WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsThe hunt for ammo
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LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW)- The official start of the gun-deer season is this weekend.
But the hunt for ammo may come before deer.
Sporting good stores are reporting shortages.
Officials blame it on fear President Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress will pass antigun legislation, made hunters grab up ammo at record rates earlier this year.
Now, as hunters hit the stores to stock up before opening day, it's proving a challenge.
Hunter Cary Joholski says, "I was running all over and could not find the ammo I needed."
The hunt is starting early this year.
But it's not deer outdoorsmen and women have in sight, but ammo.
Joholski says, "Usually you can buy what ever item you need up to the day of hunting, and this year I've noticed it seems like a lot of the popular rounds are off the shelves."
Shelves are running low because demand is high.
Sales Professional Ron Gehrke says, "The supply and the demand is just wild right now. I mean all of our whole sellers are basically out of ammunition. What we've got is what we've got."
Get ready to spend a little more too.
Sales Professional Ron Gehrke at Ace Hardware Store says prices are up 15 to 20 percent from last year.
Thankfully, Hunter Cary Joholski found what he needed, even if he had to pay a little more.
Joholski says, "Oh, absolutely, I won't miss opening day of deer hunting."
A similar sentiment shared by many hunters no doubt.
Monsoor's Sport Shop store says they are also experience a shortage of some brands, and have seen prices increase as well.
Ace Hardware sporting department say they have been in contact with other stores to try and work together with the shortage.
