Blog Reflection

Although I was confused at first on how a blog actually worked and was unsure what to talk about, it got a lot easier as I began to feel more comfortable with my topics and the functions of my blog. I have learned a substantial amount of new information about sports news and especially about new technologies and tactics that are being used by hunters. Having a blog has really opened up my entrepreneurial mind and has made me realize that anything is possible. New technology has taken over the hunting industry which is very exciting. There is a lot of room for improvements and a lot of room for innovation in the hunting industry. Every topic talked about in class discussions seem to have their place in every industry. Although I thought that some topics may not be reflected as well in the hunting industry, I was wrong. Sponsorship is a huge part of the hunting industry and often funds the shows are shown on television. After reading Crush It!, I realize what they mean when they say do something that you're passionate about. All of the people and marketers that post on these blogs have a passion for the outdoors and a passion for success in their own brand's. My goal of getting into the hunting industry seems to becoming more realistic and I have taken away a great deal of information from this project. Thanks Professor Rumery! Keep in touch.

http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#overview-page

Hunter's Specialties Takes The Next Step

Hunter's Specialties introduced a new truly innovative product that will make filming hunts easier than ever for people who don't have a cameraman. This product makes it easy for the average hunter to film their own hunt. There is no longer a need to bring another person out to the stand film your hunt. Although the video quality is not as good as professional hunting cameras, I can only imagine where the future lies in this product. Hunter's Specialties decided to not only sponsor and put their name on this product called the i-Kam Xtreme. I believe that this product is going to revolutionize the way hunters are able to video their hunts. The future for this product is endless and I am excited to see where Hunter's Specialties takes this brand.

http://www.bowhunting.com/blog/post/NEW-i-Kam-Xtreme-Eyewear-No-Cameraman-Needed!.aspx

New Archery Products Offer Rebates in 2010

New Archery Products (NAP) decided to offer special rebates on several of their products this year. NAP used to be among the leaders in the industry for their archery equipment, but as more competition enters the market they need to act to make their brand stand out. Although the article says that they are doing this to help out consumers in these hard times, I personally believe that they are offering rebates to differentiate themselves from the new explosive brands entering the market. As far as I know there are no other broadhead and arrow rest brands out there that offer any rebates, so this is a chance for NAP to offer their current customers great deals, while interesting new customers because of the rebate offer. As competition in the archery industry continues to erupt I think that NAP is making a very good marketing decision and they are doing a good job of getting the news out to the public.

http://www.bowhunting.com/blog/post/NAP-Offers-Rebates-in-2010!.aspx

Lone Wolf's Brand

Lone Wolf has been a leader in the tree-stand industry over the last ten years or so. They are known for their quality products and are able to charge their customers a premium because they know they are getting on of the best tree-stands on the market. Even with the downturn in the economy Lone Wolf has been able to maintain their prices. They currently sponsor several inspiring hunting shows that show the benefits of using their stands. Although some people may think that sponsorships are not as important in the hunting industry as they are in others, this simply isn't true. Hunters are constantly watching and taking in information that is aired on the Outdoor Channel which is the home of nearly every hunting show. The sponsorships that each television show have really affect the hunter's view on the products and can potentially affect their purchase decisions. People are constantly talking in other sports about what the pros use and this is the same for the hunting industry. That is why Lone Wolf has remained a dominant brand in the tree-stand industry.

http://www.huntonly.com/hunting_gear_reviews/gear_review_lone_wolf_sitnclim.html#more

Revolutionary Treestands

I just read an article about a new Ambush Hunting Product. They have created a treestand design that is revolutionizing the idea of a treestand. Unlike a climbing treestand, you can keep the base of the stand in the tree. Every hunter hunting out of your tree no longer has to use a stand that may not fit them. Ambush has several different opportunities for hunters to customize the size of the platform and seat and more. I personally have never heard of this brand, but this idea could change the way fixed stands are viewed and used. Their marketing department needs to really get this product out there and into the huge hunting industry. This idea is great and create comfort for all members of their hunting party.

http://www.bowhunting.com/blog/?tag=/Ambush+Hunting+Products

New York Jets Auction off PSL's

The Jets have decided to auction off their PSL's (Personal Seat Licenses) recently. Although some people don't understand the whole concept, from my understanding the consumer is buying the right to buy tickets in these seats. Although this may seem weird, it makes perfect sense. Although there may be some people next to you that paid 10,000 dollars less than you for their seats, it makes consumers pay their reservation prices for the seats. That is the highest price that they are willing to pay. There have been many articles posted about this subject and I think it is brilliant of teh New York Jets. Just another great way for a team to maximize profits. Marketers have worked very hard along with the Jets to get the news out that an auction was going to be held to purchase PSL's and they were very successful. The day after the first article was posted we talked about it in my sports economics class.

http://www.nflauction.nfl.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/User?id=nyjNFL&wl=65664914&type=A

Redwing's Continue to Win

The Detroit Redwings have been playing boldly as they approach the end of the season. Every win is necessary and needed for the Redwings to make the playoffs this year. Along with their desperation comes aggression. At the end of the game against the Pens yesterday Sidney Crosby went after star forward Henrik Zetterberg. People were reminded of the "old time hockey" when goalie Jimmy Howard stepped in and gave Sidney Crosby a nice face wash. I believe that because fans are already feeling like every game is a needed win, the excitement at the Joe has been outstanding. I attended the game on Monday and the arena was as loud as I have ever heard it. The fans are all excited and on edge and even the players are noticing it and building off of the support. With more fans attending games comes more opportunities for marketers. Detroit has the "star" power with Datsyuk and Zetterberg on the ice. What's needed in Detroit is to bring back the hockeytown community. With all the playoff excitement brewing fans are coming together and bringing the hockey community together.

http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=522429

USA defeats Canada

Although some people thought that Canada was going to blow out the United States hockey team in their third game of the olympics, this was not the story. The young roster of team USA proved to out skate, out play, and out hustle the Canadiens. The Canadien team seemed to be too cocky for their own good. The came out with confidence, but team USA quickly showed team Canada that they were not going to put up a fight. With the avergae age of team USA being 26, the elder, Brian Rafalski, contributed 2 goals and 1 assist to USA victory over Canada 5-3. It seemed as though the younger players fed off of the outstanding play of Brian Rafalski. Of all the star players being talked about in the pregame show, Rafalski seemed to slip under the radar. But his play and effort in the game shocked many. It was great to see a young team USA defeat a team with so much star power like team Canada. Also, it was great to see Brian Rafalski from the Detroit Red Wings take control of the game and lead team USA. This game captured the eye of many people all over the world. Some people say say it was just because it was Canada vs. USA, but others hope that this game will bring more fans to the sport of hockey. This could be a game that changes the entire market of Professional Hockey.

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/winter/2010/icehockey/men/recap?gameId=887

Tragedy at Olympics

I was reading several different articles about the luge accident that occured recently at the olympics and came to the conclusion that this very easily could have been prevented. It was said that one other person had to be airlifted to the hospital after crashing around that same turn. With normal luge speeds around 75 or 80 mph this course has them going an incredible 92 mph. The turn is oviously unsafe, the barrier, as seen in the videos on YouTube, is too low. You would think after one accident the tunr would be fixed. This is a dangerous sport, but who in the right mind decided to make a turn right next to a bunch of steel beams. The luger went flying off the track and was hurled into a steel beam going 92 mph. Reporters are comparing the sort of accident to that of a motorcycle accident, but theres only one real difference. Nodar was going backwards when he was thrown into the beam. Many Olympic fans are devastated... will this effect the popularity of the luge? I would have to say yes, I believe that this event may turn some fans away, but it will also interest new fans to the sport. This is a tragic accident that I feel could have easily been prevented. Rest in Peace - Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/17/nodar-kumaritashvili-wake_n_465329.html

Introduction

My name is Ryan Leonard. I am currently a student at Grand Valley State University where I am looking to get a degree in Marketing. Along with my interests in marketing I have the desire to hunt and fish. Anytime I can get away and spend some time hunting or fishing is always a good day. As far as my career is concerned, I would love to find a job that incorporated both my interest in marketing and the great outdoors.