What is new at HUNTEX 2017?

After six years of organising the biggest firearm and hunting expo in South Africa, HuntEx will raise the bar yet again at its 2017 event at Gallagher Convention Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2017.

Huntex’s success in bringing together consumers and the retail market in the hunting, firearm and related industries has been astonishing. In six years it has becomethe third biggest retail trade expo in South Africa, with Nampo and Decorex still in the lead – for now!

HuntEx organiser, Adriaan Woudstra, and his team are constantly exploringnew additions to the expo that enhance visitors’ experience. The line-up for HuntEx2017 will not disappoint. Several newcomers, including more local and international firearm dealers, will be joining the exhibitor ranks while regular, favourite attractions such as the daily lottery will send more people home with expensive firearms.

What is new?

For a start, the entire Gallagher Convention Centre – all 26000m2of it – has been booked for the expo.

Forty firearm dealers have signed up to exhibit, compared to 34 in 2016.

Stevens Precision Rifles (SPR) will showcase their South African designed and manufactured copper monolithic bullets, Ballistix bullets. For the first time SPR silencers,which have a long-standing reputation among SPR’s custom rifle clients, will be available to the public at HuntEx2017.

Other SPR products on show, include precision reloading equipment such as AMP programmable induction heat case annealers that do away with guess-work normally associated with open flame annealers. SPR also has mobile reloading press stands that accommodate most popular brand name presses and enable serious shottists to reload at the shooting range.

Shotgun enthusiasts that value tradition and quality can also visit SPR’s stand for a closer look at Fair shotguns produced in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. The Fair shotgun series is well supported in South Africa and aftersales service and spares are readily available.

Visitors that prefer the roar of a few thousand horsepower above fire power, are in for a special treat when Action Ford starts the super-charged Mustang, whichmight just lift the roof of Hall 3 ever so slightly. Other Mustang paraphernalia with a considerably smaller price tags will be available for Mustang enthusiasts.

Women hunters

HuntEx2016 showed a significant increase (from 18 to 35%) in female visitors compared to previous years. They are serious buyers with a growing interest in hunting and shooting.Women that are new to the industry are frustrated that certain dealers do not take them seriously.To make it easier for women to enter the hunting and sportshooting sector, HuntEx organisers will introduce and sponsor a stand in Hall 2, Mia Caccia (My hunt) where experienced female hunters and sportshooters will be available during the expo to answer women’s questions and give advice. The stand will provide an informal setting to encourage female visitors to interact freely, ask questions and obtain advice on how and where to start.

Public convenience

Public convenience and easy access remain a priority for HuntEx organisers. This year, online tickets will cost less than gate sales. Online tickets cost R110 each while tickets bought at the gate cost R120. Multi-day tickets are also available for those visitors for whom one day is just not enough to explore the expo. By purchasing any ticket online at huntex.net the buyer is automatically entered in a competition to win a custom-designed cooler trailer valuedat R100000.

For the first time, HuntEx introduced two hospitality packages. The corporate package makes provision for ten people or more to purchase tickets for less than the standard price and to book a venue for a private breakfast, refreshments or lunch at Gallagher Grill or any of the smaller meeting rooms. This is ideal for companies that want to entertain clients. The second hospitality package is suitable for a minimum number of five people in a group, whether they are friends or family travelling on one vehicle. It comprises cheaper entrance tickets and parking for the vehicle (minibus)in Hall 1 for quick and easy access to the expo.Tickets for both packages can be booked online at huntex.net

Lottery

All visitors may enter the daily lottery by completing a lottery ticket at any of the information desks. Entry is free. Three rifles can be won every dayfrom 29 April to 1 May. The lottery has been a daily highlight at HuntEx since 2011. Winners must be present during the draw to claim their prize.

HuntEx App

A special HuntEx App has been developed that enables visitors to search for products and exhibitors at the expo. The download will include complete expo floor plans and exhibitors’ list. HuntEx is the first expo in South Africa that is using this technology. All announcements will be done through push notifications on the app. The App can be downloaded from Play Store.

Talks and demonstrations

By public demand, HuntEx introduced a brand merchandise range comprising T-shirts and hats from children to adult sizes for both males and females.

Other HuntEx favourites that will return this year, include food demonstrations on the processing and preparation of game meat by Crown National. The regular reloading presentations will be augmented by:

  • A discussion on firearm maintenance and care;
  • Choosing the best calibre, bullet and optics for your hunting application and personal preference
  • Barrel twist, bullet behaviour and bullet choices
  • Theory and practical application for long distance shooting
  • Self-defence bullets

All talks and demonstrations will be presented in Hall 3.

Visit for more information about the expo and exhibitors, and to purchase tickets online.