Western Hunting and Conservation Expo

The Western Hunting and Conservation Expo runs February 12–15, 2026 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. This isn't a typical gun show—it's a hunting community event hosted by Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) and the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) that's raised over $100 million for wildlife conservation since 2007.

The Expo brings together hunters, conservation groups, wildlife professionals, and major outdoor brands across multiple halls. The exhibit hall runs: - Thursday–Saturday: 10am–7pm - Sunday: 10am–4pm

Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for youth 12–17, and free for kids 11 and under.

This is the main draw. Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources makes 200 premium, limited-entry hunting tags available exclusively through the Expo. Here's how it works:

• •$5 application fee per hunt unit (no refunds)
• •You apply online, then validate in person at Room 250 before 4pm Sunday, February 15
• •Must have a valid Utah hunting or combination license first
• •You can apply for all 200 available permits
• •Bonus points and waiting periods carry over (except for once-in-a-lifetime permits)
• •All $5 fees stay in Utah and fund wildlife conservation projects
• •Drawing results posted online within 10 days of the Expo closing

You must validate your application in person with a government-issued ID (youth must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

Free seminars run Thursday–Sunday in Room 254, covering hunting topics and strategy. Specific sessions vary by day.

Major events: - Ladies Luncheon 2026 (Friday, 11am–3pm, Room 355) - Sheep Camp Meeting (Saturday, 9am–1pm, Grand Ballroom) - Duck and Goose Calling Contest (Friday 4–8pm, Saturday 9am–5pm, Room 255) - Elk Calling Contest (Saturday, 1–5pm, Room 151) - MDF Tough Buck Challenge (Saturday, 8am–1pm, North Upper Mezzanine) - Sportsman's Chapel (Sunday, 8:30–9:45am, Room 254)

Evening entertainment & auctions: - Thursday: Super Banquet & Fundraiser (6pm–10pm, Grand Ballroom) with Kaleb Austin - Friday: Expo Day Auction (12pm–4pm) and Conservation Night Auction (7pm–11pm) with Coffey Anderson - Saturday: Grand Finale Auction (7pm–11pm) with Parmalee

The Expo features hundreds of exhibitors selling hunting gear, firearms, optics, clothing, and related products. Katie Gourdin is the Exhibit Hall Manager ([email protected], 385-449-7066). Exhibitor booth space is limited and managed through a waiting list.

All events scheduled for the Salt Palace Convention Center unless otherwise noted.

Future dates to mark: - February 11–14, 2027 - February 10–13, 2028

The Expo offers hotel partnerships and provides a mobile app and detailed floor maps for navigation. Salt Lake City has restaurants, hotels, and access to Utah's Mighty 5 national parks for extended trips.

This is conservation-focused hunting. Revenue supports critical big game habitat improvements and keeps alive American traditions of hunting, fishing, and trapping. Every dollar from permit applications directly funds Utah wildlife projects.