JACKSON – Don’t let his last name fool you – Mark Short is big when it comes to serving the needs of local hunters and fishermen.

On June 8, Short fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a business owner when he opened Sportsman’s Supply on Jefferson Street in downtown Jackson.

But of all the places in the world to set sail on a new business venture, why Jackson?

&uot;I love it here,&uot; Short answered. &uot;I was born and raised in Raleigh, lived in New Bern and worked in Kinston. I’m tired of the big city. Jackson is just right for me and for my business.&uot;

That business should fit right into mainstream Northampton County, long a mecca for hunting and fishing.

&uot;I’ve hunted and fished for most all of my life, so it was a natural fit for me to open a store like this,&uot; Short noted. &uot;I’ve tried just about everything you will find on these shelves.&uot;

Those shelves are stocked full of just about everything a hunter or fisherman will need. There’s live bait (crickets, minnows, worms), fishing tackle, a vast array of hunting supplies (including decoys), clothing, archery and black powder supplies and hunting and fishing license.

In addition, there are animal care products – including vaccines, flea and tick medication – along with plenty of dog and cat food.

If you’re looking for a quick bite before climbing the tree stand or wetting a line, the store also features soft drinks, candy and snacks.

While that sounds like a lot for one man to manage, Short said he wasn’t in this alone.

&uot;I’d like to dedicate this official opening to my father-in-law, Bobby Davis of Seaboard,&uot; Short said. &uot;He helped me out a lot in setting this up.&uot;

Short – who resides with his wife, Patty, and son, Wyatt, in Seaboard – said he had received a warm welcome to Jackson. That welcome is a two-way street.

&uot;We’re delighted to see Mark open his business here,&uot; said Jim Gossip, Jackson Town Commissioner and a member of the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce.

Gossip continued, &uot;We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our retail base and provide a service for our area. What Mark has here is ideal for Northampton County. Hunting and fishing defines who we are. Sportsman’s Supply is a perfect venue for Jackson and all of Northampton County.&uot;

Dennis Babb, Executive Director for the Northampton Chamber, also welcomed Short and his family.

&uot;We’re very excited to not only have a new business open here, but to have a new family move in as well,&uot; Babb noted. &uot;This is a business like so many others here in our county, small mom-and-pop owned stores. Those small businesses are the backbone of our county and of our economy. I urge everyone to support Mark as well as all of our small business owners.&uot;

Sportsman’s Supply is located at 127 West Jefferson Street. Its hours of operation are 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 534-1112.