Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast

We're talking about getting kids involved in the outdoors this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

Jason Koch and Dave Gould are teachers at the Clare Middle School who love the outdoors...and they want to pass that passion along to their students.

They've come up with a "4th Grade Deer Camp" to expose kids to hunting and the concept of wildlife stewardship.

The teachers describe their program and how it's been expanded to other districts across Michigan.

They also talk about their partnerships with the Michigan DNR, and especially the folks at Jay's.

Long time Jay's employee Jeania Canel is the guest this month.  She's the manager of the Gun Department at the Clare store, as well as an avid hunter and gun enthusiast.

Jeania discusses the challenges of doing business in the world of covid.  That includes limited supplies of guns and ammo, restrictions on the number of customers and the safety of those customers and staff members.

She says manufacturers had to shut down for several weeks and that's limited the supply of all types of guns, including handguns, rifles and shotguns.

The only exception seems to be muzzleloaders, but those sales are soft because in Michigan, many hunters can now use rifles in the muzzleloading season.

Jeania says that even in these challenging times, the staff and management at Jay's continues to be dedicated to providing the best experience possible for their customers.

The experts at Jay's Sporting Goods are getting ready for bow season, but this year, things are different.

Archery Department Manager and lifelong archer Paul Penix says he's never seen the interest as high as it is this fall.

Paul's passion for the sport is evident as he discusses the possible reasons for the renewed interest in bowhunting.

He also says for the first time in memory, Jay's is actually running low on some inventory...and he explains why all archery shops are seeing the same problem.

Penix describes the new system Jay's has put in place to deal with the rush of customers and why his people are committed to providing the best customer service possible in these challenging times.

Paul also says there are some great bows still on the racks at Jay's, and why customers might want to consider some of the lesser known brands.

We're talking with a long time partner of Jay's Sporting Goods....Kris Duerson of Rapid River Knifeworks.

Kris started the company back in 2002 and Jay's was his first customer.  Since then, Rapid River has become known as a maker of top quality custom knives.

Duerson talks about what goes into a good knife, the different styles available and how to maintain a knife.

He also describes the proper sharpening technique, the importance of choosing the right size and why his knives are guaranteed for life.

This month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast, we're talking with Marketing Director Matt Poet.

Matt is an avid outdoorsman and devoted family man...and he's a third generation Jay's employee.  In fact, it was Matt's grandpa Jay, who started the company.

Matt talks about growing up in the outdoor retail business and the state of the industry today...including the challenges of operating in a pandemic.

He also talks about the connection Jay's customers have to the outdoor lifestyle and why Jay's staff members are perfectly suited to help their customers get the most from those outdoor passions.

It's an interesting look behind the scenes this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

It's summertime, and the folks at Jay's Sporting Goods are ready for warm weather!

Jimmy Olsen of Jay's Camping Department brings us up to speed on the latest kayak and camping gear this month on the podcast.

Jimmy has great advice on what to look for in a kayak and talks about why they've replaced canoes for many outdoor enthusiasts.

He also describes the finer points of grills and camp stoves for your next outdoor adventure.

We're talking fishing this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast with Bryan Darland.

Bryan is the buyer for the fishing department, and an avid angler.

We talk about gearing up for warm weather fishing action, choosing the right equipment, learning new techniques and much more.

Bryan also describes the plan for opening Jay's back up to the public after being closed down for several weeks because of the pandemic.

We're talkin' turkey this month with Jay's President Jeff Poet.

Jeff is a hard core turkey hunter who has completed the "World Grand Slam" by taking every species of turkey in North America.

Jeff has great advice on how to be successful in the turkey woods, including the use of call, decoys and portable blinds.

He also talks about the appeal of turkey hunting and why it's changed the spring season for many hunters.

We're talking wintertime outdoor fun this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

Jay's Manager Tina Droomer talks about snowshoeing as a wonderful option to enjoy the snow covered landscape.

Tina has great advice on choosing the right snowshoes and how to use them.

She also tells us about the new Poet Family Outdoor Education Center and previews some upcoming projects the staff at Jay's will be involved in.

We're talking trade shows this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.

First, Paul Penix of the archery department at the Clare store talks about the Archery Trade Association show in Indianapolis.

Then, Adele Horrigan from the Gaylord store gun department has a report from the big SHOT (shooting, hunting and outdoor trade) show in Las Vegas.

Those trade shows are where manufacturers show their wares and unveil new products for the upcoming seasons.

Paul and Adele explain how they work those shows and help decide what products will be on the shelves for customers.

It's an interesting look behind the scenes this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.