By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Charlemont, MA) – Charles Ricko owns Overwatch Outpost, which does guided fishing trips in the summer and sells firearms all year round. The business has been shuttered since March 23, and Ricko said he may not be able to reopen once the COVID 19 pandemic ends.
“Since we still have to pay our bills, like rent, electric, insurance, etc.. this could potentially end my business. Most other businesses have been able to apply for state aid,” said Ricko. However, firearms dealers have been excluded from state aid by Governor Baker.
A letter went out from the Commissioner Jamison Gagnon of The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety requesting police chiefs to report unauthorized gun transactions to the department. However, gun dealers that sell firearms and ammunition to law enforcement may continue with those transactions.
Since Ricko owns a fishing business, he suffered a double hit. He had already cancelled all guided fishing trips until further notice when he received another notice dated April 27 that he was prohibited from conducting any guided fishing trips until otherwise notified, per the order from Governor Charlie Baker that all nonessential businesses were to close.
“Financially I’ve been living off my savings,” said Ricko. “I have not been able to operate ANY part of my guided fishing operations, or Orvis Fly Shop. There store has been closed since March 23.”
