Christmas is just 10 days away and 2017 right behind it. Of course 2017 means a new fishing license and returning any report cards from 2016 but most importantly the new year issues the new season of sports  and outdoor shows and expos.  It is time to start marking up that new calendar and setting some of these dates aside.

The biggest and for many the one not to miss, kicks off the show season for 2017, January 19-22 at Sacramento's Cal Expo, the always popular International Sportsman's Expo.  This is a great show for all outdoor enthusiasts, anglers and hunters alike. There are dedicated halls for hunting, conventional angling as well as fly anglers. Many domestic and international lodges and outfitters offer special one of a kind promotions at this show where that trip of a lifetime can be booked at tremendous savings. Local guides and outfitters will offer their expertise in seminars, and demonstrations that will help enhance your hunting or fishing experiences as well as booking excursions. 

Exhibitors will showcase many products such as duck and goose calls, a wide variety of fishing tackle and accessories and of course no show of this size would be complete without a selection of boats at great discounted show pricing. There is also a hall of youth activities so this is truly a great family destination and activity.

MyOutdoorBuddy and Nor Cal Fish Reports will once again be one of the exhibitors and we are anxious to showcase the new format for MyOutdoorBuddy and to say hello to our readers and introduce new readers to our family of websites.

Also, on the same weekend from the 19-21 of January, the Reno Convention Center is hosting The Sheep Show which is dedicated to and celebrating sheep and mountain hunting. With over 400 vendors, this is very popular with hunting enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy the challenge of mountain sheep.

The Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton will once again host the Fly Fishing Show February 24-26. This is a show for those interested in the art, science and practice of this great angling sport. Some of the top guides, tiers and gear manufacturers will be on hand to share their expertise and skill and techniques.

March  3-5 the Nor Cal Boat Sport and RV Show will be offered at the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson and offers a great venue for those in the North State.

On March 9-12 the action returns to Cal Expo in Sacramento for the Sacramento Boat show where a wide variety of fishing, pleasure, ski and luxury boats of all sizes  as well as boating accessories will be showcased and offered at special 'best of the year' pricing.

The North State show enthusiasts will have another great show opportunity April 1-2 at the 2nd annual Redding Sportsman's Expo at the Redding Civic Auditorium. Last year's inaugural show was a great success and this year's should be even better with a wide variety of booths and exhibitors.

These are but a few of the shows being offered this year, but highlights some of the best of the North State. Look for other shows in your area as these local shows offer hidden gems of opportunity and information. With so many shows, getting some fishing in may be a little tough as I hope to visit some of these myself.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all.

Gary Heffley has been a valued contributor to MyOutdoorBuddy for over 10 years serving as manager, sales representative and reporter for much of Northern California. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to fish and write about his adventures. He has a long history in the Sporting Goods field and uses that extensive experience to impart his wisdom in his writing.