More than 200 exhibitors have pulled out of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show as of this morning, according to the list maintained by show boycott-leader MyNortheastOutdoors.com.
A large elk stares down visitors from the booth of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at the 2011 Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News
In addition to the growing list of manufacturers and retailers that have dropped out of the show in protest over show organizer Reed Exhibition's decision to ban assault or modern sporting rifles from the show, at least a couple conservation giants have added their names to the list.
Both the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are supported primarily by hunter memberships and hunter dollars.
The NWTF has cancelled its booth space and pulled its official sanction from the turkey calling contest, which had been scheduled for the second day of the show, Sunday, Feb. 3.
"We feel strongly about the importance of the Second Amendment in pursuit of our mission of preserving our hunting heritage," said Skip Motts, president of the NWTF Pennsylvania State Chapter. "We reached out to our chapters from across the state and received overwhelming support for taking this stand."
The RMEF also has withdrawn as an exhibitor and pulled its involvement from the elk calling contest, which was scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7.
"RMEF believes the actions taken by Reed, a British company, are detrimental to the Second Amendment and our right as Americans to bear arms," read the organization's statement.
"RMEF reached this decision after careful deliberations and taking into account the stance of our members, volunteers, industry partners and fellow hunters.
"We urge Reed Exhibitions to reconsider its policies to avoid a divisive and political atmosphere so RMEF can take part in an event that generates needed revenue for important on-the-ground conservation and hunting heritage projects in the region."
The National Rifle Association also has pulled out of the show, noting, "Due to Reed Exhibitions' refusal to reconsider their decision to ban modern sporting rifles from the (show), the National Rifle Association has decided to withdraw from the show.
"We had called on Reed Exhibitions to reconsider their decision. Unfortunately they have steadfastly refused to do so.
"As a result, the NRA will not be participating in the upcoming show in Harrisburg or in any other shows hosted by Reed Exhibitions that maintain this policy.
"We are disappointed that Reed Exhibitions has ignored the concerns expressed by attendees, the outdoor industry and the NRA in not reconsidering their position to ban the display of modern porting rifles."