Posted at: 11/06/2009 7:13 PM
By: Lorilyn Prestidge

Business Booms on Eve of Opener

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Nearly a half of a million Minnesotans are expected to hit forests and the fields this weekend as Saturday marks the official beginning of the firearm part of the deer hunting season.

And that's making local businesses boom.

The rush is on; hunters are buying slugs, checking out guns, getting licenses, and more.

"Were actually picking up a new scopem," said hunter Jeremiah Vanriper.

Jeremiah Vanriper is one of hundreds of thousands preparing for the deer opener.

"You name it, it's the last minute mayhem," said owner of Hart Brothers Weaponary, Milan Hart.

Hunting shops were slammed Friday.

"A lot of questions about the hunting laws and about slugs," said Hart.

Milan Hart of Hart Brothers gun shop in Albert Lea says the on-going slug ammunition shortage has hunters looking for substitutes.

And he says, there have been lots of questions about this year's rules.

"They really need to read the book, the Minnesota DNR sent out all the info is in there if you want to avoid getting a ticket, you need to sit down and read that book because there have been a lot of changes," said Hart.

Hart says so much has changed that some people are not hunting this year.

Sales for deer licenses at hart's are down forty percent, but sales on all other items have been very high.

And as those who are hunting gear up, there are new safety warnings.

Hunting in cornfields can be dangerous because it's hard to see your fellow hunters being just four rows in and it can be hard to see someone.

"Be safe, don't shoot at something unless you know what it is one hundred percent," said Hart.

And as they make their final preps, hunters like Vanriper are hoping for good weather and good hunting.

The DNR is also reminding hunters to remember trespass laws and to leave firewood at home this weekend.