About Mark's Outdoors
"To empower outdoor enthusiasts with exceptional gear,
expert knowledge, & unparalleled experiences,
while fostering a vibrant community &
preserving the natural world."
Founded in January of 1980, Mark’s Outdoors has been providing superior products and service to the greater Birmingham area for over 40 years. Serving as your Complete Hunting and Fishing Store, we offer the absolute best products, prices and customer service we can provide. We strive everyday to make sure that each and EVERY customer feels right at home at Mark’s Outdoor Sports.
How We Got Our Start
Mark Whitlock founded Mark's Outdoor Sports in 1980. What started as a small fishing shop, eventually became one of the country's top 10 outdoor retail destinations. Mark was an industry icon, and for good reason. He built something very few people could through a combination of hard work, exceptional customer service, an incredible knack for merchandising, and a deep appreciation for his customers and employees.
Mark was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, and passed away in 2012. It was a loss felt throughout the entire industry. Many years later, customers and employees still exchange stories of Mark, and his generosity toward everyone.
After Mark Sr. passed in 2012, Mark’s Outdoors moved into the hands of Mark Sr.’s wife, Dana and his son, Mark Jr.
In January 2026, Russell and Ashely Watts, owners of Day 21 LLC, acquired Mark's Outdoors and are continuing to uphold the legacy that Mark Sr. and the Whitlock family left behind.
Where We Are Now
Same Values. New Family.
For over 45 years, Mark’s Outdoors has been more than a store. Mark's has been a family tradition for so many in our community, built on passion for the outdoors, unwavering customer care, and a welcoming spirit that feels like home. As a Christian company, our faith guides the way we serve, treat others, and care for the community God has entrusted to us.
Stewardship & Legacy
We are deeply honored to step in as the next stewards of this legacy. This isn’t about change; it’s about carrying forward a true Alabama family business into our family and investing in its future so that the same expertise, warmth, and outdoor camaraderie can continue to bring people together for generations to come. We are committed to upholding these age old traditions and honoring God through hard work and integrity as we build on this legacy for years to come.