Anyone going to E.T.A.R this year?

What could one expect or must bring for their first time?

Besides actually hunting, ETAR is my favorite weekend of the year.  I wouldn't miss it for anything.  You should bring...lot's of money. haha.  Just kidding...sorta.  You can expect to see a bunch of vendors selling bows, arrows and every other accessory you can think of.  There are eight 3D courses and ranges on both sides of the ski lodge so you can shoot all day everyday if you'd like.  You'll meet a bunch of wonderful people, there is a huge blanket trade each evening where you can buy and sell any used items that you'd like.  It's just a great weekend, with thousands of like minded individuals.  Bring hot weather clothes, cool weather clothes and some knee high rubber boots in addition to sneakers.  The weather can be unpredictable, hot, cool, rainy, etc...  You'll have a great time though.

Thanks for the info Sam. I'm flying up from Florida Thursday and super excited. I'm going to have to make some friends since I'm coming by myself. I'm truly going just to handle a few specific bow brands and either order a custom or maybe find one there. The more I think about it I really want to take my equipment but just don't know how to fly with my bow.

Oh man, I'm telling you try and bring your bow if you can.  Amazing 3D courses in some of the prettiest landscape you'll ever see.  I'll be working at the Compton Traditional Bowhunters booth, stop in and say hi.  Don't worry about coming by yourself, everyone is welcoming.  I've shot the courses by myself before and have never not had a group invite me to shoot with them.  You'll only have to shoot alone if you want to.  If you have any other questions, just let me know.  Have you secured lodging yet?  If not, get on it soon.  It's possible that everything is already booked up.  Good luck.

If you have a takedown bow and don't have a travel case, just pack it well in clothing and put your arrows in a pvc pipe that can fit in your luggage and you'll be good to go.  Hope that helps.

If it's rainy, bring boots! One year it rained HARD on a Friday and all the water ran down the hill and collected in and around the tents. We were ankle deep in water and I ruined a brand new pair of sneakers.

I will definitely stop by the both to say hi. Yes I got a place to stay just a few miles away. I also have some family an hour or so away if needed. I was reading up on it and it's not like flying with a gun so I'm bringing my equipment.

Thanks for the heads up NY Yankee on the boots.

You will love it and will want to come back every year once you have been there. You have had some good advice to make it a good trip.

I got to go last year and I am still drying out, very squishy. I hope this year will be a bit more dry but not hot. Say hi if you see me, I will be the one looking for arrows the whole time.

Somehow I posted this picture on the wrong thread.
It is a shaky picture of mulberry veneers

My first year I went solo. Didn't know a soul. By the end of the shoot the family next to me would take offense if I didn't eat with them! It's just that kind of group where you can't not meet some good people! I hadn't been in a few years and last year took the wife and two little ones for a day trip. We're staying all week this year and the kids wont stop talking about it! I think they'll be sad if it ISN'T super muddy this year! Unless you buy a full rig there,which you definitely can, you really should bring your bow and arrows. You'll wish you did! I gotta start making my shopping list!

I've gone by myself the past two years (the only two times I've been).  I met wonderful people and had a great time.  Can't wait to go again. 

thanks for all the awesome info guys, I'm super excited. I just purchases a hard case to take my equipment and made sure it's big enough to bring home new equipment.  Hopefully I'll run into some of you guys there.

Me and Yohon will be heading out early Thursday morning!

1st time for me too and I am really looking forward to it all!!!!

Definitely a great time!  Plan to be there Friday and Saturday.
Sometimes I roll solo, sometimes the whole family comes (wife doesn't shoot but walks along with us).  Lots to see and buy. 

My wife doesn't shoot either. I think she just tags along to make sure I don't spend the kids' college money!

Bringing the whole family. We'll be there all of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It will be our 7th time in a row.

I will be there. Stop in and say hi!

5 of us from VA are headed up there Thursday. Cant wait!