Outdoor Underground Presents...

St. Paul, MN-When Sportsman’s Guide senior ad copywriter Archie Bumpass arrived at work last Friday the last thing he expected was to be guided to the back door. Bumpass was terminated by the firm for creating what was termed “cheesy” ad copy and for overall lousy product knowledge.

“I feel downright used-like a smelly old Swedish M90 insulated parka that’s been boxed up, forgotten, and chewed on by moths,” says Bumpass.

Bumpass, a nine-year employee at the discount outdoor cataloger, is dumbfounded over the termination; however Sportsman’s Guide owner-founder Gary Olsen provided The Abaguchie evidence of Bumpass’ work. Olsen lists a litany of what he calls “patently silly” product descriptions like this one for the “Genuine U.S. Military M65 Pants,” a popular Sportsman’s Guide offering:

Gallant 6-pocket britches ready to serve Gomer and YOU!  No fakes.  These are the real thing!

Additional Bumpass-created ad copy includes this on “Wolverine® Work Boots”:

Working hard, like you’re on a chain gang?  Or just hanging out looking like you’re busy?  Either way, these Wolverine® beauties are all set for foot pampering.  From jobsite to honey-do lists, these are your best pals, next to your tools.

And this description of the “Trifold Dog Ramp”:

Doggone handy! Rin Tin Tin and Lassie approved for all dogs, big or small. Other critters welcome, too. Seems I was barking up the right tree…

Bumpass countered stating that he originated the copy used in “most” treestand ad copy:

Order ONLINE today, and make a “stand” against high prices!

“Gary was constantly ribbing us copywriters and pushing us to come up with creative and classy descriptions of whatever junk he was trying to peddle,” says Bumpass. “But it was hard… really hard. There were times when [Olsen] mocked us and berated us, but we put up with it for the greater good of the consumer.”

At this time Bumpass would like to consider gainful employment with other catalog firms, such as LL Bean or The Orvis Company, but an iron clad non-compete contract prohibits him from doing so.

“I can’t let my talent go to waste,” says Bumpass. “But through my association with Sportsman’s Guide, I’ve been branded as a cheesy copy producer. Olsen has a stranglehold my livelihood.”

Olsen was not available for further comment.