment, each conversation, and each opportunity. Some people have a different idea of what shot is about for me; the show is the chance to be educated, to educate others, and further share the passion in the outdoors.
Amanda Lynn Mayhew has been in the media for over 25 years in a diverse set of genres including fitness, wellbeing, hunting, firearms and mentoring, covering radio broadcast, journalism, social media and most recently a national television series. She founded and organizes Women’s Hunting Association and Range Day events to inspire, educate and empower those who have no where to start to get outdoors. Combining her love for creativity in all things media, her drive has a purpose to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their hunting heritage roots and life.
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