THUNDER BAY – Firearm and ammunition sales are up at Thunder Bay’s D&R Sporting Goods, but owner Adrian Hagar says the increase isn’t because people are fearing for their safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, says Hagar, the bump in sales comes down to concerns over supply chains heavily dependent on American suppliers. American gun retailers have seen a surge in ammunition sales in recent weeks, one Canadian hunters and target shooters worry could impact consumers in coming months. Most ammunition sold in Canada is produced south of the border.
“With the firearms and ammo industry driven by the U.S., when there’s a shortage down [there], there’s a ripple effect up the road,” explained Hagar.
Hagar says the current situation isn’t unprecedented. At times of crisis, it isn’t uncommon to face a backlog of supply.
“At times when the U.S. mentions war, [or after] 9/11, sometimes there’s up to a year backlog getting what you actually want – and a lot of avid hunters have their favourite bullet or load picked out,” Hagar said. “A lot of guys have been through this before, and just want to make sure they have ample stuff for either recreational shooting or hunting.”
D&R has already sold about half of a large order they received last week, Hagar said, and he's now working with suppliers to order additional stock.
“We’ve kind of sold through our summer sporting ammo supply, we’re dipping into the fall supply,” he added. “Suppliers have been calling us all week, getting us topped up, so we have some filler orders coming.”
Firearms and ammunition aren’t the only items the store has been selling more of. Hagar said fishing licenses and equipment, food preserving supplies, and other items have been more popular recently as well. He said activities like hunting and fishing that can be undertaken alone or with family, and promote self-sufficiency, are appealing to many at this uncertain time.
“With an extended three-week March break and people being encouraged to get away from crowds, people are renewing hunting and fishing licenses early, packing their family up, getting out on the lake, trying to get away from the crowds.”
