With the announcement late yesterday afternoon that the National Rifle Association has cancelled the 149th Annual Meeting scheduled for April 16-19 in Nashville, Tennessee, there’s little doubt that the coronavirus has had a major impact on the outdoor industry.
According to the information we received, the cancellation is for all events and scheduled programs, including the NRA-ILA forum.
NRA officials tell us President Carolyn Meadows is working with the Board and the Office of the Secretary “in relation to board elections, meetings and the like.”
Attendees are urged to coordinate directly with hotels, airlines and travel arrangers as “most companies have announced plans to accommodate travelers dealing with event cancellations.”
Details on a rescheduled NRA Members’ Meeting, we’re told, “will be forthcoming.”
At this point, whether we accept the Coronavirus as a legitimate threat or not is moot. That boat, as they say, has already sailed.
Today, we’re looking at a “developing situation” and our individual obligations are simple: figure out what’s happening and then come up with a plan to deal with it.
To that end, we can only offer simple suggestions: a) wash your hands- thoroughly and often, b) wash your face as well if you can, c) avoid crowds-which means you can’t go to the grocery, wholesale club or pharmacy unless you really need to, d) make certain you have- and take your medications- being weakened for any reason makes you susceptible to whatever bug’s floating around.
As far as your travel plans, I can only share mine. I don’t have any travel plans that can’t change if the situation warrants. A planned trip to Washington, D.C., has already been cancelled, but I’m holding off on others.
Below are the things we know as far as cancellations, postponements or as initially scheduled events. It’s not a comprehensive list -because it’s not updating in real time. This truly is one of the most fluid situations I’ve ever encountered.
That having been said, here are the things we have on good authority:
Cancellations
Wisconsin Muskie School scheduled for this weekend in Waukeshaw, Wisconsin
Arkansas GFC Spring River Workshop, Mammoth Spring School Complex
New England Saltwater Fishing Show- Cancelled per order of the Governor of Rhode Island
Note: The Rhode Island Convention Center is closed at least through the remainder of March
New Jersey Saltwater Fishing Show
USCCA Expo, Kansas City, Cancelled by Mayor’s office
Shoot Like A Girl Event, Bass Pro Shops, Destin, Florida scheduled for March 14-15.
Utah DNR Cancelled Events:
- March 14: Wild Swan Viewing events and activities at Farmington Bay, Salt Creek WMAs
- March 28: Mountain goat viewing event at Rock Creek in northeastern Utah.
- March 28: Turkey Hunting Clinic at the Eccles Education Wildlife Center
- March 28: Turkey Hunting Clinic in Monticello
The following Utah DNR events will be postponed to a later date (yet to be determined):
- March 12: Learn to Fish Utah Lake event at the DWR Central Region Office in Springville
- March 19: Walleye Seminar at the DWR Salt Lake City office
2020 Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash - Cancelled
Civilian Marksmanship Program Cancellations:
CMP National JROTC Championship, March 19-21 Camp Perry, Ohio
CMP 3-P Regional Airgun Championship, Camp Perry, Ohio and Sandy, Utah March 26-28 and April 2-4
CMP 3-P Air Rifle Junior Summer Camps and Clinics Programs - Multiple Locations
June, July and August
On CMP “Watch List”
CMP 3P Air Rifle National Championship, Camp Perry, Ohio (Sporter July 25-27, Precision July 11-13)
As-Scheduled
Western CMP Games and HP Matches at Ben Avery Shooting Center, Carefree, AZ
Begin Friday, March 13 and conclude Sunday, March 22
Postponements
Palm Beach (FL) International Boat Show & Superyacht Show - postponed until further notice
Ongoing Events
Northwest Sportshow, Minneapolis, MN April 2-5
Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun, Rio Salado Sportsman Club, Mesa, AZ March 20-22
Annapolis (MD) Bay Bridge Boat Show (April 17-19) and Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 24-26)
ICAST Show, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
