On Target: Business Grows Out of Love of Bow-hunting

Travis and Angel Weathers of Easley love bow-hunting.

Both avid hunters since childhood, the Weathers wanted a place they could practice, even if conditions outside make it unbearable.

It was the reason the couple decided to open Xtreme Outdoors, a three-dimensional archery range and bow-hunting supply store at 7005-A Calhoun Memorial Highway.

"We got tired of it being too hot, or too cold, or too wet," said Angel Weathers. "The closest indoor range is more than an hour away."

The store will offer a full line of archery targets, including Rinehart, and archery products.

The store also will offer training for those who have never used a bow as well as two certified bow techs, who will help new hunters find the right equipment for them.

Travis Weathers said he also hopes to work with area Boy Scouts to teach them about the sport and to encourage other young people to get involved in bow-hunting.

"There's more sport to shooting a bow," Travis Weathers said. "The deer has to be so much closer, 20 to 30 feet. With a gun, there's not much sport to it."

"Plus, there's so much more of an opportunity to enjoy nature," Angel Weathers said. "You have to wait for the deer to be in range, but it's a great time to really look and to see what's around you and appreciate that beauty."

The Weathers 8-year-old son Cameron is also a fan of the sport. Travis said Cameron started hunting with him when he was 4. The family travels to Mississippi and Alabama to hunt throughout the year.

The range will operate under a controlled-environment and strict safety guidelines will be in place for those using the archery, Travis Weathers said.

Bow hunters are allowed to bring in their own gear, but the staff will check it to make sure they are using the appropriate tips, so as not to damage the targets.

"We are getting a lot of good feedback from the community," Angel Weathers said. "People have been stopping by to try and look in the windows."

"If we can get those people to come spend their lunch hour with us," Travis Weathers said. "Things are going to be off to a great start."

But these two are no strangers to the business community or to selling hunting gear. The Weathers also own .

The family-owned business makes custom made golf carts and four-wheel drive hunting vehicles which they sell locally and nationally. They've even patented a hunting cart, which Travis designed solely for hunting — the Stalker XTV.

The doors will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday with members of Team Backyard Bow Pro on location.

Backyard Bow Pro is an organization that works with landowners to take out nuisance deer. In order to be a part of the program, the hunter will have to pass a thorough background check. The organization also uses the meat to help feed the hungry.

With that in mind, Travis Weathers said the store plans to start a chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feed the Hungry in Easley.

The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.