FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (12mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO1600)
On our very first vacation in the USA we discovered a Bass Pro shop on our way to Yosemite NP. Since then we keep coming back.
This is the one just outside of Las Vegas. I’m neither hunt or fish but if I would this place would be heaven. The Yodobashi of outdoor stores if you like. If you have no idea what Yodobashi is you probably have never been to Japan. Just google it or enter Yodobashi in the search field on my blog.
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (11.5mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO1000)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (14.5mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO500)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (11mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO1600)
The scale of this shop is just impressive. There are much bigger ones than the one in Las Vegas but even this shop here holds enough stuffed animals to make a nice Museum of Nature. When you enter you see a group of lions and an adult giraffe. This thing is huge and there is no way to capture it so that you get an idea.
Maybe if I cut his neck and head off. Almost!
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (10mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO2000)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (12.6mm, f/13, 1/25 sec, ISO12800)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (11.5mm, f/4, 1/40 sec, ISO2500)
Then there are two moose bulls fighting right next to some cows and a calf. Impressive work by the stuffers. I nice little shooting range where you can shoot at something but sadly it was out of order and of course a small casino since we are in Nevada.
Beside all the decoration and entertainment there is still a lot of goods to sell. We got some outdoor clothing but no gadgets. Next time I have to look more carefully for that.
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (10mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO3200)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (10mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO800)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (10mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO1000)
There is a huge Archery and there are guns. Tons of guns. Don’t be shocked if somebody points a gun at you by accident. There are many people checking out the handling I guess. You can tell by now that I’m from Europe. There is no way to deny that. We don’t grow up with guns.
Well, technically that’s not correct. My father worked in the police, drugs and murder, but he always made sure that the gun or better pistol was locked away safely.
And when I was a boy one uncle let me shoot with a air rifle. I later got an air gun and a bow and arrow. Guess I was around weapons somehow, a little bit. But no weapons as the ones here. Beside at my time in the army (compulsory military service) I never shot with a real gun or machine gun again in my life. And I didn’t miss it. I rather shoot pictures But when you grow up in the USA or at least in some parts of the USA that is a completely different story of course.
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (10mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO2000)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (14.5mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO2500)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (10mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO2500)
Just have a look at the magazines in the picture above. I should have bought “Stay Alive”. But then I’m getting fifty soon so I obviously I did a pretty good job so far. Unarmed!
But in the defence of the people who live in rural America I can understand that you feel kind of naked if you are the only one in your town without a gun. In the USA the love for real guns starts early when the parents take their kids for gun shopping. Sometimes the parents even get a real gun for their kids.
I think it was three or four years ago. We were on vacation in the USA watching the evening news. A nine year old girl accidentally killed a gun instructor with an Uzi the day! There was even a footage of the incident as the proud mum wanted to record her girl firing a machine gun for the first time in her life. So she also recorded that moment when her little girl lost control of the weapon and shot the instructor in the head. The news reporter was quick to add that no law was broken since nine year old kids are allowed to shoot guns in those gun parks. A nine year old kid may shoot with a machine gun but youngsters have to be 21 to drink beer. At least they get their priorities right!
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (12mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO2500)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (11.5mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO1250)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (12mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO5000)
But it’s not only a country of some weird laws, taste and style are also very different. I discovered this little gem on my way out but unfortunately I didn’t purchase it. It would be the perfect gift if someone moves into a new house or flat.
I little something that will add some style to every bathroom.
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (15.9mm, f/5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO2000)