Landing Zone Outfitters
FLYWAY
Tell us where you were born and raised and how you were introduced to the wacky world of waterfowl hunting?
RITTENOUR
I was born and raised here in Becker, Minnesota into a family that enjoyed the outdoors. My family went fishing all the time together but when it came to hunting, the boys went out. I had always been curious to go out and go hunting but never really knew how to ask. I actually did not get my first waterfowl hunting experience till I was 23 years old. I will never forget it! It was 4am and we were out in a corn field setting up decoys. I learned how to set up decoys, stubble a blind, and what hunting was all about. I went with Landing Zone Outfitters to Mahnomen Minnesota on opening day of Goose. I was hooked the first time I went out and haven’t missed a day yet! I even went out after getting my tonsils out in October. Even though my job is videotaping when we go out hunting, I am still given my fair share of time with the gun! And I always get my shots in when it’s my turn!
FLYWAY
What was the first duck or goose you ever shot, where did you shoot it, and what kind of gun did you shoot it with?
RITTENOUR
The first bird I ever shot was a duck! It was in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on a little pond. Ben, CoOwner of LZO, made a deal with me. He said that he would video tape the first round of ducks so that I could shoot. Well I took the gun more than willingly and got my birds! I shot my first goose in St. Michael, Minnesota only a few weeks later. Technically I was supposed to still be resting due to getting my tonsils out, but I couldn’t help myself when they said they found the birds. I took the loner that flew into our corn field. All of my shooting this year was with a Benelli.
FLYWAY
What would you say is your favorite bird to hunt and why?
RITTENOUR
My favorite bird to hunt is the Canadian Geese. I love watching birds work the spread and then land at your feet. The callers that are with Landing Zone Outfitters have the ability to bring the birds all of the way in. I have literally had a bird land an inch from my blind. The problem with that was that I didn’t have the gun, I had the video camera! To watch a bird come in and stand next to you is amazing.
FLYWAY
What is one kind of duck you haven't shot but would really like to?
RITTENOUR
I would have to say that the next duck I want to get is a Goldeneye. I love the look of this bird! I haven’t had as much time as others when it comes to duck hunting, but the experiences I have had so far have been great. The work that gets put into setting up for duck hunting is tough which makes the reward of the hunt that much better.
FLYWAY
The Landing Zone Outfitters crew are as passionate and hardcore as they come. They know their stuff and know how to get people on birds. In your opinion, what are a few things that makes Landing Zone Outfitters so successful?
RITTENOUR
The dedication the crew has is unbelievable. They have worked their way up from the bottom. The boys have done their research, hunted in different areas, watched the birds for weeks on end, and even sat out in fields the night before. Another thing that I have to say is that they are willing to find the birds everywhere in the state. They do not lock themselves down to one area. This has been difficult but rewarding. They have found the time to scout all of the areas and have put countless miles on their trucks. Landing Zone Outfitters wants to find the birds so that the clients can have the best experience in the field. Not only are they trying to provide them with the best hunt with the birds, but they are also trying to give the clients the best learning experience. Their goal is to have them learn something in the field and take it out the next time they hunt.
FLYWAY
I've worked closely with you and the LZO crew and it's easy to see that you tend to be the glue that holds it all together at times. As the owner of LZO, Ben has a lot on his plate and it seems you have the uncanny ability to keep it all together and organized. Fair to say?
RITTENOUR
Well Thank You! I try to be as organized as possible and do not leave home without my planner. I tend to tie up the loose ends and do the business side of things. It is hard running a business and remembering to get everything done in a timely manner. We work together to make sure that videos get done, pictures get posted, shirts get ordered, decals are done, and more. I do not want to take all of the credit because Ben and Tim have put in many of sleepless nights. We all have our roles in the company and have always helped each other out!
FLYWAY
Ben and I have become good friends. I believe he really cares and takes pride in the business he runs at LZO. You are as close to him as anybody, what is it what makes Ben Meillier such a natural? It would be a tough task to find anybody more passionate about this sport and this industry as Ben.
RITTENOUR
I couldn’t agree more! You will not find anyone else like him. Ben has the dedication, passion, and knowledge to take a dream and turn it into a successful company. Over the years Ben has learned what hunting is and how hunting is successful. He knows what he needs to know about how to draw the attention of the bird, how to call on the “Honker Calls”, where and how to set up the spread, where to put the blinds, when to take the shots, and how to make a hunting experience a learning experience. To him, it is about showing others the love of the sport. A successful day to him in the field is not just about how many birds can be put on the ground, but also the experience that we have in the field. Ben is the first one to invite others into the field to hunt! Just last year, we were hunting an area in Northfield with some friends when two young men came walking up to us asking if they could hunt in the area. Instead of Ben saying, “No we were here first” or “We have too many people”, Ben invited them to join our group. He has always said that the fight is not worth it. Why fight the birds or another group. It is much easier to work together.
FLYWAY
Tell us about the nickname "Shinedown". How did it originate and who crowned you with that title?
RITTENOUR
To be honest, I never asked till recently. Ben was the one that came up with Shinedown. He said that because my name was so different, he would just say different names that started with the same letter. I guess Shinedown just stuck.
FLYWAY
For your birthday this year I will be inviting 3 of your favorite bands or singers to perform for you at your birthday party. Who will I be inviting?
RITTENOUR
This is really difficult because I listen to just about any kind of music, but I would love to invite Disturbed, Nickelback, and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
FLYWAY
As Video Production Manager for Landing Zone Outfitters, tell us some of the challenges and hurdles you face with the video production aspect of the business? Do you enjoy it or are there times you would rather drop the camera and grab the shotgun?
RITTENOUR
There are many challenges that come with doing the video production but that is the drive that keeps me going. I’m always up for a challenge. When doing the video, you always have to be aware of your surroundings. The sun, the wind, weeds and grass in front of you that would move, where the shooters are, where the birds are, and more. After I look at all of these things, I find the best angle for the footage. Last year, the sun and the wind were not in our favor. Most of our shots were done on cloudy days. This isn’t horrible but it makes the shots darker. Another thing that is difficult is making sure that the battery stays charged. The batteries drain pretty fast and then when you add in the low temperatures, the battery doesn’t last long. Besides all of the challenges, I wouldn’t trade the camera in for anything. I love getting the shots of the birds dropping, or of the flock that hovers right above. I love snapping still and motion shots because these are things that everyone can look back on and say, “I was there.” I love taking the gun and getting my shots in, but I wouldn’t trade it in for the shots I get on my camera.
FLYWAY
I want you to go down the list of your crew at LZO and describe them in one word, including yourself.
RITTENOUR
As a team I would have to say that I would have to say Accomplished. This was difficult to come up with just one word to describe each person but I think I found the best one to describe each.
Ben Meillier: Dedicated
Tim Peterson: Ambitious
Alex Enderson: Determined
Kris Pleiss: Knowledgeable
Dan Strassner: Confident
Joel King: Energetic
Broc Couser: Fearless
Nate Maas: Sincere
Lindsay Wright: Newbie
Myself: Believer
FLYWAY
What is your favorite movie of all time, and don't say "Twilight" or this interview is over!
RITTENOUR
Well I’m not going to lie and say that I do not enjoy Twilight, but it is not my favorite movie. My favorite movie would have to be the Iron Man Movies. I love the action!
FLYWAY
What can somebody expect when they book a hunt with Landing Zone Outfitters? What do you pride yourselves on and what makes you better than the competition?
RITTENOUR
I would have to say that Landing Zone Outfitters is known for finding the birds in many different locations. We are not restricted to one area or one spot. We provide hunts all over the state. If someone wants to hunt in Southern Minnesota, we pride ourselves in having fields in the Albert Lea area. If you want to hunt in Northern Minnesota, we have spots in Mahnomen. We travel the state so that the clients do not have to. LZO will also give you a hunt that you will not forget. It will be enjoyable, relaxing with a hint of excitement, and a learning experience. We want clients to take what they learn from us and take it out in the field the next time they go out. The day in the field is about them, not about us. So they will tell us what they want, and we will work with them. No more waiting till the green light turns on. We all do enough of that sitting in traffic every day. You want hunt, then give us a call!
FLYWAY
What is Sheena's favorite meal?
RITTENOUR
I am an Italian girl! I absolutely love anything that has to do with Pasta!
FLYWAY
We had a blast together this year at Game Fair and I would say LZO is getting popular among the waterfowling crowd, are you working on new products or promotions for Game Fair 2011?
RITTENOUR
Landing Zone Outfitters would like to say Thank You to everyone who came out to Game Fair and to those that stopped in to see us! We have had a great couple of years and we are hoping to continue growing and expanding. We are always setting goals to make the next year better. As for Game Fair 2011, we will have our video out and a clothing line ready!
S
FLYWAY
It was a pleasure working with you and thanks for taking the time out to partake in this interview. I will now give you this opportunity for any last words or parting shots! Make them count!!
RITTENOUR
I just want to say thank you to Minnesota Flyway for this opportunity to do this interview and to Dave Tuttle for a Game Fair that will never be forgotten. The friendships that were made will be strengthened in the years to come.
Minnesota Flyway would like to thank Sheena Rittenour for taking the time to answer our interview questions.
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