Trade shows?

I want to purchase an ice shelter for next season. I have read and watched countless reviews on forums and YT, I have searched all of the manufacture’s web sites. But, there is no substitute for actually sitting my butt in them. Are there any big shows where all of the manufactures set up all of their ice shelters and other “stuff”? I’m familiar with the ATA and SHOT shows (never been but I know they exist) is there a similar show to those where regular folks (non-dealers) can get in?

I googled up a couple of shows advertised in the past, both appeared to be local gun show type events that have local dealers with just a few models of ice shelters on hand. I want the whole enchilada, all of the Clams, Otter, Eskimo, Frabill, etc etc on display so I can sit in them and make a truly informed decision. I want to look first and foremost at quality of construction and quality of materials used, I want the info you just can’t get from reading reviews and watching vids.

Any help appreciated.

St. Paul Ice fishing show. Usually in December. Best princess you will find also

The St. Paul Ice Show would have quit a few I would think.

We will need to get past this virus thing first.

Where are you located?

Thanks for the replies.

I did come across a past ad for St. Paul. I’m thinking I’d evaluate the shelters at the shows and purchase/order local. I did see thought that one brand had a $200 shipping fee.

I was thinking the shows would be late summer or fall. If the world isn’t past the corona by then we’ll have much bigger things to worry about than ice shelters.

I’m in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Iowa area but I would make a weekend of it almost anywhere in the Midwest for the right expo AND as long as it isn’t mid-rut.

Thanks again for the input. Open to and appreciative of all suggestions.

Fleet farm and scheels usually have a big assortment during the season set up to inspect

Shows are normally during hunting season or early ice. What do you need shipped? Covid will not be done by then, but might be in between peaks. Any cabela’s around you incase they don’t have big shows this year?

Dakota Angler Ice Institute in Sioux Falls held around the Saturday closest to Nov. 7. They have exactly what you are looking for and more.

I was in Fleet Farm for the first time in late February. Even that late in the season I was impressed with what they carried. Cabela’s is in PDC WI and Bass Pro is in DSM, neither is too far away. There is a Scheels in Coralville and a locally owned “mom and pop” store in Iowa City. I like to patronize the Iowa City store because they have treated me well over the years. So if I see what I want at a show and the local store carries that brand but not that model I’d probably have to pony up for the shipping. I’m loyal to a fault but shipping may be a deal breaker.

Damn. The first week in November usually finds me in a tree stand. I’ll google the Sioux Falls show and check out the dates.

Thanks again for the info.

I would think if it’s a brand your local place carries or even through a vendor they have that getting it to the store for you should be no problem. Good luck with your search. What are you looking for? Size? Door configuration?

Ice Institute is Nov. 13-15

2 man, seats that slide front to back and side to side, fully insulated, side entry, I like the ones that have both side entry and a separate front entry, flip over or the Eskimo that’s a pop out hybrid with a sled, replaceable windows, lots of windows or big windows, molded in tow lugs, weight could be an issue I think the big Clams were pretty heavy but I’ve look at so many I can’t remember for sure. Bigger is better but for early ice dragging a 125 pound sled plus gear would be a booger.

Having said that I want to look at the zippers, the stitching, how heavy the material is, how heavy is the plastic for the windows, rod system, tow system, cost of accessories, how many ceiling vents.

I’m sure there will be trade offs, I’ll have to decide what my priorities are.

Thanks again.

Good luck with the hunt, also study up on smitty sleds if you are worried about pulling it.

I think it is difficult to pick the “right one” until you use it, particularly if it is your first one. What feature one guy likes, another shrugs at. One option is to buy a used one to try out, then sell it and buy the right one. There are/were MANY huts for sale on Craigslist. Good luck.

I would wait till fall when all the stores have there displays and you can sit in all them and buy at the store. Spending $200 on shipping sounds insane in my opinion

If you are looking for the best bang for you buck you can find great deals right now! Ice houses are very bulky to store for retailers and they make great deals. Marine General is a great place to call and ask.
If you have any questions about Otter ice houses I can help you. Drop me a PM and I will assist!

Shannon

Coletrain27 wrote:

I would wait till fall when all the stores have there displays and you can sit in all them and buy at the store. Spending $200 on shipping sounds insane in my opinion

I’m afraid the local stores wouldn’t have the models I’m interested in stocked and available for butt time and if they don’t stock them I’m afraid I’d get nailed with shipping. So yeah, I’m a loyal customer and I’ve been called crazy way more than once but that much for shipping is a no go.

sand-burr wrote:

If you are looking for the best bang for you buck you can find great deals right now! Ice houses are very bulky to store for retailers and they make great deals. Marine General is a great place to call and ask.
If you have any questions about Otter ice houses I can help you. Drop me a PM and I will assist!

Shannon

Down here in Iowa the ice fishing stuff disappeared around March 1st. I did manage to pick up some odds and ends on end of season sales but I wanted more options on ice shelters than they had on the floor. I will take advantage of your offer for assistance after I re-review everything because I can’t remember anything about the brands except some were red, some were blue, some were black and they would all beat the crap outta trying to get 4 pound test down a hole in 20mph winds.

Thanks once again for the replies.