By R. R. Branstrom

rbranstrom@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — The U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo begins today in and around the Ruth Butler Building on the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds. Admission to the expo is free, though visitors are asked to bring a item that can be donated to either a food pantry or the Delta County Animal Shelter. Hours are 3 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activities at the event include a virtual reality shooting range, a perch pond, fish bingo, hunting seminars from Tom Mesnard, fishing seminars from Corie Berigan, and games and prizes for children.

Dozens of vendors are new this year. They include Bayshore Bait and Hideaway, the Kipling staple under new ownership as of 2024; Castle X, which makes snow gear, helmets and more; Total Land Management, a consultant on properties for hunting and fishing; Fishing 4All Seasons, which offers kayak and ice fishing tours; Hardcore Outfitters, a popular, high-end sporting goods store in Iron Mountain; Caddis Shack, a fishing guide service based in Escanaba; Mike’s Custom Rods, with handles crafted from exotic wood; Trinity Tree Stand, which makes portable ladder systems; Weibe Knives, designed for skinning by trappers and hunters; and more.

Returning major players are Blade’s Bait and Tackle, known for not only their equipment but also Paul “Blade” Bloedorn’s fishing reports; Old Glory Firearms, whose customers enjoy their trainings as well as products; L&M Fleet Supply; and WZMQ 19 News with their Escanaba bureau multimedia journalist, Lily Simmons.

Up North Journal, a podcast that interviewed many participants during the lead-up to the expo last year, changed hands — one of the cohosts passed the torch to the other, who rebranded as Up North Journal Outdoors. DeFauw has been gathering a pro staff team and looks forward to networking at the expo.

The U.S. Forest Service will have a booth, as they have in the past, but with the addition of a special guest on Saturday only — Smokey Bear. The iconic fire prevention mascot was adopted by the Forest Service in 1944, so the appearance is in honor of Smokey’s 80th birthday.

Delta County Search and Rescue, posted up outside in case they need to answer a call, plans to bring two airboats and some ice suits to show curious visitors.

Jamie Besaw, founder of new ice shack rental platform ShackShare, is looking to grow interest and find hosts in the U.P. at the expo.

“We’re hoping to be able to build our community to the point where it’s beneficial for everyone involved — anglers and hosts and guides included,” he said.

While not all directly related to fishing and hunting, adjacent booths are also likely to engage the attention of attendees. There’ll be Canine Crumpets, Cloverland Distributing, Iverson’s Home Center, Optimum Food Plots, Cutco, crafters, home maintenance providers, nonprofits, military recruiters and more.

Food trucks will be on site, so those who want to hang out all day don’t have to worry about leaving the show to recharge. Joining returning vendors The Grateful Cheese and Express Coffee are Wildman’s Munchie Mobile, The Little Red Caboose, Donut Diner and Main Squeeze. The Nutman, Uncle Henry’s Gourmet Meats, Crunchie Munchies and Old World Nuts will have booth space.

Vendors from at least four states — Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Minnesota — will be part of the expo.