Koyoty Sports changes location, focus

Koyoty Sports moved their business to Bridge Avenue on Nov. 1. Warden Patzer, co-owner, said the business will focus on sales of guns, ammo and other sporting goods, potentially moving away from taxidermy services.

Patzer said the new location has more space and a better location downtown with more walk-in traffic, however the taxidermy business cannot continue on Bridge Avenue.

The inventory has changed along with the focus of the business, which will include more outdoor shoes and clothing, Patzer said, including brands like Danner and Kenetrek shoes and Sitka clothing. "(We are) just trying to broaden horizons and have well-rounded sporting goods, and back off the taxidermy," Patzer said. "It's a whole lot more enjoyable to stand here and sell guns ... it's time to kind of let go (of taxidermy)."

The exact direction of the taxidermy business has not been determined, though that part of the business is up for sale. For now, it is a work in progress. "We're going through a transition here, and we just want to see how it all plays out," said Patzer.

Kathleen Cervin, co-owner, is interested in bringing more fashions to the Valley after noticing a need for fashion shoes, she said. "For women in particular," Cervin said, including activewear for women. As it evolves, Cervin hopes to carry all necessary items of women's activewear in addition to the hunting and outdoor clothing that is currently sold.

As the athletic side of the business evolves, Cervin said they hope to serve schools and local groups. "If it's something we can get and we can help them with, we're more than happy to do so."

Despite moving in new directions, Patzer and Cervin agree that they would like to continue to market themselves as "Carbon County Hunting Headquarters."

"We want to draw the hunters as well, obviously, since that's been our mainstay, but we also want to reach out to everybody so there's something for everybody in the Valley here at our store," Cervin said.

Patzer has been doing taxidermy in the Platte Valley for 30 years or so, beginning in his garage until he moved into the location on HWY 130 six years ago. Four years ago, Koyoty began carrying guns and ammunition. "It's been good up there, and it's good here," Patzer said.

While their inventory is still expanding, Cervin and Patzer encourage buyers to contact them about items that they could order to serve the Valley. "If we don't have it, we can get it," Patzer said.