If you’re choosing between Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and DICK’S Sporting Goods, the “best” store depends on what you play, how you shop, and what services you need.
This guide compares selection, perks, pricing policies, returns, and pickup options—so you can match the retailer to your trip (or cart).
Quick Verdict
Pick Bass Pro Shops if you’re an angler, hunter, or boater who wants the deepest fishing/hunting assortment, boat centers, in-store expertise, and Outdoor Rewards points on almost everything (about 2% back) even without the store credit card.
Pick Cabela’s when you want a similar hunting/fishing focus with a slightly different brand mix, often in regions where Cabela’s built large destination stores (museums, wildlife displays, archery ranges).
Pick DICK’S Sporting Goods if you’re focused on team sports, fitness, footwear, and athleisure—and you want price matching, free 1-hour pickup, and a straightforward rewards program that stacks with a store credit card.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Category | Bass Pro Shops | Cabela’s | DICK’S Sporting Goods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core strength | Fishing, hunting, boating | Fishing, hunting, camping | Team sports, fitness, footwear, athleisure |
| Rewards | Outdoor Rewards: ~2% back (1 pt/$1; $0.02/pt) | Outdoor Rewards (same program) | ScoreCard: 1 pt/$1; 300 pts = $10; ScoreRewards CC = 2x at DICK’S brands |
| Price match | Low Price Guarantee (exclusions apply) | Low Price Guarantee | Best Price Guarantee (exclusions apply) |
| Returns (most items) | 60 days (exceptions apply) | 60 days (exceptions apply) | 90 days (exceptions apply; Outlet 30 days) |
| Pickup / delivery | Ship-to-Store, curbside; many in-stock items same-day | Ship-to-Store, curbside | Free 1-Hour Pickup; same-day delivery in many areas |
| Firearms | Full selection | Full selection | Limited; no assault-style rifles |
| In-store experience | Aquariums, dioramas, Tracker/boat centers | Large destination stores with exhibits | Broad sporting assortment; House of Sport/Golf Galaxy formats |
Selection & Who Each retailer serves
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s emphasize fishing, hunting, camping, and boating—with big in-store expertise and destination-style layouts. Bass Pro’s press kit highlights ~200 locations and immersive features like giant aquariums.
- DICK’S Sporting Goods covers hardlines (team sports gear, fitness), apparel, and footwear—think cleats, running shoes, training tech, and fan gear. It’s the easiest all-in-one stop for school sports and fitness routines.
Loyalty & financing
- Outdoor Rewards (Bass Pro/Cabela’s): Earn 1 pt/$1; each point is worth $0.02 toward future purchases (~2% back) even without the CLUB credit card.
- DICK’S ScoreCard: Earn 1 pt/$1, 300 pts = $10; ScoreRewards credit card doubles earn to 2x at DICK’S brands. Gold tier adds occasional boosters.
Price match policies
- Bass Pro/Cabela’s Low Price Guarantee: Price match available on qualifying items; certain promos and categories are excluded.
- DICK’S Best Price Guarantee: If you find a lower price, DICK’S matches it (terms/exclusions apply). Handy for big-ticket items like treadmills or bats.
Returns & exchanges
- Bass Pro: 60-day standard return policy (some categories differ).
- Cabela’s: 60-day standard return policy (some categories differ).
- DICK’S: 90-day returns on most items (with exceptions) and a 30-day window at Warehouse Sale stores; category-specific programs (e.g., 90-day golf club play guarantee) exist.
Speed & convenience (pickup / delivery)
- Bass Pro/Cabela’s: Free Ship-to-Store, curbside pickup; in-stock items at your local store can be ready same day when ordered by the cutoff.
- DICK’S: Free 1-Hour Pickup and same-day delivery in many markets—useful for last-minute games or travel.
Firearms & compliance
- Cabela’s provides online firearms purchase guidelines (ship to an FFL or designated store per policy).
- DICK’S removed assault-style rifles and tightened firearms policies in 2018, and many stores have reduced or eliminated gun departments. If firearms are a priority, you’ll typically find a broader selection at Bass Pro/Cabela’s.
Useful Stats (Why this market is huge)
- Outdoor participation (U.S., 2022): ~40M people fished, 14.4M hunted, and 148M watched wildlife (often the same households overlapping categories). That’s $394B in related spending across equipment, travel, and licenses.
Takeaway: Whether you’re outfitting a team, rigging a bass boat, or prepping elk season, the right retailer saves time and money—and puts you in front of the right expertise.
Which Outdoor Retailer Is Right for You? (5 quick scenarios)
-
Youth sports family
Choose DICK’S for uniform kits, cleats, bats, and quick fit help—plus Best Price Guarantee when that bat goes on sale elsewhere. -
New angler or kayak fisherman
Choose Bass Pro or Cabela’s for rod/reel combos, tackle, kayaks, and local fishing intel; stack Outdoor Rewards points on consumables like line and lures. -
Whitetail hunter
Choose Bass Pro/Cabela’s for archery tuning, blinds, optics, and ammunition—plus FFL processes in store. -
Gym, training, and running
Choose DICK’S for footwear walls, gait-friendly fit, apparel, and recovery gear—then use ScoreCard to bank rewards. -
Last-minute pickup
DICK’S has free 1-hour pickup broadly; Bass Pro/Cabela’s offer Ship-to-Store and same-day pickup for many in-stock items.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is Cabela’s the same company as Bass Pro Shops?
Yes. Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s in 2017; the brands still operate stores under both names.
Does DICK’S price-match Bass Pro or Cabela’s?
DICK’S Best Price Guarantee matches qualifying lower prices from eligible competitors (terms apply).
Do Bass Pro and Cabela’s price-match DICK’S?
Yes—both list a Low Price Guarantee with exclusions.
Who has the better return window?
DICK’S lists 90 days for most items; Bass Pro and Cabela’s list 60 days (category exceptions apply at all three).
How many stores are there?
DICK’S reports 723 DICK’S-brand locations as of Feb. 1, 2025. Bass Pro’s press kit notes ~200 Bass Pro stores and Tracker Marine Centers (Cabela’s stores operate alongside).
How to Shop Smart (3 Steps)
-
Start with your activity.
If your list is cleats, treadmills, and fan gear, go DICK’S. If it’s lures, optics, and camo, start at Bass Pro/Cabela’s. -
Stack the right perks.
Enroll in ScoreCard (DICK’S) or Outdoor Rewards (Bass Pro/Cabela’s) before you buy; both are free and can be combined with each retailer’s price-match policy. -
Choose fulfillment that fits your timeline.
If you need gear today, DICK’S free 1-hour pickup is hard to beat; Bass Pro/Cabela’s offer same-day pickup for many in-stock items and fast Ship-to-Store.
Conclusion: Make the store fit the trip
- Bass Pro/Cabela’s win for fishing, hunting, and boating depth, destination stores, and everyday 2% rewards on most purchases.
- DICK’S Sporting Goods wins for sports/fitness selection, fast pickup, and simple rewards.
Next step: Build your list, check each store’s price-match page, enroll in the free loyalty program, and choose 1-hour pickup (DICK’S) or Ship-to-Store (Bass Pro/Cabela’s) to avoid shipping delays.
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