This writer, as readers well know, is a huge fan of the Kittery Trading Post and has been for quite some time.
It opened in 1938 as a true trading post where trappers traded furs for needed gear and hunters and fishermen were major customers. Over time, the store has evolved into a “destination” for sportsmen and women and anyone who likes things related to life outdoors.
For me, the early attraction was, of course, the huge selection of used firearms. Over the years, a number of really good guns have been acquired and some of my guns have been traded in or sold. The huge selection is legendary, and it is the busiest gun store in the Northeast.
My first gun purchase there was a Ruger Red Label 20-gauge over/under. Ruger had just started making the Red Label with screw-in chokes and this gun was a bargain in my mind. When my wife asked me why I did not buy it, I raced back in and put a deposit down. The gun was then purchased on our return from the Ducks Unlimited Canada Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, so that was a while ago.
Gunsmith Mike Orlen in Amherst then threaded it for choke tubes and the gun has served me, and a number of my upland guiding clients and friends, very well over these many years. Every transaction since has been equally rewarding. The huge firearms department is stocked with a vast variety of everything a shooter or archer needs and continues to be the “one-stop” center for hunters.
Given my history, last week’s meeting of the board of directors of the New England Outdoor Writers Association at KTP looked like another interesting day to enjoy the store, when the group was welcomed by new Chief Retail Officer Ryan Svoboda. He took some time to outline the significant changes taking place at KTP, and they are exciting.
The store, located conveniently on Route 1 right off the interstate in Kittery, Maine, is in the process of making major changes in every department – all with the customer in mind. Included in the changes was moving the fishing department from the lower level. This increases space, visibility, and display space and includes an expanded fly-fishing department stocked with products and brands for every fly fisherman.
The bass fishing section has a massive variety of lures, rods, reels, and line, and saltwater fishermen will find everything they need to catch striped bass on the top or cod and haddock on the bottom. Again, KTP is a mandatory stop on the way to any fishing adventure.
The rest of the store has always been more than worth exploring, with footwear, rain gear, and outdoor clothing for every need and a selection of T-shirts and “novelties” that always includes something that you won’t see elsewhere. The popular camping and hiking department is also expanded and redesigned to place items so shoppers can easily find what they want, with a huge selection of the best brands.
More than ever, shoppers will find an inventory of all major brands in all departments. Footwear for both men and women has been relocated downstairs and really expanded. A new ‘General Store’ is inside the store and the great fudge – made fresh daily – is part of the tempting food and craft items found there.
The great selection of unique Maine items, from hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatshirts to interesting gift and décor items, is bigger than ever and always worth a stop when driving back from your Maine vacation.
Everyone stops at KTP but you need to remember that the store also has a huge selection of everything a hunter or fisherman needs just a couple hours away and open seven days a week. Faster than Amazon and you get to see and check it out before buying.
This is your notice that a Massachusetts Hunter Education Course will be offered again this summer at Mahar Regional School in Orange. Basic Hunter Education is offered in Massachusetts in two formats. The in-person or traditional course is offered entirely in person with an instructor-led course that is offered over multiple days. The blended course requires the student complete an online Massachusetts Hunter Education safety study guide before attending a one-day, in-person Field Day.
The local course will be the blended option and the Field Day will be held on July 25. Students must go online and successfully complete the program and then register for the Field Day. Upon completion, graduates will be mailed a certificate of completion which is recognized in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. All courses are free of charge and open to the public. Go to the MassWildlife web site and get started so you can register for the Orange session on July 25.
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.