ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Over the weekend, the Daily Press hosted its fourth annual U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.
The expo is a yearly opportunity for hunters, fishermen, and outdoorspeople of every kind to gear up for another season.
“I like coming here and walking around, visiting with people,” said attendee Tom Harrell. “[There are] lots of outdoor activities. There’s all kinds of places to go and fun things to do. Whether you hunt or fish or just like being in the outdoors, you can see what we’ve got to offer here around the U.P. That’s one of the reasons I love to come here.”
Both local businesses and those from Lower Michigan came together to share their newest products with customers. Deer Camp Coffee, based in Sterling Heights, even had some exclusive offers.
“This week, we brought up coffee and some seasonings,” said Deer Camp sales representative Dan DeFauw. “Specially for the show, we partnered with the DNR. If you buy this bag, inside is a vintage patch that they’ve provided. It’s kind of like Cracker Jacks. You look inside, open it up, and there’s a patch inside.”
Many vendors returned for their second, third, and even fourth years, including Mike’s Custom Rods of Niles.
“I came back because I did really well here last year,” said owner Mike Stowe. “I enjoy it in the Upper Peninsula. My wife and I have been up here quite a bit.”
Stowe says the expo connects vendors with new business partners.
“It’s pretty profitable,” he said. “I can even stop at some places on the way home and I can distribute some of my inventory there, too.”
DeFauw says it also allows vendors to reach new and potential customers.
“We felt bringing our product up here, we could kind of spread the word about Deer Camp,” he said. “You go to deer camp, so why not bring some Deer Camp with you? Every year, [the expo] is getting bigger and better. We love coming back with the Daily Press, and we’ve been working together to make it a bigger, exciting, and more all-around fun time here.”
For many attendees, the expo is more than just a chance to stock up on supplies. They say it brings back special memories they have created in the Upper Peninsula’s outdoors.
“My dad took me fishing when I was really little when I came up here, and then he took me hunting for my first time and I really enjoyed that,” said attendee Clayden Belongia. “I’ve really gotten into it. I don’t do it for competition, I just do it for the fun. I really hope other people come do that.”
The event was all for a good cause. In place of an entry fee, the Daily Press collected donations for the Delta Animal Shelter and the Seventh-day Adventist Food Pantry.
Planning for the 2026 U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo is already underway. For updates on next year’s event, follow the U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo Facebook page.
