Hardcore Outfitters stocked for archery, fishing needs
Business Spotlight
IRON MOUNTAIN — Those entering Hardcore Outfitters might be surprised by the amount of merchandise in stock, as the building does not look that large from the outside.
The store at 1616 N. Stephenson Ave. on Iron Mountain’s north side has been in business for the past 10 years, ready to assist with any bowhunting or fishing needs.
Since the first of the year, when longtime owners Mike and Connie Pelletier decided to retire, Hardcore Outfitters has been owned by Jeremy and Nicole Mortl. The day-to-day operations are handled by manager Philip Galeazzi, who previously worked at BOSS Snowplow for 12 years. Galeazzi is assisted by two part-time employees.
Although Hardcore Outfitters does not carry firearms or ammunition, they have just about anything a bowhunter could possibly need or imagine to make for a successful hunting trip.
In addition to compound bows by Mathews, Hoyt and Bear, Hardcore Outfitters offers a full line of crossbows from Raven, Center Point and Mathews. All are top names in the industry.
They have a technician for bow repairs and customizations as well.
Their popular Techno Hunt allows hunters to practice shooting skills by shooting their bows at a video screen simulator with special tips. Hardcore Outfitters hosts league nights on the simulators, with groups of three to six people competing.
Hardcore Outfitters has Orion hunting blinds, and deer feeders. In the past week the store has begun selling deer feed — 50-pound bags of corn, apples, sugar beets and Mighty Deer Lick blocks — that are available in the front of the building 24 hours a day, with customers able to pay at a self-service drop box.
On Nov. 18, Hardcore Outfitters will host a Big Buck Night, with food and beverages.
“So guys and girls are going to bring in their harvest and … they can weigh their deer and tell their story,” Galeazzi said. “(The television show) ‘Discovering’ is going to be here, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is going to be here to age deer. We are going to give away some prizes for the biggest deer and stuff like that and just have a good time.”
Hardcore Outfitters also carries equipment and supplies for fly fishing and open water fishing.
Hardcore Outfitters will be gearing up soon for the upcoming ice fishing season, with portable ice shanties, augers, fish locators, rods, bait and clothing.
The store has a full line of men’s and women’s clothing, including Stormy Kromer hats, jackets, flannel shirts and vests. Children’s clothing for now is not available but they hope to add it in the future.
In late July, Hardcore Outfitters began selling utility sheds of all shapes and sizes. “That is going ridiculously well,” Galeazzi said. “We’ve sold a crazy amount of sheds so far this year.”
The sheds are built by Old Hickory Buildings and Sheds. If customers doesn’t like what they see on the lot, they can design their own on the Old Hickory website.
Future plans for Hardcore Outfitter?
“We are hoping to expand every year, a bit of everything. Potentially down the road, we would like to see firearms but not anytime soon,” Galeazzi said. “We just want to make sure that we have a grip on everything that we have first. We want to expand women’s clothing and we want to get into youth clothing. … We would also like to expand the ice fishing products.”
The store’s website is not currently up and running, but once back up, they plan to operate an online store.
Hardcore Outfitters is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Hardcore Outfitters is closed on Sundays. They can be reached at 906-828-1034.