What was your impression of the TTHA show this weekend in Dallas?

[Green Chile]

I was only able to attend on Saturday but was there all day. It has obviously grown a LOT from last year. There were almost 2k vendor numbers but a few blocks of numbers missing. I would say there were at least 1500 vendors there. There was plenty of room and enough traffic on Saturday to have a good vibe in the exhibit hall.

You could tell the word is getting out that the old DSC location and dates are still good for show attendance. There were more big name vendors attending this year than last. There were not a lot of artists displaying and that could certainly improve as I think Texas shows are good for their sales, from what I have heard. There were definitely big name artists missing that I had hoped to see.

In talking to outfitters, the established ones are booking 2-3 years out, which is a good sign. I think there were quite a few tire kickers but DFW is typically a good place to book safaris, etc. There were a lot more African outfitters present than last year. I booked a hunt for '28 and discussed a couple of pending rifle builds with Parkwest Arms.

As to feedback, I would say they could have had more workers signing people in as they arrived. That line took 30 min and was pretty long. Since they were scanning in pre-paid attendees, that could have been a little better. Also, I heard some confusion on food...people were asking if there was food in the exhibit hall...there was not. It was just a little confusing but outside of the hall, there were food options but somewhat limited seating/tables. Just a few little things to work on.

I'm curious what others experienced and thought of the show. I'm pleased that there is a good show for us to attend here after so many issues with DSC moving away from its base.

 

[Rare Breed]

I really like their getting more Africa outfitters. It always struck me when I lived there and attended every year it was 90% deer 10% all else. Great to see that is changing

 

[Green Chile]

There were a lot of European outfitters too for ibex, wild boar, driven birds, etc. Also a good showing for Argentina and New Zealand.

 

[deewayne2003]

I really like their getting more Africa outfitters. It always struck me when I lived there and attended every year it was 90% deer 10% all else. Great to see that is changing

Agreed, First TTHA show I’ve attended in a LONG time because it used to be 90%+ high fence whitetail hunts.

I enjoyed the show, my only complaint was the lack of parking signage; from now on I’ll park close to a local bar and Uber to the show.

 

[mdwest]

From an exhibitors perspective my wife had an exceptional experience. The TTHA staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was going well, the CEO of SCI was making rounds this morning and personally checking in on exhibitors being friendly and asking for feedback (turns out he and my wife were born and raised in the same small town in Mississippi, frequented a lot of the same places as children, etc)… and sales were outstanding…

I believe Bos en Dal Safaris was also very happy with the show.. there was a lot of reconnecting with old clients and friends, lots of new potential clients swung through, and sales were very good as well…

I’d expect to see even more new exhibitors showing up next year… every single exhibitor I spoke with (maybe 20-30?) said they had a good - great show and every single one already secured their booth for next year.. I’d also expect to see more consumers next year… numbers are already excellent… Friday was a bit slow (expected)… Saturday the floor was packed most of the day.. and today was a nice steady flow of traffic…

 

[Surgeon1]

This year will likely be my last at DSC, so i anticipate it will be TTHA and SCI next year as I dont think
I have any conflicting hunts at this point! Talked to 2 outfitters who said they are done with DSC, ine said they wouldn't even waste their time going to DSC except they already had hotels and their displays going there.

 

[LimbNoMo]

I enjoyed going. Thought there was a good mix of items, hunts, etc.

 

[Green Chile]

Agreed, First TTHA show I’ve attended in a LONG time because it used to be 90%+ high fence whitetail hunts.

Agreed. It used to be a lot more about TX hunting products and services but this show at least is global. There was a massive increase in global outfitters this show. Bob Kern at the very front door is a good example of that.

 

[375-9.3x63 Fan]

It was a good mix of outfitters, certainly bigger than last year, good to see folks from other countries not just from Africa. Even our own country outfitters were not just focused on whitetails …. That was a huge change, good options for other critters too.
Overall, I enjoyed it

 

[analog_peninsula]

While I enjoyed the show, I thought the parking was unnecessarily obscure, and there could have been more exhibitors. I do wish the show well, and hope they continue to thrive and improve

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I thought it was a much improved show over last year and I believe it will continue to grow as KBH works its way through the remodeling process. Move-in was handled well and the setup had a more professional look to it than last year. I bailed out early to get home to Phoenix so I was not there for move out. But speaking to @AZ KJ it seems @JKO HUNTING SAFARIS got move out quickly and he beat me home despite having to drive home to the Austin area.

And of course the party the @mdwest house was a great time! Looking forward to next year, but first SCI in Nashville.

 

[Beretta391]

While I enjoyed the show, I thought the parking was unnecessarily obscure, and there could have been more exhibitors. I do wish the show well, and hope they continue to thrive and improve

Just a FYI the main parking is in the back in underground parking garage. It’s the easiest to do I think

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Compared to last years show this one was greatly improved. I was there all day Friday and Saturday. The number of international booths was exceptional. TTHA/SCI geared this show for the hunter looking for world wide hunts. The regular TTHA show in the fall is geared toward Texas hunters and hunting products. This show is to take DSC place for international hunts since DSC made its decision to leave Texas. I noticed a few more big manufactures this year and expect more next year. I also talked to several outfitters that said this will be there last year for DSC that the Texas show was much better for them. TTHA/SCI did a good job on this one and expect next years to be better and bigger.

 

[358 Norma]

Compared to last years show this one was greatly improved. I was there all day Friday and Saturday. The number of international booths was exceptional. TTHA/SCI geared this show for the hunter looking for world wide hunts. The regular TTHA show in the fall is geared toward Texas hunters and hunting products. This show is to take DSC place for international hunts since DSC made its decision to leave Texas. I noticed a few more big manufactures this year and expect more next year. I also talked to several outfitters that said this will be there last year for DSC that the Texas show was much better for them. TTHA/SCI did a good job on this one and expect next years to be better and bigger.

Did you book with Tsala Safaris?

 

[K-man]

I really enjoyed my single day there Saturday. No problems with check-in for me but I was there before 9:00. Parking was no issue as we stayed at the omni and could walk in. I saw 6 of my former outfitters there and met several new possibilities. All the outfitters spoke to were positive about the show and traffic. Hopefully there will be continued growth and the outfitters can make money. It seemed traffic was just right so you could navigate the aisles and could stop and visit with vendors as needed.

 

[steve white]

If this show keeps growing with international/African hunting vendors, it will replace DSC as a calendar event. Glad to have a good DFW show in Jan. I met vendors from Macedonia to Brazil and Africa in between!

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

Top shelf.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Did you book with Tsala Safaris?

Yes, actually finalized last details for June 2026

 

[dchum]

I had fun and was only there on Saturday.

Really great international representation.

Foot traffic seemed less than what DSC was in the last few years of its time in Dallas.
Good for us, not so for the outfitters. But most were positive!
I think this show will really catch on and I hope it grows fast these next few years

Talked to some great Alaskans about a boat trip.
Talked to a few EC outfitters about hunting Vallies in the mountains of SA, Including @KMG Hunting Safaris.
Crushed some beers with Morgan Poter at the Robin Hurts booth. Was fun to chat with him as my budy I went to the show with hunted Luganzo almost 10 years ago. Well before Morgans new found meat eater fame

The beers became many beers and I forgot to get the lady some fur as I usually do at the hunting shows. Managed to ovoid the Omni bar, my friend Stephen from SB hunting safaris of SA was dragging me to join him. That would have made for a rough Sunday morning.

All in all I had a blast!

 

[dchum]

Yes, actually finalized last details for June 2026

Wow congrats Mark. That is a big hunt and I know means a lot to you! Excited for you sir