ARENAC COUNTY, Mich. -- Firearm deer hunting season opens across Michigan on Nov. 15 and as that date draws near, hunters prepare to take to the fields.

Some businesses hit hard by the economic downturn hope the hunt will also help ease their pain.

In Standish, the maximum security prison recently closed and businesses TV5 spoke to said they don’t expect any extra traffic with the deer hunt just around the corner.

The manager of one store that sells hunting apparel doesn’t expect any bump in sales because of open season, and TV5 got the same line from a liquor store employee.

A restaurant and bakery owner said a few years ago people would flock to her store at 5 a.m. on opening day, but not anymore.

Managers put forth the thought that hunters are saving their money and bringing their provisions with their guns when they go looking for deer.

But not all businesses are anticipating stagnant sales.

Jay’s Country Meats in Standish sells food items and beverages, and its employees said they are glad to see firearm season right around the bend.

“Well, considering winter is out slowest time of the year, it actually creates a lot more business for us, especially during the weekend time, when everybody that work’s in the city comes up north -- it almost creates a summer-like atmosphere,” said Corey Ireland, with Jay’s Country Meats.

The same goes for Northwoods Wholesale Outlet in Pinconning. TV5 found the store bustling Wednesday morning.

“Guys aren’t working, so they’re spending time out in the woods trying to enjoy the time they have off -- even if it is because they’re laid off,” said Mike Goodwin, of Northwoods Wholesale Outlet. “It really does a lot to pump up our local economy here.”

Goodwin said a recent change in bow hunting laws has also helped give Northwoods a boost in business.

The change in the law now makes crossbows legal to operate in the state of Michigan, with some exceptions.

The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that deer baiting is not allowed throughout the northern Lower Peninsula.