Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have long felt like landmarks for hunters, anglers, campers, and families who enjoy the outdoors. Both built large stores around gear, boats, wildlife displays, and the idea that shopping could feel like part of the trip.
That is why the 2017 deal mattered. It was more than one retailer buying another. Two famous outdoor brands came under the same owner, and many customers wondered what would change.
What Happened in the Bass Pro and Cabela’s Deal?
Bass Pro Shops announced its plan to buy Cabela’s in October 2016. The proposed deal was valued at about $5.5 billion at that time. Federal regulators reviewed the merger, and the Federal Trade Commission closed its investigation on July 3, 2017. The companies completed the deal on September 25, 2017.
Bass Pro did not erase the Cabela’s name. Both brands still operate today. That matters because each one had built a loyal following long before the deal.
Why the Two Brands Fit Together
The brands had a lot in common, but they also had different strengths. Cabela’s had deep roots in hunting, mail-order sales, and western markets. Bass Pro had a strong fishing identity, large destination stores, and a major boating business.
For shoppers, that mix made sense. An angler looking for local tackle can still start with a good bait and tackle shop, while a large outdoor store can be useful when a trip calls for clothing, camping gear, electronics, and fishing supplies in one stop.
What Changed for Outdoor Shoppers?
The biggest change was scale. The combined company had more stores, more products, and a wider reach. It also had more buying power and a larger online business.
That can make trip planning easier. You may be able to compare gear across both brands or find a nearby store while traveling. If you are just starting out, a simple guide to beginner deer hunting gear and skills can also help you avoid buying things you do not need.
Still, a bigger company does not make every product the best choice. Fit, use, price, and durability matter more than the logo over the door.
Cabela’s Kept Its Identity
One early fear was that Cabela’s would vanish. That did not happen. The Cabela’s brand remains active, and many stores still carry its name.
Some locations have changed over time, but outdoor shoppers can still find both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores. The feel of each location can vary. A large destination store may have boats, aquariums, wildlife displays, and broad gear departments. A smaller store may focus more on the products people use in that region.
Big Stores and Local Shops Both Matter
A large outdoor chain can offer broad stock and one-stop shopping. A local tackle shop, archery shop, outfitter, or guide can offer something different: local knowledge.
The person behind a small-shop counter may know which lure is working this week, which creek is low, or which boot holds up in local mud. That advice can be worth more than a sale price.
I like a balanced approach. Use large stores when their stock and price make sense. Support local shops when their service and knowledge add value. Before buying a pile of camping gear, it also helps to know the basics of primitive camping so your kit matches the kind of trip you plan to take.
Shop for the Trip, Not the Store
Outdoor stores are designed to make gear look exciting. That is part of the fun, but it can also lead to buying too much.
Start with the trip. Ask where you are going, what the weather may do, how far you will carry the gear, and what you already own. A simple item that works is better than a fancy one that stays in the garage.
For example, safe drinking water matters far more than a new camp gadget. This practical guide to camping water filters and purifiers explains how to match water treatment to the trip.
For common gear, online prices can also give you a useful comparison point. A compact camping water filter can make sense for hiking or backup use, while a waterproof camping headlamp is useful on almost any overnight trip. Buy for a real need, not just because something is on sale.
What the Merger Means Years Later
The 2017 purchase did not end either outdoor brand. Instead, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s became parts of a much larger outdoor retail network.
For customers, the result is a mix. There is more scale and broad access to gear. There is also more reason to compare prices, check product quality, and keep local shops in mind.
The store is only the starting point. The real value of the gear comes after we leave the parking lot. A rod should help us fish. Boots should help us walk farther. A tent should keep us dry. Good gear serves the trip instead of becoming the trip.
That is the best way to view the Bass Pro and Cabela’s deal today. The brands may share an owner, but we still decide what is worth buying, where we spend our money, and how we care for the places that make outdoor life possible.