Where can you find beef jerky, the Walleye Wizard, Aurora fire starters, the Deer Doctor, Chainsaws fish mitts, Daniel Boone Log Homes, elk meat, a game sled and other outdoor items of interest all in one place at one time?

Well, at the annual Adirondack outdoorsman ahows, of course.

The annual local show, hosted recently at the Moose Lodge between Gloversville and Johnstown on Route 30A, celebrated its third year.

And a second, expanded show, is now planned for Sept. 13 and 14 at the Concordia Club in Gloversville.

Adirondack sportsman shows have enjoyed a long history, providing outdoor information to generations of those who love the out-of-doors.

Madison Square Garden once hosted big outdoor shows featuring the Adirondack guides of yesteryears.

I once visited with Adirondack hermit Noah John Rondeau, in the 1940s Amsterdam Sportsman Shows.

Adirondack shows take place in such locations as Lake Placid and Saratoga, as well as in some of the smaller settlements. Bigger shows are conducted regularly in Edison, N.J., Altoona, Pa., and Suffern.

The shows provide a profitable outlet for the sharing of information, products and activities for hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, tourists and others with outdoor connections.

One of the off-shoots of the Outdoorsman Show is the opportunity for those with like interests to get together.

Stories are told, information exchanged, and old friends reunited at the gatherings.

While there, promoting my Adirondack books, I got to talk with lifelong friends, Adirondack old-timers, former students, and those who wanted to meet an “author.”

The feedback I get from those who have read this column for the past 18 years makes the effort worthwhile and keeps me going (at my age).

Thanks for the many kind words.

The next Adirondack Outdoorsman Show to be conducted in September will feature a series of seminars, adding to the offerings of the gathering. Search and rescue, Iditarod racing, deer/turkey calling, boat building, and fly fishing, are among some fifteen seminars planned.

A special bowhunters archery shoot will be offered with cash prizes.

An Adirondack Art Show featuring guest artist, Karen Hauser, will take place at the site on the same weekend.

The New York State Trekkers will set up an 1800s campsite and the Wildlife Museum will display their record Whitetail Deer mounts.

It promises to be a premier show, well-worth saving the date and planning to attend.

New York state sportsmen have been on the front lines for years protecting the environment and sustaining populations of wildlife, fish, and birds.

The outdoor shows, bringing together commercial exhibitors and outdoor performers and enthusiasts, raised funds and awareness over the years for “the propagation and protection of fish and game.”

It was a great way to introduce thousands to the Adirondacks and the outdoor benefits and the shows serve as a focal point for a wide range of outdoor sport comings and goings.

When I attended the Sportsman Show in Amsterdam as a youngster, it opened up a new world for me.

How else would I have memories of Noah John Rondeau, the hermit?

Where would I have the opportunity to hear the country music from “Slim Devoe and his Bark Peeelers” or the “Lumberjack’s Hoe-Down Band,” who “played ’em as they learn ’em?”

I never would have heard of “Polly and her Plowboy” hillbilly band if I had not attended the show.

Other Adirondackers were introduced to my life at outdoor shows including “Pants” Lawrence, Jacques Suzanne, Arch Tabor, Watson Arnold, Ed Arsenalt, William and Clayton Edwards, Clark Johnson, Robert and Elmer Dampier, among other lumberjacks, dog trainers, fishermen and hunters.

The outdoor shows are great gathering places.

In my estimation, there can never be too many Adirondack shows; it is a big region with a vast history and offerings.

And sharing the Adirondacks will keep us in touch with the great out-of-doors, so essential to our well-being.