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MARQUETTE -- A recession isn't keeping Ken Morin from buying a GPS system this deer hunting season.  Deer camp is what he looks forward to every year.

"It's all about friends,” said the West Branch Township resident.  “That's the important thing...camaraderie and the hunting camp experience."

And fellow shoppers agreed.  “It's only two weeks out of the year, so we don't cut back,” said John Balbierz of Marquette.  “We wait all year long for deer season."

Gander Mountain in Marquette says their sales have yet to suffer this deer hunting season with many of their regulars showing up, money in hand.

"I think people are skimping in other areas and don't really skimp on their outdoor activities,” explained Dan Webb, the store’s hunting manager.  “It's kind of why people live here, and it seems they're coming as much as they always have."

Webb also says a lot of customers are looking for synthetic deer tracks this year and that scent-lok clothing has become especially popular, but many still come just for the basics.

"We got to get some bullets, so we can get out and sight the guns and make sure they're shooting properly,” Balbierz said.

Firearm deer season kicks off Saturday, November 15 and ends on Sunday, November 30.