Deer hunting is very popular in the United States and especially in Michigan, where Vantage Plastics is located.
Michigan is considered one of the top deer hunting states in the country. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, there are approximately 600,000 deer hunters in Michigan. Deer hunting is an important part of the state’s culture and economy.
A study by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs estimates that hunting and fishing in Michigan generate $11.2 billion a year, with hunters contributing $8.9 billion – about 80 percent of the total – and supporting more than 135,000 Michigan jobs.
The archery deer hunting season in Michigan begins in October. Firearm hunting begins in November. Hunting in inclement weather brings challenges. That’s where Terrain Outdoor Products comes in. A subsidiary of Vantage Plastics, Terrain makes hunting blinds and other hunting gear to help outdoors people in Michigan and elsewhere stay safe and warm to make their hunting adventures more enjoyable.
We sat down recently with Shelly Trombley of Terrain Outdoor Products to learn how the company got its start, which hunting products they make, where their products are sold, and what they have planned for the future.
How did Terrain Outdoor Products get its start making hunting gear?
“The Terrain brand and product line was launched in 2013 after identifying a need for opening-price-point, hard-sided hunting blinds in the sporting goods retail space.”
What hunting equipment does Terrain make?
“Terrain offers three hunting blind models: The Edge 4×4; The Range, which is a five-sided pentagon blind; and The Archer, which is a five-sided blind specifically geared toward bow hunting. We also offer two utility sleds: the Deer Drag, which is available in three colors, and the Tuff Tote ice fishing sled.”
Which Terrain Outdoor deer hunting products are most popular?
“The Range five-sided hunting blind and the deer drag utility sled continue to be our best sellers year-after-year.”
Who is the typical customer for Terrain hunting equipment?
“Our customers are hunting enthusiasts of all levels and all ages looking for a permanent or semi-permanent hard-sided blind, based on their personal preference or need.”
Why do people choose Terrain Outdoor hunting blinds?
“Terrain was the first hunting equipment maker to introduce a hard-sided blind to the market for under $1,000. We continue our commitment to customer service and product development. We bring years of experience to the manufacturing process and category with superior material technology, innovation, and response to product improvement and customer needs. We have the capability to provide end users an intimate and focused customer service experience.”
Where are Terrain hunting products sold and how are they made?
“Terrain products are sold in mass-market sporting goods stores, farm and home stores, specialty outdoor stores, and through online retailers throughout the United States. Our products are thermoformed in our facility and made from High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) plastics. With an eye toward the environment, we use recycled plastics in our products.”
What are the challenges of making hunting blinds and hunting gear?
“We are in unprecedented times when it comes to commodity price stability, supply chain issues, and labor market tightness. Terrain’s intent is to ensure that product functionality is improved and that input costs, within our control, are monitored to minimize any pricing impact to our customers.”
What trends are you seeing in the hunting market?
“An increased number of hunters are getting out during the archery season. This can be attributed in part to the growth in popularity of crossbows. Our five-sided Archer blind, with large windows, is ideal for bow hunters.”
Anything else readers should know or is worth mentioning about hunting gear from Terrain Outdoor Products?
“Terrain hunting blinds and sleds are 100% made in the USA and we get great reviews from people who use our products. Hunters who purchase our products are very happy.”
As proof, here’s what happy customers say about hunting blinds from Terrain Outdoor Products.
Used year-round by turkey and deer hunters.
Our most-popular blind. Five-sided pentagon shape.
Five-sided blind used year-round by hunters
Ideal for hunting, hauling, trapping, ice fishing, sledding, and more.
Ideal for ice fishing, hunting, trapping, hauling, and more.