As hunting season begins the St. Joseph Gun & Knife Show will return to the Civic Arena in St. Joseph Oct. 3 and 4.
The event will bring together gun enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, along with people looking for personal protection.
Kevin Hummer, the show’s promoter said the event will be a great place for people to sell or trade the weapons they no longer want or use.
“As a matter of fact, this is the peak time to sell your guns to get the most out of them,” Hummer said.
For those who are looking for a wide assortment of weapons, both old and new, there will be 250 tables of guns and related materials offered at the event, including: rifles, hand guns, shot guns, AR 15s, along with ammo, hunting supplies, scopes, targets, gun parts, knives, carrying cases and a wide variety of accessories.
For women who want to be assured of their personal protection the show will offer a host of products. The company Damsel in Defense will have a large display. The company teaches women self-defense and has a large line of products including stun guns and tazers to help women defend themselves.
For women who want a discreet self-defense product to carry in a small purse or evening bag a lipstick knife will also be on display. The item looks like an ordinary lipstick tube but is actually a self-defense blade concealed under the cap.
Hummer has been organizing these shows for 25 years. “I am a hunter and love to get out in the Timber and Bow Hunt and the Rifle Hunt, Hummer said. It is a great opportunity to spend time with my boys. Along with the hunting, it also supplies us with meat throughout the year.”
There will be trainers at the show to give information and tips from their long experience in hunting.
Older guns will be on display for collectors and there will also be dealers at the show who are interested in buying older guns from customers.
“Each show is a treasure trove of new and exciting guns that have not been on the market before,” Hummer said.
For a first-time gun buyer who is unsure what they need for personal safety Hummer said the show is a great opportunity for professionals to analyze what the particular needs are for a first-time buyer.
“There are shot guns, there are handguns and all are for home protection,” Hummer said. “Come to the show and see what fits good in your hands and what your needs are. Then go to a gun range and practice with professionals and learn the safety requirements on using weapons.”
With the multitude of weapon choices for hunting Hummer said a hunter’s surroundings determines what kind of gun they need.
“With the upcoming deer hunting season it depends if you are in a wooded area with heavy brush or in an open area where you have a long shot to kill the deer, as far as which kind of weapon you would want to use,” Hummer said. “If you are in a wooded area not only do you worry about your weapon, but also your scent control. Deer are amazing when it comes to seeing and smelling and hearing someone in the woods.”
Hummer said all requirements from Buchanan County Health Department, which includes masks and social distancing will be implemented at the event.
As Hummer passes the quarter-century mark for organizing gun shows he still enjoys the planning and the excitement of the event itself.
“I like it because it passes a tradition that our forefathers gave us in regards to the 2nd Amendment for hunting and for protecting our families,” Hummer said.
Show dates are Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is adults, $12 and kids ages 6-12, $5.
For more information contact Kevin Hummer at 387-7502 or kevinh@rjpromotions.com.