Local fishing and hunting supply shop

Local anglers and hunters, cottage owners, ice fishing fans, visiting tourists and families buying a first rod.

Retail margin on products, plus extras such as line spooling, rod repairs, and licence or guide referrals where permitted. Busiest around fishing openers, hunting seasons and ice fishing.

• Strong knowledge of local fishing and hunting
• Stock buying and inventory control
• Friendly customer service

• Selling firearms, ammunition or restricted items needs federal and provincial licensing, so check what you may sell before ordering stock, or start with non-restricted gear only
• Rules on live bait, including limits on moving some species, vary by province, so check with your provincial natural resources ministry
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus a municipal business licence and zoning check
• Strong seasonality and carrying costs for unsold stock
• Competition from big-box stores and online sellers, so local advice and service matter

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, opening stock and fit-out. These are estimates, so price your own range and lease terms before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your location, range and season. Treat this as an estimate, as the business is strongly seasonal and unsold stock has carrying costs.

Selling firearms, ammunition or restricted items needs federal and provincial licensing, so check what you may sell first. Live bait rules vary by province. Also check insurance, your municipal business licence and zoning.