Scoping out profits
Local economy booms with business from hunters
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

While deer hunters are setting their sites on the opening of rifle season this weekend, Burke County business owners are anticipating some big bucks to come their way.

The influx of hunters is expected to bring a boom to local eateries and outdoor supply dealers. Hotels will likely see a boost as well since many of the hunters will travel from out of town.

"We definitely see an increase in business during this time," Burke County Chamber of Commerce executive director Ashley Roberts said. "But also what's as important as the increased business is that having the motels filled up will increase the motel tax we receive. That's beneficial in continuing to promote our community."

Roy Black, of Mobley's Cafeteria, said his Saturday business could as much as double during deer season.

"People have no idea how many people lease or own land in Burke County that don't live here. They come from Florida and North Carolina ... Some people come and stay a week at a time," Black said, adding that he benefits the most in the evenings.

J.J. Jones, who operates Avery's Country Store in Alexander, sees hunters come his way early in the morning before getting in the stand.

He opens at 5 a.m. to serve them breakfast and also carries a few supplies they may need, such as calls, marking tape and chemicals. In the afternoons, he draws them in with boiled peanuts.

He's holding a contest for hunters, who can win prizes for the highest scoring buck, heaviest buck or heaviest doe.

Even before the season opens, hunters begin preparing and investing in their hunting sites, said David Clemens, who owns Burke Seed and Farm Supply. He sells plenty of seed and fertilizer for food plots as well as wildlife feed.

"We sort of get a booster shot when gun season opens," Clemens said.

One item they all need is hunting licenses, and Jake Smith of Salter's Building Supply said they see a large number of hunters come their way for those.

"People come in here to pick up hunting licenses and they pick up all kinds of things," Smith said, listing off an array of hunting supplies ranging from bullets and boots to deer stands and scents. "We've expanded our offerings for hunting and we're planning to expand more."

Many hunters choose to stay in cabins or at campsites they maintain on hunting land and need food and consumables.

That's where Wal-Mart sees some of their increase in business during hunting season, which can jump as much as 10- 15 percent, according to store manager Steve Moss, who is an avid hunter himself.

"It affects us more than people realize. Of course it affects sporting goods, licenses and ammunition," Moss said, adding deer corn to the list nearly under his breath. "But it also affects the food items, meals and snack foods, drinks, even paper goods…your basic consumables deer hunters need while they're camping out."

When they aren't camping out, many hunters patronize Waynesboro's hotels.

Pat Shaw, manager of the Jameson Inn, sees business increase as much as 30 percent during deer season. She said most of her customers come from the Atlanta area or from Florida, but she has accommodated corporations from as far away as Canada entertaining clients on hunting trips in Burke County.