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Sports

Nation’s Biggest Sports and Outdoor Show Postponed Indefinitely Following Massive Boycott Over New Policy Banning Semi-Automatic Rifles

Jan. 24, 2013 5:30pm Jason Howerton

Credit: AP

The largest sports and outdoor show in the United States has been postponed indefinitely following severe backlash over a recently enacted policy banning the display and sale of “modern sporting rifles,” or semi-automatic rifles. The Harrisburg Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show was originally scheduled for Feb. 2-10 in Harrisburg, Pa.

To put it into perspective how quickly gun owners pushed back, consider that the new policy was implemented on Monday and just five days later, on Friday, the show was postponed indefinitely amid the outcry.

Reed Exhibitions, the British-based organizer of the event, has not showed any sign of backing down on its ban of “modern sporting rifles.” Chet Burchett, president of Reed Exhibitions for the Americas, released the following statement:

“Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families. In the current climate, we felt that the presence of MSRs [modern sporting rifles] would distract from the theme of hunting and fishing, disrupting the broader experience of our guests.

[...]

It is unfortunate that in the current emotionally charged atmosphere this celebratory event has become overshadowed by a decision that directly affected a small percentage of more than 1,000 exhibits showcasing products and services for those interested in hunting and fishing. ESS has long been proud to participate in the preservation and promotion of hunting and fishing traditions, and we hope that as the national debate clarifies, we will have an opportunity to consider rescheduling the event when the time is right to focus on the themes it celebrates.”

The decision to ban legal rifles prompted boycotts by several companies, celebrities, conservation groups, outdoor media and outfitters including Cabela’s, Rough Country Outfitters, Ruger Firearms, Rough Country Outfitters, Ruger Firearms, International Bowhunting Organization, IScope, J & M Traditions, Katahdin’s Shadow Outfitters, Keystone Country Store, Major League Bowhunter, Masterpiece Outdoors, Inc. and hundreds more, Townhall’s Katie Pavlich reports.

“It’s a shame that it had to come to this and we feel sorry for everyone that has been affected by it,” Pat Ronsenberry, manager of Keystone Country Store, told TheBlaze. “I think Reed [Exhibitions] made a big business mistake on their behalf and everyone is kind of suffering from it.”

Rosenberry said the backlash stems from the wide support for the Second Amendment as it is written in the Constitution. One of the unintended consequences, she explained, is several vendors who aren’t even involved with the gun industry are being hurt by the decision.

Joe Staudt, owner of Staudt’s Gun Shop based in Harrisburg, Pa., told TheBlaze that the organizer’s decision was “very troubling” and it only “enables people to attack the Second Amendment.”

“My initial reaction when they decided to ban these rifles was obviously the fact that these weapons are perfectly legal,” he said. “A lot of states will allow people to hunt with a semi-automatic rifle so this term ‘assault weapon’ doesn’t really apply.”

Staudt said his company’s Facebook page was flooded with angry customers urging them to boycott the Harrisburg Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. He added that he couldn’t in good conscience support the show without feeling like he was supporting their flawed policy.

Gun rights advocates demonstrate at the Pennsylvania Capital building Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013, in Harrisburg, Pa. The rally comes amid calls for a boycott of the nine-day Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg next month, and a growing list of vendors pulling out of the show. Credit: AP

The National Rifle Association, a huge sponsor of the show, also released a statement Tuesday and announced it would be withdrawing from the show due to Reed Exhibitions’ ban on “modern sporting rifles.”

“Due to Reed Exhibitions’ refusal to reconsider their decision to ban Modern Sporting Rifles from the February 2-10 Eastern Sports Show in Harrisburg, PA, the National Rifle Association has decided to withdraw from the show. We had called on Reed Exhibitions to reconsider their decision; unfortunately they have steadfastly refused to do so. As a result, the NRA will not be participating in the upcoming show in Harrisburg or in any other shows hosted by Reed Exhibitions that maintain this policy. We are disappointed that Reed Exhibitions has ignored the concerns expressed by attendees, the outdoor industry and the NRA in not reconsidering their position to ban the display of Modern Sporting Rifles.”

Reed had initially refused to refund the fees to exhibitors, but changed their decision after the show was shut down, Townhall reports.

“Refunds will be provided for all fees paid to date (January 24, 2013) to Reed Exhibitions for the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. We will detail the refund process on our web site and in an additional email by January 31, 2013,” Reed Exhibitions reportedly wrote in an email to exhibitors Thursday.

In an effort to recoup any money and effort lost as a result of the show’s cancellation, Tom McConnell of MyNorthEastOutdoors.com will hold a “virtual show” for vendors on Feb. 2-10.

“This now will allow the vendors to sell their products online through this common market place, without the fret of having to make up huge monetary losses due to REED Exhibitions stance on weapons bans at the show,” he wrote in a statement.

“We will launch the Virtual Sports Show on Feb 2nd and run through Feb 10th, 2013. Only vendors who have boycotted the show will be permitted to have products on the website during this time.”

You can see the full boycott list by clicking here.

(H/T: Gary)

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Comments (227)

youshuthehellup
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 1:11am
you know whats awsome? all these commies are a bunch of old m. effers and soon will start croakin,bitin the dust. there will be long lines waiting for a chance to pee on their grave!!!

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LB
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:58am
This is how we fight …with our wallets. We keep the world going round so when we stop playing they will suffer. It’s only a matter of time and the cards will fall. Time to stand together.

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independentvoteril
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:38am
@banjarmon..Wish I had the answer to that also.. MAYBE we can get GLEN to find the answer.. I couldn’t even find out when they demanded that people in CHICAGO were required to register their guns.. I know I was a kid.. my dad had 2 guns NEVER registered either of them.. he than sat me down and explained just how communists take the weapons form the people before they take over… I got a home history lesson on what Hitler did and let me tell you my dad had a book put out by KODAK which had photo’s of bodies in piles in mass graves a visual I will NEVER forget,.. I thought I had that book but I can’t find it.. I wish I could it’s one ALL my kids and grand kids need to see.. it was before photo shopping so they would realize this is actually what happened..

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iszatright
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:29am
No 2nd = no 1st. Problem is, the left won’t figure that out until it’s too late.

I fear that the only thing DiFi and the Obamanation will manage to do is activate the citizen militia.

Civil disobediance 1st. Civil war last. But the Constitution will be defended.

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RestoreCapitalism
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:24am
Great. The power of the boycott has been successful again. Reed Exhibitions need to get out of gun shows because they obviously don’t really believe in the right to bear arms as stated in the constitution. If we patriots unite and stand together, we can do much.

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Gavinwcaf
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:46pm
Another shot heard around the world. Not going to tell us what guns we can legally posess . When I need to purchase equipment I will keep the boycott list a buy from them.our principals are not Vritish principles, like idiots they gave up their guns,.

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- Gavinwcaf
  Posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:47pm
  Should be British principles,
  
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Shenandoahvalleyminuteman
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:33pm
This ticks me off. I love going to this show and have many times. If yer candy a$$ is scared of an ar15 on display, you need to have your manliness checked. Just saying

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B4B
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:20pm
WTF?
When will car shows be banned because of the “climate” of DEATH that automobiles create?

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EM2T93
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:57pm
Please visit and support “Boycott the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show” on Facebook. Hosted by MyNortheasternOutdoors.com…they now have over 19k “likes” since the boycott was initiated this week…also have created a new site, just today, with over 1,4k “likes”….”The 21st Century Minutemen”….which is to continue the battle for our rights going forward…Breitbart also helped report on this cause yesterday, as well local news, and now The Blaze, but we need to create even more national attention. Thanks to all in advance!

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- EM2T93
  Posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:19pm
  “We” meaning Americans concerned with these infringements. I’m just a supporter trying to spread the word.
  
  Report this comment
DonnieD
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:21pm
Bring the show to Louisiana, one you will not have to pay union people to move your product and we like guns.

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Mmaysr
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:20pm
Don’t you get it Reed? We don’t want your stupid British PC here. Pack it in and go home. How’s it feel to lose another war with the Americans…LOL. You will never have another successful show in this country unless you back down…surrender so to speak. Can anyone say Yorktown?

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barber2
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:10pm
The radicals in control of the current Democrat Party count on the average American to be a polite, rule- following, peace-loving, good citizen. That is precisely why the radical Democrats feel so free to smear, to intimidate, to taunt, and to target freedoms. The radicals have intimidated congress, have the MSM in their pocket, have organized their radicalized followers, and figure the average American is just too conventional, too PC to ever fight back when their rights are diminished by Big Brother and his organized henchmen.

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billjac
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:00pm
There’s no truth to the rumor that Reed Exhibitions had fellow countryman Piers Morgan scheduled to speak at the now cancelled show.

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Uechi
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 8:23pm
Hope this organization is finished and never has another show. There are lots of people with money that believe in the 2nd Amendment that aren’t interested in sucking on the hind tit of Government who would be willing to sponsor such shows.

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Uechi
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 8:15pm
Again the supreme wisdom from a genetic irrational accident called Encidope. Please provide your real name and address there are lots of admirers who would love to send a gift, probably a news paper wrapped piece of excrement in your likeness. What an absolute horror of a so called huma being you are.

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Advection
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 8:05pm
Where the fascist state can’t yet reach with force, they reach with intimidation.

Sieg Heil, Obama!

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crusaderx9
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:57pm
Time for an American Entrepreneur to step in and coordinate a proper Outdoor Show.

No true American citizen should allow an organizer, person, or organization to enact policies that effectively attempt to divide and conquer the 2nd Amendment community.

National organization and mobilization is now essential for those of us who believe in the Constitution.

The NRA and like minded organizations have focused their efforts and they need your support. If you have a better way of beating back bureaucratic, political, and regulatory TYRANNY then speak up as well, but support others who are currently in the trenches fighting for your 2nd Amendment rights – if the 2nd Amendment falls so goes the US Constitution…

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Disgusted_in_CT
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:48pm
encinom
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 6:42pm
I stand with the citizen that believe their right to life is more important than the coward’s desire to own a gun as a security blanket against paranoid, conspiracy theories.
The NRA need the cowards to live in fear of imgainary boogey men.
–
You know, I used to laugh at your stupid posts and your liberal thinking.
Every single post I have read of yours is so filled with hate and bios towards people who have different views it is a wonder you are still alive.
Of course I know why, it is because you are such a coward you would never say this out loud to people, you would get your but kicked.
You are the true racist and hater of all people and your posts show this.

I feel nothing but pity that you are so messed up.
You really should seek professional help.
A frontal lobotomy would be just the thing to help and I’m sure everyone would notice how much smarter you would be.

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- gwinf
  Posted on January 25, 2013 at 1:50pm
  Thank you. I could not have said it better!
  
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crusaderx9
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:44pm
O’Reilly and Beck are two of my favorite liberals. They probably do not realize how their flaccid thoughts and messages make all Conservatives vulnerable by painting those of us who will fight to uphold the Constitution as extremist, yet authentic Communists and Socialists in the White House are somehow acceptable. Neither could ever represent me as a Conservative, but at least they are not fanatical like the progressives.

There is a place in purgatory for the both of them; as for progressives, they will be sent to hell…

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- Rob
  Posted on January 24, 2013 at 8:53pm
  It used to be that MEN were leaders. Former warriors who fought and killed for what they believed. WASHINGTON….now we have ******* like Obama, weepy Bohener, O’Reilly, Beck…. wimps.
  
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- Rob
  Posted on January 24, 2013 at 8:57pm
  Puzzies both of them… Real men used to be leaders. Men that had fought and killed for their nations. Beck and O’Reilly are doughboys… soft, weak, using commercials to raise money for their Disneylands. Wimps.
  
  Report this comment
noslave
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:43pm
the BOYCOTT SHOULD BE AIMED AND MADE KNOWN LOUDLY to states like feinsteins california.new yorks cuomo,schumer,brady,etc.???dont visit,buy anything,etc,hit the floundering states where it hurts the most??,in the purse,when the money dries up and they still have to feed the mutts??with not enough to go around,the animals will turn on them??have a cold beer and sit back and laugh your azzes off??

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geomann
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:38pm
It seems those interested in hunting and fishing are also interested in the 2nd Amendment. I’m glad to see Cabela’s on that list, since I order most of my stuff from them. United we stand, divided we fall.

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- gwinf
  Posted on January 25, 2013 at 1:52pm
  Amen
  
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American-first
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:31pm
We do have some great American companys.

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SIG40ONDAHIP
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:26pm
Awesome story!

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Shastaman
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:23pm
Don’t let these Anti-gunners fool you

I did the Harrisburg show for years as a vendor. The attendance has gone down for 1 million to 200,000 because it has been run by liberals hired in the USA by Reed. The decisions they have made over the years has been horrid…stupid and idiotic. So many vendors including myself gave up because of the hassle and attitude.
Most of the Staff have never been into the sports-men’s mindset…they would be better used at Berkeley.
My guess is that they are doing this on purpose.
The last week the attention on the show has been huge…better than any possible paid marketing could have brought them. Vendors were expecting massive crowds curious to see what the stink was about.
The Liberals running the show saw a great opportunity to politicize it by blaming the NRA at the cost of millions of dollars of revenue. Liberals really do hate capitalism and show it by letting millions fly out the window for their feelings.

I called my best buddy this morning who has 3 booths there and has for well over 20 years. He was in shock. He had paid for his hotel. Had people take time off of work to work at the show.. Had tens of thousands of dollars of merchandise already on the way to the show. ( there is not a need to buy all this merchandise without the show ) plus he has to pay shipping to send it back to his business. and now won’t make the money to pay the net 30 on his merchandise.
He is starting a class action law suit!

Liberal Idiots!

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Dkoonz
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 7:23pm
Sure are a bunch of cowardly company’s that i will never do bussiness with again. My list is growing longer and longer every week.

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