Hunters gear up for rifle deer season
The first day of deer season is a highly anticipated day by new and experienced hunters alike, who look forward to heading into the woods in hopes of bagging that prize animal.
A good deal of preparation ensures a hunter can make it out the door before dawn to secure that prime spot in the game lands, so it’s not unusual for gun and sporting goods shops to see an uptick in business leading up to that opening day.
The day before the season opener can be chaos, said Sam Vitullo, store manager for Belding & Mull guns and ammunition in Philipsburg. With last minute ammunition, supplies and even gun purchases, the store sees a steady stream of orange- and camouflage-clad customers.
Usually by Sunday, most of the guys have their guns and have them sighted in. But you always get that guy who comes in from out-of-town and forgot his gun.
Sam Vitullo
When it comes to the sale of rifles themselves, he said, customers tend to lean toward the cheaper end. Some manufacturers, like Savage Arms, offer a rifle with a synthetic plastic stock and a less expensive scope as a package deal for only a few hundred dollars with a rebate.
“The days of guys spending $800 on a rifle and $300 on a scope are over,” he said.
Kurtis Davidson, of J&E Guns in Bellefonte, echoed the trend of cheaper rifles that still offer a quality purchase.
“Everybody’s going for the best bang for your buck,” he said.
Both said a majority of sales this time of year are in ammunition, as hunters who are practicing tend to use up their shells and are in need for more. Many will continue to come in throughout the first few days needing a box of shells here and there.
Lee Srock, of Ginter, made a visit to Belding & Mull on Sunday for that very reason, as he said his daughter used up all his rounds so he needed to restock.
A longtime hunter, he said he was taking his daughter, Samantha, out to hunt for the first time this year. At 21, she decided she wanted to take up the hobby, so the pair are building a tree stand for two and trying their luck.
Stocking before the big day is important if a store hopes to handle the influx of business, Davidson said. Cases of ammunition flow in and out of the store quickly, he said, and a store will start prepping for those sales by the end of August or early September.
Vitullo said he expected to see business continue to trickle in as the opening day progressed, as sales of items like gloves, hand warmers, tree umbrellas and scope hats are common. Actual gun purchases are common as well, and the store can accommodate background checks on-site.
Even if prepared, hunters will stop in the stores just to browse and socialize before the opening day arrives. Hunter Richards, 10, of Julian, accompanied his parents, Josh and Amanda, to Belding & Mull on Sunday in anticipation of his first deer hunting season.
An experienced squirrel and turkey hunter, Hunter said he was looking forward to an early hunt Monday with his dad. Though school is canceled Monday, he said he’s already planning on going out Tuesday as well.
The pair loaded up with ammunition yesterday, the elder Richards said, so they were just in the store to browse.
Jeremy Hartley: 814-231-4616, @JJHartleyNews
Hunters safety tip
As you head out to bag your first kill for the season, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reminds hunters of some safety requirements before embarking into the woods.
At least 250 square inches of orange must be worn on the head, chest and back combined so that it’s visible from all sides. Be sure to replace old clothing as it may be faded.
Once you plan on where you will be hunting, let someone know where that is, that way, should you get lost, injured or ill, searchers will know where to look for you.
Before taking a shot, know what is between you and your target as well as what lies beyond. Don’t risk taking the shot if you’re not sure.
While handling any firearm, treat it as if it were loaded. Always keep the muzzle in a safe direction. Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Do not use the scope on the rifle to identify your target — use binoculars instead.
And when you bag that deer, don’t forget to fully complete the tag and attach it to the ear of the deer.
This story was originally published November 29, 2015 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Hunters gear up for rifle deer season."