Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Predator Must-Haves To become a one-stop destination for predator and varmint hunters, you have to understand their needs. For instance, where predator hunters require predator calls and camouflage, varmint hunters rely more on optics and ammunition for pinpoint precision. After reviewing each season, Ritenour believes predator hunters spend more money. “I believe coyote hunters spend a little more,” Ritenour said. “Many of the varmint hunters already have investments in specialized rifles, but they visit the store to stock up on ammunition. Coyotes are always attracting interest and hunters use more gear during the hunt. I see more sales in camouflage, cover scents and especially game calls when hunters target coyotes.” Ritenour is constantly tweaking inventory and game calls top the list of items that lure predator hunters into his store. His two top sellers are calls by Dennis Kirk and Johnny Stewart, both offered by Hunter’s Specialties. The rush of digital callers on the market, including Preymaster models by Johnny Stewart, have been taking over sales. Ritenour still sees some sales in electronic cassette callers, and says hunters seem to prefer a mix of electronic and digital. Ritenour also strongly recommends not overlooking the demand for handheld calls, including the ever-popular cottontail- and jackrabbit-in-distress call. Hunter’s Specialties PC-1 and PC-7 provide versatility in mimicking these squalls. Ritenour says predator hunters are more attentive to updates in firearms. His sales reflect the national trend for the three most popular calibers: .22-250, .223 and the .204 Ruger. “The Remington 700 VLS has been a good mover in these calibers, but I’ve also seen solid sales with the Ruger M77 Hawkeye,” Ritenour said. “As the price of ammunition increases, there’s also been a surge in the smaller calibers, such as the .17 HMR and the traditional .22 Magnum. People have been purchasing these calibers in rifles built by Marlin, including the Model 917.” Coyote hunters especially embrace the concept of camouflage because of the predator’s sharp eyes. Although Ritenour would love to provide an ever-growing selection of camouflage, he finds it hard to compete with the “mart” stores in his area. “The marts beat me into the ground with camouflage sales,” Ritenour said. “It’s hard to compete with their purchasing volume. Even though they have firearm sales in their stores, one area I can beat them in is service and packaging. We have an experienced sales team that can put together a rifle package for any hunter’s needs.” Remington’s Model 700 Varmint-Tactical Rifle (VTR) features a triangular contoured 22" barrel with integral muzzle brake. Visit www.remington.com. TM The Bidding Starts Now. Don’t limit your business to just your city or state: GunBroker.com has more than a million and a half potential customers nationwide looking to buy what you’re selling! We can help you get started, get firearms appraised, manage your photos, auctions or sales, and much more! It’s fast and easy. Come see what The World’s Largest Online Auction of Firearms and Accessories™ can do for your business, only at www.GunBroker.com. Circle No. 219 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com NOVEMBER 2008 33