To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Lisa Parsons-Wraith Elk Hunting Trend Creates Sales Niche R ecent research shows more wom- to a woman is finding one she can shoot pull,” said Travis Mann, Western U.S. disen are attracted to elk hunting than comfortably, but that still has enough trict manager for Sportsman’s Warehouse. most other kinds of hunting, ac- power to do the job. Mann said when it was time for his cording to the Rocky Mounwife to get outfitted for tain Elk Foundation. elk hunting, she decided This trend is a sales opon a Remington Model portunity waiting to happen 700 in 7mm-08. for firearms dealers. Only deer “I’m a big fan of the hunting has a greater percent7mm-08,” Mann said. age of female participation. The venerable RemingHow can dealers tap into ton Model 700 is a great this up-and-coming market? starting point for any disFirst, get the word out that cussion on elk rifles beyou are the ladies’ elk hunting cause it comes in a wide headquarters in your area. If range of sizes, calibers you advertise regularly, menand finishes. tion that you carry lightweight, Mann said most of the compact rifles in calibers suitmajor manufacturers, such able for harvesting elk. If you as Ruger, Savage Arms have access to classroom faand Browning, now have cilities, offer an elk-hunting lightweight, compact verclinic. Women like to go out More women are attracted to elk hunting than most other kinds of hunting sions of their rifles that are into the field informed, and are — a trend dealers can profit from. suitable for women. very open to learning hunting “It’s important it is a light“The most important part of helping a weight rifle a woman can carry,” Mann said. techniques in a classroom setting. woman buy a gun is her size and stature — When it comes to assisting women in Right Gun For The Job and making sure the gun fits. Go for guns choosing a caliber, Mann advises looking The key element in selling an elk gun with a lighter contour and a shorter length of at shorter action calibers from .260 on up. Customize For Comfort T o have a good experience elk hunting, women need a rifle they are comfortable shooting. If that means customizing the gun, porting it to assist with recoil or using add-on butt pads to make shooting more comfortable, then women should make the investment. “A quality butt pad is a great add-on sale,” Mann said. He recommends butt pads from Sims, Pachmayr and Kick Eez. Mann also suggests dealers encourage women to purchase a lightweight sling to make toting a rifle in the field easier. Any woman walking into your store to purchase a firearm probably has some ideas about what she wants and why. As you talk to her, you’ll get an idea of what she’s looking for and, using your expertise, you can steer her in the right direction. Give your customer the chance to shoulder as many rifles as possible, and ask her to imagine carrying that gun for hours on end. She’ll have to make a tough choice between felt recoil and the weight of the rifle, but, with all the customizing and recoiltaming options you’ve laid out for her, you can assist with an informed decision. When you’re making a rifle sale, keep in mind women tend to be very brand loyal. If you’re selling a Remington rifle, let your customer know you also carry Remington rifle cases. If you’re selling a Browning firearm, mention the Browning For Her clothing line. A branded hat or a T-shirt also makes a great add-on sale. It’s that little extra sale on an item with a high profit margin that can really boost your yearly total. The Remington Model 700 is a great starting point for any discussion on elk rifles because it comes in a wide range of sizes, calibers and finishes. 36 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation • SHOT SHOW SUPER ISSUE 2009