Pocono News Section

Economy Hits Hunting Business

Economy Hits Hunting Business - Friday, November 14, 2008 at 4:51PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 @ 04:51pm EST

HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -- A hunter at Nimrod Haven told us he recently sold many of his rifles to make some cash to get through this tough economy. He held on to several handguns and traded one in Friday morning, so he could get a rifle and hunt this season. The store owner says that's becoming more common.

"They might trade their shotgun after small game season so they can buy a rifle," said Joe Lasecki. "Then they'll trade off their rifle in the spring so they can buy a handgun. And the vicious circle goes round and round."

Vicious, because stores aren't making as much money. Lasecki said hunters are usually buying more supplies by this time of year, but he expects a mad rush to hit soon.

"They want to see where the economy's going," he said. "They're thinking, 'Do we have enough money to buy a gun? How much do we have to spend to buy a gun? Do we have to buy a cheaper gun?'"

The answer to that last question for many, is yes.

"I've noticed a lot less expensive firearms have been leaving the store," said Lasecki.

He says most ammunition prices have doubled, so hunters are getting hit from several directions. But he says he understands if hunters need to spend less dough to try to get a buck.

"You take what you can get," he said.