Bass Pro Shops, the outdoor retail juggernaut founded by Johnny Morris, just dropped a game-changer for Kentucky sportsmen: a massive 70,000-square-foot destination store in Paducah, right next to Kentucky Oaks Mall. Slated to fling open its doors in late 2026 or early 2027, this isn’t your average big-box outpost—it’s a custom-built tribute to Kentucky’s rugged sporting heritage, complete with local flair that screams bluegrass pride. We’re talking over 115 new jobs for Outfitters (Bass Pro’s lingo for their passionate staff), pumping economic lifeblood into the Western Kentucky community while stocking shelves with everything from rods and reels to premium firearms and tactical gear.

For the 2A community, this is more than a shiny new shop—it’s a fortress in the heart of gun country. Paducah sits in a state that’s staunchly pro-Second Amendment, with Kentucky’s permitless carry laws and thriving shooting sports culture making it a natural fit. Bass Pro’s track record of expansive gun departments, complete with on-site ranges in some locations and a no-nonsense commitment to stocking ARs, hunting rifles, and defensive handguns, means this spot could become a hub for local shooters. Amid ongoing battles over retail gun sales in blue states, expansions like this in red strongholds signal resilience—Bass Pro isn’t just surviving; it’s investing big where the Second Amendment thrives, potentially drawing crowds from across the region and bolstering the ecosystem of FFL dealers and training facilities nearby.

The ripple effects? Expect a boost to Kentucky’s outdoor economy, from hunting leases to competitive shooting events, all while giving 2A enthusiasts a convenient one-stop shop without the urban restrictions haunting places like California or New York. Johnny Morris has long been a quiet ally to hunters and shooters, and this move underscores Bass Pro’s role as a cultural anchor. If you’re in the Bluegrass State, mark your calendar—this Paducah powerhouse could redefine how we gear up for the next season.