Hunting Season Means Big Bucks

In just a week hunters will be taking to the woods for the first time this fall, but hunting isn't just a sport in this area, it's also a big economic boost.

 "Our store traffic increases towards the end of the year largely due to Christmas and hunting seasons," said Ronald Fuller, the owner of Southern Outdoor Sports in Dothan.

Fuller sees swarms of customers starting early October, with all of them having one thing on their mind--bagging that big buck.

"Since we are a hunting, fishing, and outdoor specialty store, it is a very large part of our business," he said.

According to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the hunting industry will bring in over $67 billion this year nationally.

With October 15 being the first day of bow season in Alabama, outdoor outfitters are stocking up on what hunters will need.

"Safety is first," said Fuller. "We have all you need to comply with safety concerns."

This is music to Tim Ward's ears. As an Alabama game warden, he sees plenty of hunters enjoying the great outdoors at their own great risk.

"The safety harness can be purchased at any local outdoors store here in Dothan, and the hunter's orange gets people in trouble. It's a safety factor," said Ward.

These safety precautions run from as little as five dollars up to hundreds of dollars, but serve two purposes. They protect hunters, and promote local economies.