Gander Mountain: Opens remodeled location outside Madison, WI

David Ewald
Direct: 651-290-6276
Cell: 612-490-2650

Store features Wisconsin’s largest Gander Mtn. AcademyTM offering the Public the “Ultimate in Firearms Training”TM

ST. PAUL, MN, August 10, 2011 — Gander Mountain will present another pioneering development in the firearms industry with the opening of Wisconsin’s largest Gander Mtn. AcademyTM as part of the company’s remodeled store in DeForest, WI, outside Madison. The official grand re-opening of the store and the opening of Gander Mtn. Academy will include all-day events on Saturday and Sunday, August 13-14. The store is located at 6199 Metro Drive in DeForest, just off I-90/94 at exit 132.

The remodeled location exhibits Gander Mountain’s new prototype store design, featuring greatly enhanced interior design elements, innovative displays and fixtures, and a broader selection of apparel and merchandise, offering customers an improved shopping experience. The grand re-opening festivities in DeForest will include vendor events and giveaways as well as special appearances by angler Dean Rojas from the Bassmaster Elite pro tour; and members of the Landry family from the popular “Swamp People” documentary series on the History Channel.

Gander Mtn. Academy is the nation’s first civilian training facility to offer highly skilled instructors, a variety of comprehensive courses, modern multi-media classrooms, a live-fire range, and exclusive virtual simulation technology previously available only to military and law enforcement agencies. Among the advances coming to DeForest is the amazing V-RangeTM – the world’s most accurate simulated firing range.

“As the major retailer of firearms in the country, this is a natural step forward for us to bring the most advanced technology and know-how in firearms training directly to the public,” said David Pratt, CEO of Gander Mountain, “Our mission is to offer the highest level of firearms training ever made available to consumers on a wide-spread and convenient basis. With unparalleled safety, enjoyment and exclusive technology, there’s never been anything offered to the public like Gander Mtn. Academy.”

Academy locations in Lake Mary, FL; La Crosse, WI; and Lakeville, MN, opened earlier this year. Each academy is a unique destination experience designed to set new standards for those looking to develop and improve their firearms safety and proficiency while having fun in a safety-first, family friendly environment.

Among the highlights of the Gander Mtn. Academy are:

Top-level safety training – classroom courses taught by highly experienced and knowledgeable instructors , courses include certification for Concealed Carry, Hunter Safety and firearms fundamentals for every level of experience from beginner to advanced.

The V-RangeTM – where students experience the stunning clarity of over 2 million pixels per lane as they fire actual firearms modified for laser technology and realistic recoil on a wide variety of targets and programmed exercises.

The live-fire L-RangeTM – staffed by trained Range Masters focusing on safety-first, and utilizing state-of-the-art target systems with easy-to-use touch screens offering manual practice and pre-programmed courses of fire, and air filtration and cooling systems that offer a clean and comfortable shooting environment year-round.

High Definition Virtual Simulators –These multi-screen, interactive, high-definition video simulators surround the student with real-world marksmanship or action scenarios, under the guidance of an instructor, designed to train quick thinking, good judgment and accurate decisions using actual firearms modified for laser technology and realistic recoil.

FREE Family Safety Course – offered to everyone purchasing a new firearm from Gander Mountain. Course covers universal firearm safety rules, essential firearm handling, and safe storage of firearms and ammunition.

The 10,000 square-foot DeForest facility is among several Gander Mtn. Academy locations opening this year. The next locations are currently in development in Wichita, KS, and Spring, TX, with additional sites to be announced. Customers may register for classes or schedule time for Gander Mtn. Academy activities in person, by phone or on the web at www.gandermountain.com and clicking on “Gander Mtn. Academy.”

About Gander Mountain Company

Gander Mountain Company headquartered in St. Paul, MN, is the nation’s largest retail network of outdoor specialty stores for hunting, fishing, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services. Since 1960, the Gander Mountain brand has offered an expanding assortment of competitively priced outdoor equipment, technical apparel, rugged casual wear and footwear featuring national, regional and specialty brands as well as the company’s owned brands. Focused on a “We Live Outdoors®” culture, Gander Mountain dedicates itself to creating outdoor memories. There are currently 116 conveniently located Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores in 23 states. For the nearest store location call 800-282-5993 or visit www.GanderMountain.com Gander Mountain is also the parent company of Overton’s (www.overtons.com) a leading catalog and Internet based retailer of products for boating and other water sports enthusiasts.