STORE SPOTLIGHT: The Co-op Sets Its Sights on Hunting Season

By: Corey Espy

If there is one thing that most Alabamians look forward to during the hot summer months, it’s the cold chill in November that brings not only the changing color of the leaves but one of the South’s favorite pastimes: hunting season. More specifically, deer hunting. As most hunters know, this season does not begin in November. Hunters across the state begin preparing for their dream season in the late summer months by planning their food plots, planting and supplementing minerals. Through all this hard work, Co-ops across the state are helping these hunters with all of their needs. For a few stores, deer hunting plays a much bigger role for their business.

For Quality Co-op, Inc. manager Daniel Salter, their role in wildlife is not just in the months approaching the season. The store, located in Greenville, Alabama, assists in providing several farms that specialize in producing high-quality deer with the best genetics. These farms breed deer that are eventually brought into herds with the anticipation that the genetics will be passed on and improve the quality of the deer in another’s herd. Along with that, these farms provide great research opportunities to study that can be applied to a true wildlife setting.

Daniel and his team in Greenville provide these farms with year-round nutrients in the form of grazing and supplement. Grazing consists of higher protein forages and feed than a cattle operation as well as much more acreage per animal for roaming. Daniel said, “The protein needed for deer is around 16-20%, whereas cattle only require 14-16%.” Pair this with the hundreds or thousands of acres of land that it takes to successfully raise a deer herd, and the difficulty of successfully raising deer becomes apparent. He also voiced this by saying, “In order to raise deer, you have to be a full time vet because of the many more possible health issues that come along with deer that one wouldn’t necessarily see in a cattle operation.” This means that the farmers need to be able to get quality products and the Quality Co-op team are more than happy to ensure that their needs will be met.

The Quality Co-op team also has products for the everyday hunter as well. They have any number of deer plot mixes, attractants, minerals and supplemental feed such as corn. This paired with their wide selection of hardware such as feeders and tree stands, makes for a perfect place to gear up for the season. The store also has a yearly “Hunter’s Night Out” in August where they give discounts on many different hunting products. With the pandemic that we have been facing this year, the store had to change plans and have a two-day sale on the products to allow for easier social distancing.

Another store that has a large focus on wildlife is the Mid-state branch of Talladega Farmers Cooperative in Columbiana, Alabama. They also have a “Hunter’s Night Out” on the last Tuesday of August. For their event, they work with local restaurants and vendors to showcase all the newest products for the upcoming year, sales on seed, fertilizer, feed and food from local restaurants for customers to enjoy. Not to mention a live band and raffles throughout the night! Mid-state Manager Barry Keller had to change plans this year in order to to ensure the safety of the customers. Instead of their one-night event, the sale was from Aug. 25-28. He said that even though they had to stretch the event over three days, it was still very successful. He also said, “We appreciate being able to help the customers and provide them the products that they need.”

Though these two stores have a passion for providing products for the hunter as well as raising and breeding of deer, Co-op stores across the state provide all of the necessary supplies. Many stores carry tried-and-true staples such as Max Rax and Buck Buster feeds, BioLogic seed and Trophy Rock mineral. In addition to these products, the Co-ops are now carrying Purina products as well. These products such as Quickdraw protein blocks and AntlerMax Deer 20 feed are available at Co-op stores. See our directory, or visit www. alafarm.com/locations to find one near you!

We hope that when your food plots need planting or your feeders need filling, you’ll keep your sights on your local Co-op and let them help you find exactly what you need.