Training for Hunting and Sport Shooting Equipment
Retailers of hunting supplies need to make safety a priority through equipment education
Responsible handling of guns and other hunting equipment is imperative for retailers and their customers. Hunting equipment in the hands of people who do not know what they doing turns these valuable tools into dangerous weapons. Safety surrounding such items keeps people unharmed and the industry in positive light.Many customers may think they already know everything about hunting products because they have been around guns for years. Familiarity does not guarantee a safe sportsman. It can lead to carelessness if renewed training is not made a priority. All gunmen, especially new hunters, casual shooters and lackadaisical lifetimers, need refreshers on proper handling and use of equipment. As a retailer, you can make it your responsibility to ensure safety walks out the door with your product.
1. As a hunting store, follow all safety and handling guidelines presented by the manufacturer.
2. Employees should be knowledgeable about hunting merchandise to help educate customers.
3. Information on training for hunting and sport shooting equipment needs to be available so customers know where to go to get further education.
Join industry associations for the most current and thorough information on hunting equipment
Industry associations have the most reliable, available information. They can be a retailer's best friend for new products, trends, research and regulations. Be your customers' best friend by passing on pertinent information you receive from the associations.
Try: In the American Hunters and Shooters Association's resource section, they offer information on gun safety and a map where you can select your local area to get close to home hunting and safety information. Join the National Sporting Goods Association. Aside from a Learning Center, the NSGA has a "Dan, the Answer Man" feature for members. This tool is the specialist you need to get the answers you cannot find anywhere else. State requirements vary, but a hunter education course is mandatory before hunting in the U.S.
Know where to get product specific information for the hunting gear you carry
Stay knowledgeable and your customers will be knowledgeable. Your employees are the first source of information a customer has for the hunting equipment you carry. If employees do not know answers to customer questions, make sure they know where to get the answers. Manufacturers often provide industry training and tips as well as a wealth of training on their specific products.
Try: For archers, Horton Manufacturing is full of valuable information including product manuals and general archery training for the hunt. The National Rifle Association has training for hunting and sport shooting equipment all over the nation. Become familiar with where your local trainings are held and when, so you can share that information with customers.
Complement your store with ideas and hunting products that encourage safety
Hunter orange clothing and safety harnesses will aid in keeping hunters safe in the field. Gun cleaning kits will keep the gun working reliably and safely when firing. As a responsible retailer, you should encourage customers to purchase locking gun cases for gun safety in the home.
Try: Maurice Sporting Goods supplies wholesale hunting equipment and can completely provide your hunter safety clothing, cases and cleaning equipment needs. They have six warehouses throughout the nation to allow for quick service. Posting pertinent equipment safety rules like these from The Firearms Safety Society will help remind hunters to be safe.
- Encourage customers to take special care to keep guns and hunting equipment where children can not access them. Guns should be stored unloaded in a locked cabinet with the ammunition stored in a separate place.
Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
