Mountain Mike's boasts archery program

VERNON — It’s all about archery at Mountain Mike’s Sports Shop.

The McAfee hunting, fishing and sporting good supply store recently celebrated its first anniversary and is growing faster than ever.

Specializing in both traditional and modern archery, owner Mike Bush hopes to be the area’s premier destination for archery enthusiasts.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” Bush says of running the store, which carries a large selection of vintage bows in addition to a full line of its modern counterparts.

With an indoor shooting range and a soon-to-be revamped 40-yard three-dimensional range on the premises, Bush says a customer will never have to worry about how a bow shoots before deciding on a purchase — he even fletches the store’s arrows by hand to ensure a perfect flight with every shot.

This summer also will see the debut of Mountain Mike’s interactive shooting program, where hunters can try their hand at shooting different bows in a variety of environments and weather conditions.

“It’s great off-season practice,” Bush says of the video-game style program, which offers more than 100 different targets to choose from, including deer, hogs and bear. Even if they're not brushing up on their shot, Bush said the program will provide customers the opportunity to “come in and have something cool to do.”

In addition to the seasoned archers, Bush and the Mountain Mike’s team hopes to hone a new generation of bow hunters through its on-site lessons and programs. With three National Archery Association certified instructors at the store, there always is time for individual or group lessons.

This spring, the Vernon Police Athletic League will host a program at the store open to youths from adjoining towns. Bush recommends checking with the Vernon P.A.L. or calling the store later in the month for further details.

More than meets the eyeWith experience in the outdoor sports industry dating back more than 25 years, Bush was excited to open Mountain Mike’s in 2014.

“The opportunity presented itself,” he said, “and it has worked out pretty good.”

Close personal friends with previous owner Sig Borstad, who died in 2012, Bush said he is proud to carry on the legacy of the store — with just one major change.

“The only thing that we’ve really changed here is that we now carry a full line of live bait, tackle and fishing supplies,” Bush says. The store still retails hunting and fishing licenses and permits for the state of New Jersey and is an official turkey check-in station.

Mountain Mike’s is located at 7 Old Rudetown Road, McAfee and can be reached at 973-827-6527.