McAllen trade show brings together outdoors enthusiasts, equipment vendors

McALLEN — The constant rattling noise unnerved the crowd, but not enough to keep some from pressing within just inches of a pen containing 40 diamondback rattlesnakes. Inside the enclosure, Joe Martin handled the reptiles like mere pets.

The snakes remained in constant motion as Martin calmly lectured onlookers about outdoor safety and what to do in case of a snake bite.

Attracted by the thrill of being close to a rattlesnake, children pressed close to the viper pit as the adults nervously kept their distance.

“That man is crazy,” said Jesus Garcia as he stood by the pit watching Martin move the snakes around with his foot or a hand. “I’ve been around those, but out in the woods I am not getting near one of those unless I have a firearm.”

Garcia shook his head in disbelief as he and his son continued to explore the 21st Annual Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo, which kicked off Friday evening at the McAllen Convention Center and continues through Sunday.

“I like the outdoors, both hunting and fishing,” Garcia said. “I came to look around, but more than that to spend some time with my son.”

The Garcias were just some of the thousands of visitors in attendance Friday evening.

“This is an event for those who like the outdoors,” said event promoter Justin Curl. “We try to have anything and everything related to outdoor activities.”

With some 230 exhibitors at the expo, attendees have an opportunity to check out all manner of gear for outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hunting. More than 30,000 visitors are expected over the three days of the trade show.

At one of the many booths Friday, exhibitor Charles Ritchie asked the public if anyone had a pocketknife. Someone produced one and Ritchie showed off his Warthog knife sharpening device.

A few feet away, crowds gathered at a display of firearms including an Uzi, a Heckler & Koch MP5, and a .50-caliber Barrett.

“These are very special weapons — they are very popular,” said Danny Carrera from Southwest Hay and Feed, whose store carries a variety of items favored by outdoorsmen. “This is our business. We’re here because we get to meet our customers, show them what we have and learn more about what they want.”

On the other side of the expo, Luis Morales, general manager for specialty firearms store RDS, displayed some newly acquired German-made hunting rifles.

“We specialize in tactical weapons,” he said, “but now we are also offering specialty hunting rifles.”

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Ildefonso Ortiz covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4437.