Hunting benefits economy despite recession
Local businesses are preparing for an increase in sales as rifle season kicks off in Michigan.
But the state of the economy is a large factor in how much some businesses are expecting to profit during this year’s deer hunting season.
Russ Smith, owner of Smith and Sons Meat Processing, 5080 E. Broadway St., said the economy shouldn’t impact his business because there are still guys out spending money.
“Probably in a profit, about 60 percent of (our) profit comes in about one month out of the year because of deer season,” Smith said.
Alice Wheeler, owner of Ultimate Deer Hanger LLC in Remus, said the economy has taken a toll on her business.
“Because of the state of the economy, there is a lot less business than there should be,” she said. “But once the economy turns around, then this area will pick up also.”
Normally, business does pick up during hunting season, she said.
Wheeler said the year has been pretty slow because so many people have been out of work.
“Our hangers sell for $35 and if people need a hanger to hang their deer, they’re going to go to Wal-Mart and buy a $5 one,” she said. “It’s not as good as the ones we sell, but it gets the job done.”
MC Sports, 1416 S. Mission St., is another business that has an increase in revenue during hunting season.
MC Sports employee Scott Miniear said they get a lot more business because the outdoors department has only been there for about a year.
“Business goes pretty smooth during hunting season. It’s real busy and it attracts a lot of people in,” he said.
Miniear said the economy may impact business because licenses cost money and there are people out of jobs.
Wheeler is confident business will increase eventually.
“It’s just a matter of waiting for the economy to turn around,” Wheeler said, “then business will pick up quite a bit.”
