The 31st Annual Buckmasters Expo, presented by Mountain Dew, returned to downtown Montgomery August 14–16, 2026, welcoming more than 25,000 attendees for another unforgettable weekend celebrating hunting, the outdoors, family and community.
Between the three-day Buckmasters Expo and the highly anticipated Bulls & Buckmasters events Friday and Saturday nights, foot traffic once again surpassed 25,000 — proving that more than three decades after its beginning, the Buckmasters Expo continues to be a summertime tradition for outdoor families across Alabama and beyond.
Bulls & Buckmasters Packs the House
Bulls & Buckmasters once again delivered some of the biggest excitement of the weekend, bringing professional bull riding to downtown Montgomery on both Friday and Saturday nights. Rain on Friday evening did little to keep fans away, with crowds still pouring into the arena for the opening night of competition. By Saturday night, excitement had reached another level, with the arena reaching standing-room-only capacity as fans packed the house for the final night of Bulls & Buckmasters.
The high-energy event brought together professional bull riders, outdoor enthusiasts and families for two nights of action that have quickly become a signature part of Buckmasters Expo weekend.
Special Guests Bring the Outdoor Community Together
The 2026 Expo welcomed an exciting lineup of special guests and personalities from across the outdoor industry.
Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman was joined throughout the weekend by special guests including outdoor television personality Nate Hosie, HeadHunters TV host Randy Birdsong, Georgia outdoor personality Macy Watkins, members of the Buckmasters On the Road team and more.
Expo attendees also had a rare opportunity to see one of the most talked-about whitetails in history — "The General." The legendary buck was on display throughout the weekend, giving fans the opportunity to see the iconic whitetail up close and learn more about its remarkable story.
From meet-and-greets and photos to conversations with some of the outdoor industry's most recognizable personalities, the weekend gave attendees an opportunity to connect with the people and stories that make the hunting community special.
Family Fun Remains at the Heart of Expo
While hunting and the outdoors remain at the center of the Buckmasters Expo, creating an event the entire family can enjoy continues to be one of its most important traditions.
The Young Bucks area once again offered plenty of family-friendly fun throughout the weekend, with mechanical bull riding, face painting, balloon art, hands-on falconry experiences, and interactive craft stations hosted by Rex Lumber, CB&S Bank, and the Alabama Trucking Association. Buckmasters mascots Bucky and Droptine also made their way through the Expo, greeting young fans, posing for photos, and handing out plenty of hugs along the way.
Across the show floor, hundreds of exhibitors showcased hunting gear, outdoor products, apparel, food and more, giving attendees the opportunity to discover new products, meet brands and connect with others who share their passion for the outdoors.
Top Bow Archery Tournament, Presented by Alabama Cooperative Extension System
The Top Bow Archery Tournament, presented by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, once again brought exciting competition to the Buckmasters Expo, giving young archers an opportunity to put their skills to the test and showcase their passion for the sport.
This year's competition crowned Hugh Palmer of Bay Minette, Alabama, as the 2026 Open Class Junior Champion, while Charles Long of Falkville, Alabama, earned the title of 2026 Open Class Senior Champion.
"Congrats to Buckmasters on 40 years!! The archery competition is a hallmark of the Buckmasters Expo and the partnership with 4H makes it even more special. Connecting youth with the outdoors, placing importance on proper shot placement and accuracy, and recognizing excellence are principles that Buckmasters, 4H, and AWF share. Congrats to all those who participated and to Buckmasters for a long history of dedication to our hunting and outdoor heritage."
- Tim L. Gothard, AWF Executive Director
Buckmasters is proud to partner with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System on an event that encourages young people to get involved in archery and the outdoors while providing an exciting competitive experience during Expo weekend.
The event is also made possible through the support of industry partners including Darton Archery, Easton, Rocky Boots, Wiley X and more, whose contributions help provide prizes and recognize the hard work and accomplishments of these young competitors.
More Than 10,000 Pounds of Food Collected for the Community
For more than three decades, giving back has remained one of the most meaningful parts of the Buckmasters Expo.
Rather than charging traditional admission, attendees were once again asked to bring a canned food item or make a $1 donation at the door.
The Buckmasters community answered the call in a big way.
Over the course of the weekend, attendees donated 10,997 pounds of food and $10,725 in cash, with donations benefiting Friendship Mission and helping support individuals and families in need throughout the local community.
The 2026 food total represents an increase of more than 1,200 pounds over 2025, when Expo attendees donated 9,770 pounds.
"Giving back to Montgomery has always been an important part of what this event is about," said Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman. "To see more than 25,000 people come through the doors, pack the arena for Bulls & Buckmasters and then turn around and donate nearly 11,000 pounds of food says a lot about this community. We're incredibly thankful for everyone who continues to show up and support this event year after year."
31 Years of Buckmasters in Montgomery
Now in its 31st year, the Buckmasters Expo continues to bring hunters, families, outdoor brands and industry personalities together in the heart of Montgomery.
The event's continued success would not be possible without the support of its exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and community partners, as well as the thousands of attendees who make the trip each August.
Buckmasters extends its sincere appreciation to presenting sponsor Mountain Dew, along with the many sponsors and partners whose continued support makes the Expo and Bulls & Buckmasters possible.
Special thanks also go to the City of Montgomery, Montgomery City Council, Montgomery County Commission and Montgomery Chamber of Commerce for their continued partnership and support of the Buckmasters Expo.
After another weekend of packed aisles, full arenas, family memories and meaningful community impact, Buckmasters is already looking ahead to continuing the tradition August 20 - 22, 2027.