MARQUETTE -- You could see hunters prepping for it at U.P. gas stations all Sunday; the day they've been waiting for all year long--the opening of rifle season.

"November 15th is like a National U.P. Holiday," said young Negaunee hunter, Austin Hartman.

"To me it's the pursuit and the preparation," said Al Hendrickson, a hunter from Grand Rapids.

At Fob's restaurant in Crystal Falls, they served up eager hunters by the hundreds.

But before their last hearty meal, hunters picked up last minute gear, many, at Marquette's Gander Mountain.  With one of the wettest opening days in years, hunters need all the waterproof gear they can get.

"We're selling a lot of rain gear," said Kirk Bott, Gander Mountain assistant manager.  "Tree stand umbrellas, anything like that...camouflage rain gear, orange camo rain gear.  That's type of thing because everybody know it's going to be a wet one."

Sales representatives at Gander Mountain said the best way to stay comfortable during this very wet hunting season is to get yourself some waterproof fleece; it's not only warm and waterproof, but it's also very quiet.

Seasoned hunter Corey Hansen invested in a range of waterproof attire.

"I got a new pair of muck boots; I got to keep my feet nice and dry," said Hansen.  "And just a couple of other items...a pair of water proof gloves, it's just been very wet this year.  Like I said, it's all about comfort right now."

And while it may be uncomfortable, hunters said the wet snow keeps bucks on the move, making them easier to track down.  The weather forecast may be bad, but the hunting forecast is looking good.