Local Shops Prepare for Deer Hunting Season

Bob’s Gun Shop in Alpena has prepared hunters for deer hunting season in November for over 60 years. From sighting rifles to supplying ammunition, they do everything necessary to make sure hunters are safe and prepared to get their prize.

Mike Skuse took over for his father Bob in the summer, and business has been good in the last few days.

“We’ve been spoiled because we were into it way back, and so when I got old enough to drive, then me and him started going to Saskatchewan and Alberta, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and Montana deer hunting, so we kind of got into it big time, but it gets us pumped up when the people come in,” he said.

With so many people coming in, it is of the utmost importance to Skuse and his employees to make sure hunters’ guns are working properly and safely.

“When they bring them in to get them sighted, we always ask them, ‘is it way off?’ and they’re like, ‘generally, yes,'” he said. “So we always check the mounts and stuff to make sure they’re tight and we might go down and shoot it, and it might be right on, but if it’s not tight and stuff, it’s not going to group. It’s going to shoot all over the place.”

Over the years, Bob’s gun shop has seen an increase of young hunters and female hunters.

“Probably just how they’re brought up;” said Skuse. “They have the right mom and dad, ones that are into hunting, especially if you live up here, you’re either hunting or fishing.”

For Skuse and his crew, being the people who get to send hunters off for the season is a feeling that never gets old, even after so many years.

“Take a picture with your gun and bring it in, we’ll probably put it in the newspaper, or put an ad out or something with it on,” he said.

Hunting season begins on Wednesday, November 15th, and Bob’s Gun Shop is there to get you ready for what you need.