Western Hunting & Conservation Expo - WHCE 2027
Event Date
February 11–14, 2027
Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Expected Exhibitors
600
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Western Hunting & Conservation Expo (WHCE), also known as the Hunt Expo, is one of the largest consumer hunting and conservation events in the western United States. The Expo is proudly hosted by Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF). Co-hosted and organized by MDF and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the Expo held its 20th anniversary at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 2026.
Held each February at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, the show brings together hunters, outfitters, manufacturers, and conservationists from across the country and around the world. The event unites those who share a passion for hunting and conservation with exhibitions, informative sessions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals committed to wildlife conservation.
Beyond gear and adventure, the Expo is a major fundraising engine for wildlife and habitat. Since 2007, the Expo has brought the hunting community together to celebrate wildlife, hunting, and the outdoors while raising more than $100 million for wildlife conservation and critical habitat projects. Every ticket, auction bid, and booth visit directly supports the conservation of wildlife, wild lands, and hunting heritage, making it worthwhile for anyone passionate about the outdoors.
Show Highlights
- Massive exhibit hall: Hundreds of exhibitors including outfitters, sporting goods manufacturers, and hunting experts from around the world.
- Big game and adventure vendors: More than 400 exhibitors—outfitters, sporting goods manufacturers, and hunting experts from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Africa, Russia, Tajikistan, New Zealand and other international hunting locations—showcase products for diverse hunting adventures, equipment, and related services.
- Conservation auctions & tag sales: The 2023 event raised nearly $14 million from show passes, auctions, tag sales, and other fundraisers.
- The Expo 200 Permit Drawing: A signature opportunity for attendees to apply for limited-entry Utah hunting permits, with proceeds directed to conservation.
- Featured brands: Popular exhibiting brands have included Blackstone Products, Dark Energy, King's Camo, Jumping Jack Trailers, Vortex Optics, and Vitesse Athletics.
- Special events: Past shows have featured a Ladies Luncheon and the state championships of the National Archery in the Schools Program, along with keynote speakers and fireside chats.
Attendance
The Expo consistently draws tens of thousands of attendees over its four-day run. The 2020 event closed after over 60,000 people passed through the Salt Palace Convention Center. The 2022 show drew nearly 47,000 people walking 460 booths on 680,000 square feet of the Salt Palace Convention Center. In 2026, the four-day event delivered another record-breaking year, with nearly 600 exhibitors filling the entire Salt Palace Convention Center. Attendees travel from virtually every state in the union and beyond to participate.
Registration
Show passes are sold through the official Expo website at huntexpo.com, where admission tickets and event information are published each year. Attendees can also participate in the Expo 200 Permit Drawing by submitting applications for Utah's limited-entry hunting tags, with proceeds supporting conservation. Companies interested in exhibiting can join the waiting list:
- Visit the Exhibitor Information page at huntexpo.com.
- Complete the Exhibitor Waiting List form for future years.
- Contact the Exhibit Hall Manager, Katie Gourdin, for booth details.
Check the official website closer to the event for current ticket types, pricing, and deadlines.
History
Since 2007, the Expo has brought the hunting community together to celebrate wildlife, hunting, and the outdoors while raising more than $100 million for wildlife conservation and critical habitat projects. The show has grown dramatically in scale over its history. By 2020, Hunt Expo boasted over 500 exhibiting companies on more than 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, a dramatic increase over the show's 14-year history. Longtime MDF leadership noted that over 14 years it grew to become one of the biggest consumer hunting shows in the West. In February 2026, the Expo celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo?
The 2027 Expo takes place February 11–14, 2027, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Future dates are also set for February 10–13, 2028, and February 8–11, 2029.
Who hosts the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo?
The Expo is hosted and organized jointly by Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF). It has been held since 2007.
Who should attend the Hunt Expo?
The show is designed for hunters, outfitters, sporting goods manufacturers, and conservation enthusiasts. Exhibitors and attendees come from across the U.S. and internationally, including Canada, Mexico, Africa, New Zealand and other hunting destinations.
What makes the Expo worth attending?
The Expo combines hundreds of exhibitors, hunting gear, and international outfitters with major conservation fundraising. Since 2007 it has raised more than $100 million for wildlife conservation and habitat projects, and features auctions and the Expo 200 limited-entry permit drawing.
How do I register or exhibit at the Expo?
Show passes and event details are published on the official website at huntexpo.com. Companies interested in exhibiting can complete the Exhibitor Waiting List form and contact the Expo's Exhibit Hall Manager for booth information.
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