Ranking 5th in the nation, Maine’s outdoor industry generates 3.3% of the state’s economy. With numbers like that, Senator Angus King has a sharp eye on policies like those in the Great American Outdoors Act and the Build Back Better Act, which is currently going under debate in Congress. In today’s episode, OIA government affairs director Rich Har…

This is the second in our series about international trade and trade policy. In this episode, our director of government affairs Rich Harper and three members of our Trade Advisory Council, discuss the recent precipitous rise in shipping costs, which, on top of punitive tariffs, trade wars and the global pandemic, have made it difficult for our mem…

It's a special edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast as we celebrate their 50th anniversary. This is the story of Jay Poet. A man who loved the outdoors and turned that passion into a thriving business. Jay's wife Arlene, and sons Jeff and JJ talk about the challenges, and rewards, of their journey. They describe how Jay started by selling gu…

Saddle hunting is one of the hottest topics in the outdoors today...and it's the subject this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast as we talk with Alex Chopp of Latitude Outdoors. Alex explains the basic of saddle hunting and how to get started. He talks about the advantages including mobility, increased visibility and safety. Chopp also descr…

It's time to get ready for bow season, and that's exactly what we're doing this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast. Sam Austin is an expert bowhunter who works in Jay's archery department in Clare. He has great advice on choosing a new compound or crossbow, setting that bow up and getting dialed in for the season. Sam also has tips for bowhun…

Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2nd) speaks with OIA’s Director of Policy, Rich Harper, to discuss his recently introduced Civilian Climate Corps proposal, which has been included in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. Neguse also talks about his Parks, Jobs and Equity Act, which would invest millions of dollars into urban parks, creating thousands of…

Hear from OIA's Director of Policy, Rich Harper, and members of the OIA Trade Advisory Council (OIATAC) as they discuss the council's important policy role. In this conversation, Rich is joined by Sara Bowersox, Sr. Manager, Global Trade Compliance, KEEN Footwear; Ben Christensen, Vice President, Operations, Simms Fishing Products; and Jeff Tooze, …

We're talking with a Michigan whitetail hunting icon this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. John Eberhart, the man who pioneered saddle hunting and hunting pressured whitetail tactics, talks about his relationship with Jay's, including a story about being hired by Jay Poet. John describes the evolution of saddle hunting and why he believes …

Michigan's original family owned outdoor superstore is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year...and that's the topic this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. We're talking with Marketing Director Matt Poet about the history of Jay's and what they have planned for the milestone event. Matt also describes how covid has affected the outdoo…

We're talkin turkey this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast with Jeff Poet. Jeff talks about what it takes to be a successful turkey hunter, and how he took the "World Slam" of birds. Jeff also reminisces about the early days of Jay's and why he's proud to celebrate their 50th anniversary.By Mike Avery

We're talkin turkey this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast with Kenny Slavens, manager of the hunting department at Jay's in Gaylord. Kenny is an avid turkey hunter, with many years of experience in chasing longbeards. He has great advice on choosing the right calls, decoys, blinds and shotguns. Slavens also discusses the importance of patt…

We're talking with long time Jay's employee and avid big game hunter Bill Hahn. The hunting department buyer recently returned from an adventure in Texas where he was able to take a beautiful aoudad. Bill talks about that hunt, as well as the challenge of getting gear and equipment into their stores during the pandemic. Hahn also discusses the proc…

Getting families outdoors in the wintertime...that's the topic this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast. Jay's Project Manager Tina Colosky says it's hard to have in-person activities because of Covid, but they've come up with an innovative idea using technology. Tina, along with MSU 4H Program Coordinator Alex Schunk, are using the GooseChase…

In the second episode of our new series that’s all about climate action, Amy Horton, OIA senior director of sustainable business innovation, and Greg Gausewitz, product sustainability manager for REI, chat about the recent release of REI’s updated Impact Standards and how the retailer hopes the new sustainability and DEI standards will drive meanin…

We're talking with Tim Roller of Whitetail Journey this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Tim has worked with Jay's for many years in his roles as a fishing guide, video producer and hard core whitetail hunter. Tim and host Mike Avery talk about a variety of topics, including the finer points of late season hunting, the importance of food …

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 wild…

In the first episode of our new series that's all about climate action, Amy Horton, OIA senior director of sustainable business innovation, and Deborah Williams, OIA director of marketing, communications and storytelling, discuss the most impactful strategies for reducing and reversing global warming by the year 2050 and how the OIA Climate Policy …

The 2020 election will be one of the most consequential contests for the outdoor recreation economy. Following enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act, our top priorities are all on the ballot – from tackling climate change and preserving our public lands and waters to expanding access to the outdoors for all Americans to new investments in gr…

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 t…

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 als…

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…

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.…

Can companies in the outdoor industry afford to lean into climate action in the midst and immediate aftermath of a pandemic? That's the question being discussed around the campfire today. Jessie Curry, OIA's Sustainable Business Manager; Jenn Swain, Global Senior Sustainability Manager at Burton; JJ Trout, Chief of Staff at People for Bikes; Chris …

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 descr…

Four specialty retail shop owners across the country and an expert in consumer trends and retail strategy gather around the fire to discuss the immediate aftermath of the COVID “shutdown,” the steps they’re taking to reopen or reposition their businesses, the safety precautions they’re using and how they’re recouping their losses. From day-to-day o…

Outdoor industry businesses and employees have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 situation for months now, trying to stay safe while keeping themselves afloat. But as we begin to realize that COVID-19 will be part of our lives for some time, how do individuals and businesses in the outdoor industry move from treading water to being ag…

Leaders of four outdoor industry advocacy organizations — each representing different but overlapping stakeholder groups — gather around the “fire” for an intimate and candid conversation about the public land conservation and access issues that matter to outdoor users and the outdoor economy. Where do the organizations’ policy priorities intersect…

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 publi…

Amid COVID-19, states across the country implemented stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders, all with different closure rules and requirements for local, county, state and national public lands, parks and trails. Now, as the country begins to contemplate reopening those outdoor assets, there are many questions and considerations about how to do i…

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 tur…

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 preview…

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. Th…

It's a predator hunting seminar this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast as Dave Legmkuhle of DL Calls joins the conversation. Dave is an expert predator hunter who makes high quality mouth calls. Dave demonstrates his calls and how to use them, then has great advice on where to find coyotes, how to set up on them and what gear to use. He als…

We're getting ready for wintertime fishing on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods with fishing buyer Bryan Darland. Bryan talks about the early ice fishing season and why it can be so productive for hard water anglers. He also discusses some of the new ice fishing gear, including electric augers and flotation garments that could save your life…

We're talking venison processing with Mike Horswill on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Mike is an avid hunter who has become an expert when it comes to butchering and processing whitetails. He has great advice on field prep, aging and quartering deer. Horswill also talks about the different cuts of meat, as well as the best way to…

We're talking archery and bowhunting on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Archery department manager, and lifelong archer, Paul Penix talks about his love for the sport and his career in the industry. Paul discusses the effectiveness of archery tackle for a quick, humane kills well as his thoughts on today's high tech equipment and …

This month, a whitetail hunting icon on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast....Barry Wensel. Barry has been chasing mature bucks with traditional gear for more than fifty years. He has great advice on targeting trophy bucks and says hunting them is different than other deer. Wensel talks about patterning big bucks and has tips on where to find them.…

We're talking food plots on this edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast with Nick Percy of Killer Food Plots. Many Michigan deer hunters are turning to food plots as an alternative to bait and Nick is extremely busy helping those hunters. In the podcast Nick describes what's needed for a good plot, how to get started and what to expect. He als…

In this short episode, we look back on the highlights of Day 2 at OR and preview a few of the can’t miss events on Day 3 at Summer Market. You can view Thursday's full OIA events and education agenda here: outdoorindustry.org/event/oia-outdoor-retailer/ To learn more about the work OIA does year round on behalf of its member companies, click here: …

In this short episode, we look back on the highlights of Day 1 at OR and preview a few of the can’t miss events on Day 2 at Summer Market. You can view Wednesday's full OIA events and education agenda here: outdoorindustry.org/event/oia-outdoor-retailer/ To learn more about the work OIA does year round on behalf of its member companies, click here:…

Longe range shooting is the topic this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast as we talk with Jason Couturier of Jay's Gaylord store. Jason is an expert shooter who spent 18 years in the military learning the basics of the sport. These days he trains with an elite group of shooters who routinely shoot at distances of more than a thousand yards. …

This month, a very special edition of the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast, as we talk with Arlene Yost. Arlene was married to Jay's founder, Jay Poet. She tells the story of how the business started in the family garage, and became the biggest, family owned outdoor retailer in Michigan. Arlene talks about the vision Jay had for the business, and how h…

You’ve got sustainability questions; we’ve got answers. Wherever you are on your journey to sustainability, we’re here to help. In 2019, we are helping OIA companies to Walk the Walk by hosting a series of sustainability boot camps. They are designed to help small to mid-sized brands that have limited to no dedicated sustainability staff or experti…

We're getting ready for camping season this time on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Jimmy Jenks from Jay's camping department in the Clare store joins host Mike Avery to talk about the latest gear and equipment. The conversation includes tents, sleeping bags, cook stoves, grill kayaks and more. Jimmy says one key to buying the right gear is to kn…

Chad Stearns joins us this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast. Chad is an avid outdoorsman who has is also Jay's Vice President of Operations. He talks about his passion for adventure and how working at Jay's helps him prepare for those trips, including an upcoming Alaskan brown bear hunt. The conversation then turns to recent renovations at…

Last week, in an overwhelming display of bipartisan support, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Natural Resources Management Act. This comes after it successfully passed through the Senate earlier in February, which means it now goes to the president for his signature. This is an enormous win for the outdoor industry, as the package inc…

We're talking wintertime fishing on this edition of the Jay's Podcast. Travis Bohy, manger of the Fishing Department in the Clare Store and avid angler, joins host Mike Avery to talk about ice fishing, the latest gear and some open water action as well. Travis says ice fishermen are doing well on panfish in some inland lakes and walleye on Saginaw …

We're talking predator hunting this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods podcast with Matt Todd of Red Line Pursuit TV. Matt is a veteran predator hunter and has lots of great advice on where to find coyotes and how to hunt them. He talks about set up, calling, firearm choices....and hunting after dark. Beginning coyote hunters, and those with lots of…

In the past two weeks, America has experienced what can only be described as whiplash as Congressional leadership, the Senate, House and President Trump bicker over funding priorities and principles. The President has flip-flopped on his insistence for border wall funding and his threats of government shutdown. On December 13, the day we recorded p…

Jay's Fishing Department Manager Joe Cook gets us ready for ice fishing season this month on the podcast. Joe is an expert angler with many years of experience on the ice and he says this season should be a good one. Cook has great advice on shanties, augers, electronics and more. He also has tips on how to catch more fish through the ice.…