April 2021

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 guns and gear from the trunk of his car, the move to their garage, the famous "blue building"...and eventually a new building north of Clare.

It's a fascinating look behind the scenes at Michigan's "Original Outdoor Superstore".

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 describes an event at Jay's designed to give potential saddle hunters the chance to try a system before buying.

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 bowhunters looking to save a few dollars, while still getting top quality gear.

Finally, Austin stresses the importance of not waiting till the last minute to visit the store.  He says traffic has already picked up and it's going to get even busier as the season gets closer.

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 many so called "experts" have it wrong.

He also talks about post season scouting and the importance of prepping a set up.

Eberhart also has details on an upcoming event at Jay's to educate interested hunters about his saddle hunting technique.

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 outdoor industry, what sets Jay's apart from the competition and why customer service is always a top priority.

Poet also talks about the limited supply of some outdoor gear, but he says their inventory is growing every day.

Finally, he looks ahead to the future and the possible addition of more stores in the future.

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.

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 patterning your gun and explains why bowhunting for birds is especially challenging.

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 process of choosing the right product for Jay's customers and he previews some exciting new gear on the market.

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 App to encourage families to get outdoors and complete a series of "missions" including ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing or even making a snowman.

The Winter Outdoor Family Adventure is scheduled for February 19-21 and you can sign up here.

It's a great way to capitalize on the renewed interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic, maintain social distancing....and have great wintertime fun in the outdoors!

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 sources for the late season and choosing the right gear for cold weather hunting.

Then the conversation turns to post season scouting and the best way to use trail cameras.

Finally, Tim describes what he means by the statement "Deer do deer things".

It's an interesting conversation with a very interesting guy, this month on the Jay's Sporting Goods Podcast.