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. Caldwell Fire Control Full Length Rest gives varmint hunters the ability to nudge their rifle’s crosshairs up and down using the rest’s fingertip controls. Visit www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/Caldwell. Varmint Necessities Whereas the coyote crowd looks to call-in its quarry, varmint hunters often have to wait out their prey, particularly the groundhog. Groundhog hunters often are required to take long shots across hay or agricultural fields for success. Because of the possibility of a long shot, Ritenour stresses the need to keep a good selection of varmint and target riflescopes on hand, both affordable brands and high-end models. “I sell quite a few of the target and varmint scopes in 6-24 power and 8-32 power,” Ritenour said. “These high-power scope models sell better in the spring and summer when more guys are out groundhog hunting. I sell both high-end and medium-priced models.” One of his best sellers in rifle optics is BSA and Ritenour says most guys are impressed with the quality combined with a low price. BSA offers varmint options in eight of their models, including their Mil Dot, Contender, Platinum Target and Panther lines. Ritenour also stocks Bushnell and Simmons as additional options. Diehard varmint hunters still demand a higher quality and Leupold riflescopes fit that niche quite nicely, selling more than any other brand in Ritenour’s store. Leupold offers varmint options in popular models such as the VX-III, VX-II, VX-L and the specialized Mark 4 models. Ammunition While holding his contest, Ritenour consistently saw hunters leave with ammunition in hand. “They’d drop in and if they didn’t pick up anything else, they always left with a box of ammo,” Ritenour said. As in firearm sales, varmint and predator hunters still hold true to three top calibers — .22-250, .223 and the .204 Ruger. Winchester and Remington definitely outsell all other brands. Remington’s Premier AccuTip grade of ammunition has been a strong competitor and attractive to hunters. Winchester’s Supreme Elite grade using the Ballistic Silvertip bullet caters specifically to varmint and predator hunters with options in the popular calibers, plus the coyote-busting .243. For more affordable rounds, the Winchester Super-X and the Remington Express Rifle lineups offer all the popular calibers with several dollars in savings. Winning Strategy From the start, Ritenour’s policy has been to treat others as he would like to be treated. By stocking up on varmint and Circle No. 212 on Inquiry Card For 2009, Barnes’ Varmint Grenade bullets will include .30-grain .22 Hornet bullets and 26-grain bullets for the .204 Ruger. Varmint Grenade factory loads are available from Black Hills Ammunition. Visit www. barnesbullets.com. At Ritenour’s, electronic game callers like the Johnny Stewart PM-4 Remote Digital Caller are dominating calling sales. Visit www.hunterspec.com. 34 NOVEMBER 2008 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com