“Deep in the heart of Northern Wisconsin, where the rugged landscape meets the thrill of the great outdoors, a centuries-old tradition is about to take a bold step forward. For generations, bear hunting guides have called this region home, sharing their expertise with hunters from far and wide. But as the industry continues to evolve, a unique partnership is emerging to help these local outfitters stay ahead of the curve. In this article, we delve into the exciting news that Bear Hunting Guides are turning to SCORE, a non-profit organization dedicated to small business development, to help expand their operations and ensure the long-term success of Northern Wisconsin’s thriving outdoor tourism industry. Get ready to venture into the wilderness and discover the innovative strategies that will take bear hunting guides to new heights.”
The Unlikely Entrepreneurs
A Chance Encounter
Robert and Heidi Haas, the owners of Northern Wisconsin Outfitters, embarked on an unexpected entrepreneurial journey. Their business venture began with a chance encounter in 2004, where Robert met Heidi, and he started making antler lamps and chandeliers. As Robert shared, “When I married Heidi in 2005, I moved to Washburn (where she lived) and didn’t know what I was going to do. I started making antler lamps and chandeliers and people starting coming and buying them. I was also doing trade shows and at one of those shows I learned about bear hunting.”
At a trade show, Robert met the owner of Northern Wisconsin Outfitters, who asked if he had interest in learning how to be a bear guide. Robert became a guide for the company but didn’t think it was something he would continue doing in the future. However, a call from the owner of Northern Wisconsin Outfitters changed that. The owner offered to sell Robert the business, and he partnered with his friend, Joe Marx, to take over the venture.
Robert and Joe formed an LLC, acquired equipment, and expanded the business. Joe handled the financial aspects, while Robert focused on guiding. However, their partnership was cut short when Joe died in a tragic accident on July 8, 2016. The business reverted to Robert, who faced the challenges of running a business with limited experience.
Robert assumed the responsibilities of guiding and finance, while also dealing with the emotional impact of his friend’s death. He shared, “I didn’t realize the stress that would come with it. All of a sudden, I was alone and didn’t know exactly what to do. Joe’s wife called me and said she was giving me Joe’s part of the business. My thought was, ‘I committed to Joe that I was going to do this and that is what I was going to do.’”
The Unexpected Business Opportunity
After Joe’s passing, Robert was left to navigate the complexities of running a business with a solid reputation. The first few years went well, thanks to word-of-mouth referrals. A plan was in place, and during the 28-day hunting season, groups of hunters could come and hunt bear. An arrangement was made with a local lodge, allowing campers to choose between camping on-site or staying at the lodge.
Robert found a niche in inviting hunters to come up in the summer and go baiting. He shared, “That gives us a chance to know the person. Until you get that hand shake and they get to see you’re doing your part to assure a successful hunt, you don’t get that same level of trust.” Finding bears to bait isn’t a significant issue, as the area is rife with them and they are drawn to natural and sugary foods like maple syrup.
Robert starts baiting months earlier than his competitors, which is crucial for his business. He aims to ensure every hunter gets a bear, and his strategy has been successful. “We keep camp open until the hunters get their bears. About 80% of the hunters get a bear in the first week,” Robert stated.
Niche-Finding and Success
Identifying a Niche
Robert’s approach to bear hunting has been unique and successful. By inviting hunters to come up in the summer and go baiting, he has built trust with his clients. This strategy has allowed him to establish a loyal customer base and maintain a high success rate.
Robert’s early start on baiting has given him a competitive advantage. He starts months earlier than his competitors, which ensures that his baits are well-established and attractive to the bears. This approach has been crucial in maintaining a high success rate, with about 80% of hunters getting a bear in the first week.
The importance of building trust with clients cannot be overstated. Robert’s approach to bear hunting has fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among his clients. By taking the time to get to know his clients and ensuring their success, Robert has built a loyal customer base that continues to grow.
Baiting and Hunting Strategies
Robert’s strategy for baiting is centered around using natural and sugary foods. He uses a combination of maple syrup and other attractants to draw the bears to the bait. This approach has been successful in attracting a high number of bears to the bait, which increases the chances of a successful hunt.
Robert’s early start on baiting has given him a significant advantage. By starting months earlier than his competitors, he has established a strong presence in the area and attracted a high number of bears to the bait. This approach has been crucial in maintaining a high success rate and ensuring that his clients have a successful hunt.
The use of natural and sugary foods has been a key component of Robert’s success. By using a combination of these attractants, he has been able to draw a high number of bears to the bait, which increases the chances of a successful hunt. This approach has been successful in maintaining a high success rate and ensuring that his clients have a successful hunt.
Consistency and Results
Robert’s strategy for bear hunting has been consistent over the years. He has maintained a high success rate, with about 80% of his clients getting a bear in the first week. This consistency has been crucial in building trust with his clients and maintaining a loyal customer base.
The importance of keeping camp open until the hunters get their bears cannot be overstated. This approach has been successful in ensuring that every hunter has a successful hunt and maintaining a high success rate. By keeping camp open, Robert has been able to provide his clients with the support and resources they need to have a successful hunt.
Seeking Guidance and Expansion
Contacting SCORE
As Robert and Heidi Haas plan for the future of Northern Wisconsin Outfitters, they have sought guidance from SCORE NorthEast Wisconsin (NEW). They were assigned to mentors Paul Carron and Dan Pawlitzke, who have provided them with valuable insights and advice.
The main goals of their video session with mentors Paul Carron and Dan Pawlitzke were to formulate a plan to take the business to the next level. They discussed loans, budgets, estimating sales and expenses, developing a marketing plan, and putting together a business plan that will serve as a roadmap going forward.
Robert and Heidi have learned a great deal from their mentors, who have provided them with expert advice and guidance. They have gained valuable insights into the importance of estimating sales and expenses, developing a comprehensive marketing plan, and creating a business plan that will serve as a roadmap for the future.
Loans, Budgets, and Sales
The importance of estimating sales and expenses cannot be overstated. Robert and Heidi have learned that a well-crafted business plan is crucial in ensuring the success of their business. By estimating sales and expenses, they have been able to create a comprehensive business plan that will serve as a roadmap for the future.
The use of loans and financing options has been a key component of Robert and Heidi’s strategy. They have learned that securing funding is crucial in investing in the growth and development of their business. By exploring loan options and developing a comprehensive financial plan, they have been able to secure the funding they need to take their business to the next level.
The importance of budgeting and financial planning cannot be overstated. Robert and Heidi have learned that a well-crafted budget is crucial in ensuring the success of their business. By developing a comprehensive financial plan, they have been able to allocate resources effectively and make informed decisions about the future of their business.
Marketing and Business Plan Development
The importance of developing a comprehensive marketing plan cannot be overstated. Robert and Heidi have learned that a well-crafted marketing plan is crucial in ensuring the success of their business. By developing a comprehensive marketing plan, they have been able to reach new customers and increase sales.
The use of social media and online marketing has been a key component of Robert and Heidi’s strategy. They have learned that social media and online marketing are crucial in reaching new customers and increasing sales. By developing a comprehensive social media and online marketing plan, they have been able to reach a wider audience and increase their online presence.
The importance of creating a business plan that will serve as a roadmap for the future cannot be overstated. Robert and Heidi have learned that a well-crafted business plan is crucial in ensuring the success of their business. By creating a comprehensive business plan, they have been able to set clear goals and objectives and make informed decisions about the future of their business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlights the efforts of bear hunting guides in Northern Wisconsin to expand their operations with the help of SCORE, a non-profit organization providing free business mentoring and education. The guides, facing challenges in the industry, sought SCORE’s guidance to navigate the complex process of growing their businesses. The article underscores the importance of SCORE’s role in supporting small business owners, particularly in rural areas where resources may be limited.
The implications of this story are far-reaching, as it showcases the significance of community-driven initiatives and the need for support systems in place for small business owners. Moreover, the article underscores the importance of preserving the region’s hunting heritage and the economic benefits it brings to local communities. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for bear hunting guides to adapt and innovate, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the partnership between bear hunting guides and SCORE will play a vital role in shaping the future of the industry. With SCORE’s expertise and guidance, these guides will be equipped to tackle the challenges ahead, drive growth, and preserve the region’s hunting traditions. As the saying goes, “a strong guide is not just about navigating the wilderness, but also about building a legacy that will endure for generations to come.” With SCORE’s support, the bear hunting guides of Northern Wisconsin are well on their way to creating a lasting impact on the region’s economy and heritage.
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