NSSF Announces 2021
Hunting Heritage Trust
Grant Recipients
NSSF Announces 2021 Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Recipients
NSSF has selected six recipients to receive grants made available by the NSSF Hunting Heritage Trust.
“We at NSSF are really excited by the thoughtful, innovative projects proposed by these organizations. These projects will help to address the needs of diverse groups who are passionate about taking part in hunting and the shooting sports,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “It’s an honor to be able to help them on the path to success by awarding them Hunting Heritage Trust grants.”
The recipients and projects funded by the grants include:
• Georgia Wildlife Federation’s “Extending Academics Afield to Advance Equity in College R3 Programming” will diversify engagement by expanding Academics Afield, which focuses on diversifying hunting and shooting sport participation to historically black colleges and universities.
Grant amount: $35,600.
• New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s “Field to Table/Campo a Mesa Project: Introduction to hunting and conservation for Native Americans and Hispanics” will deliver a unique Field to Table (“Campo a Mesa” in Spanish) project for both rural and urban participants from across New Mexico and for non-traditional participants.
Grant amount: $10,000.
• National Deer Association’s “An Equitable Expansion of Field to Fork with Strategic Partners” will work in conjunction with NSSF’s +ONE Movement, The Nature Conservancy, Hunters of Color, New York Department of Environmental Conservation and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to create equitable and sustainable learn-to-hunt programs that can serve as models.
“These projects will help to address the needs of diverse groups who are passionate about taking part in hunting and the shooting sports.”
Joe Bartozzi, President & CEO NSSF
Grant amount: $15,000.
• Minnesota Conservation Federation’s “Conservation Leadership Corps: Mentored Introduction to Hunting for Wildlife College Students” will introduce, mentor and guide the next generation of conservation leaders to hunting and the shooting sports.
Grant amount: $7,400.
• National Wildlife Federation, Artemis Sportswomen’s “Increasing Women’s Access, Participation, and Representation in Conservation Leadership Roles” will create a comprehensive and accessible training resource to support sportswomen and increase their capacity and participation in conservation leadership roles.
Grant amount: $25,000.
• Wyoming Women’s Foundation’s “Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt” will invest in the economic self-sufficiency of women and opportunities for girls in Wyoming, focusing on mentoring and teaching women the skills necessary to hunt game with rifles and provide food for their families.
Grant amount: $7,000.
These 2021 grant funds are the third to be released from the $1 million fund established October 2018 as the NSSF Hunting Heritage Trust.
The grant was funded equally by NSSF and the Hunting Heritage Trust, which was founded by retired NSSF President and CEO Bob Delfay.
This first-of-its-kind grant program works directly to support NSSF’s mission of promoting, protecting and preserving hunting and the shooting sports. It’s designed to distribute funds for 10 consecutive years to organizations meeting eligibility requirements and intending to use the funds to support recruitment, retention and reactivation programs, known collectively as R3 efforts.
Primary Arms Expands To Double Size
Following a year of record growth, Primary Arms is developing new facilities and expanded executive leadership.
Located alongside Primary Arms’ Houston-based headquarters, the new facility will house Primary Arms Optics and provide additional warehousing for product category expansion. The move will more than double Primary Arms’ available square footage, opening new opportunities across its optics, retail and government business units.
Primary Arms currently offers a selection of over 13,000 tactical products. With the new space, Primary Arms can broaden its selection, offering a wider arrangement for firearms, gear, apparel, hunting, outdoors and more.
Following with this milestone, Primary Arms announced an extension of its executive leadership, leading with the appointment of Max Cowsert into the new position of chief merchandising officer. Cowsert joined Primary Arms in 2013.
“Our success has been driven by a merchandise strategy focused on a product assortment to match our customers’ needs, and a commitment to customer service — two things that often get lost as a company grows. Max has been tasked with not only maintaining, but taking these critical areas to the next level,” said Marshall Lerner, Primary Arms founder and CEO.
With Cowsert leading merchandising operations, Primary Arms will soon seek candidates for the chief operating officer position to maintain the company’s pace and high service level.
S&W M&P M2.0 Selected By Mass. Police
Smith & Wesson Inc. announced the Massachusetts State Police has upgraded its first-generation M&P45 former duty pistol to the M&P45 M2.0 pistol. Smith & Wesson will provide over 2,500 pistols as part of this transition, each featuring the agency’s official shield lasered onto the top of the slide.
“The new M&P M2.0, with its aggressive texturing and tactile trigger reset, provides our home state law enforcement with the ultimate in reliability and dependability. This upgrade to the M&P45 M2.0 should carry the Massachusetts State Police through many years of service,” said Matthew Fehmel, senior director of global professional and international sales.
The M&P M2.0 comes with four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts and a light, crisp M2.0 trigger with an audible reset. The pistol features a molded polymer frame designed for comfort and durability, as well as the optimal M&P pistol 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim. Chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 Auto, the M&P M2.0 pistol is available in full-size, compact and subcompact versions.
Staccato 2011 Launches New Website
Staccato 2011 has launched a redesigned website to better meet the needs of its diverse range of customers.
“Today’s relaunch serves as a testament of our company’s dedication to innovation and continuous improvement,” said Nate Horvath, Staccato CEO. “In 2020, we renamed our company to Staccato [formerly STI International] and today’s website launch is another pivotal step in our rebranding efforts.”
Through its approachable, modern look, the website allows visitors to better understand how Staccato 2011 handguns help shooters of all skill levels shoot better.
Site visitors will enjoy browsing the six dedicated “Get Started” profile pages that help shooters understand Staccato’s 2011 platform and which models are best suited for their various backgrounds, preferences and experience levels.
The new website offers a highly visual experience with a focus on product education, including a page to compare models and insightful product descriptions throughout the site.
“It was also important we feature stories from our growing family of Staccato owners,” said Kristin Marlow, Staccato CMO. “From the law enforcement officer who helps keep one of our country’s largest cities safe to the father who owns a Staccato P as an extra line of defense for his home, we celebrate those who choose to protect and defend our American way of life.”
HeadHunters NW Relocates, Expands
HeadHunters NW, an executive recruiting firm focused on talent acquisition for the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry, announced the expansion of its operations. The company now has three additional staff members and a newly developed corporate headquarters that has relocated to Custer, S.D. A redesigned website and automation technology upgrades round out the expansion.
“We’re optimistic and fully prepared for the backed-up demand for excellent business leaders and professionals in the shooting industry. Owners, executives and HR managers in our marketplace have been inundated with everything from managing remote staff to raw material shortages and increased demand for products and talent of every kind,” said Shaylene Keiner, president of HeadHunters NW.
Keiner said the firm is utilizing AI in its talent management platform to provide customized mapping and analysis of skills, career progression and compensation.
The new website allows people to easily browse HeadHunters NW’s services, background and technology. The firm has added a blog, podcast, career navigation services and social media links.
“By investing in the future of HeadHunters NW, we’re prepared to deliver the most outstanding service the shooting industry has ever seen from a recruiting firm,” Keiner added.
MKS Supply Updates First Time Gun Buyer Website
MKS Supply has expanded FirstTimeGunBuyer.com, its resource for Americans considering purchasing a firearm for the first time, or those who have previously acquired a firearm, but seek straightforward information and guidance on the next steps to take.
The company updated the online resource in response to the increased number of new gun owners in the country over the last year. New firearm owners are comprised of both recreational shooters and citizens wanting to protect themselves and their families during uncertain and volatile times.
FirstTimeGunBuyer.com offers a wealth of information that takes site visitors from, “Do I want to own a firearm?” to “How do I learn to safely use my firearm?” and everything in-between.
Topics covered on the site include: important things to consider before buying a gun; the basics of firearm safety; detailed FAQ section of common questions; easy-to-understand overview of different firearm types; breakdown of proper firearm terminology; discussion of ammunition types; links to helpful resources and more.
Through FirstTimeGunBuyer.com, site visitors gain the foundational information they need to ask the right questions of their local FFL dealers, and to feel confident acquiring a firearm for defensive or sporting purposes. The site also helps retailers guide customers to becoming safe and responsible gun owners.
MKS Supply is the exclusive distributor for BarnauL Ammunition and firearms brands Hi-Point Firearms and Inland Manufacturing.
Range Systems Provides Equipment For SIG SAUER
Range Systems announced its selection as the range equipment provider for the new, state-of-the-art, 30-lane, indoor range of the SIG SAUER Experience Center. The center is located on the grounds of the SIG SAUER Academy in Epping, N.H.
Range Systems will provide a complete range-solution package to the academy. It includes Fortress custom lane dividers; patented Dura-Panel, ballistic, rubber sidewall protection; Caliber electronic target-retrieval systems; ProTacts bullet encapsulating baffles and safety ceilings.
SIG SAUER also will utilize the Range Systems Range Expander 180 to provide tactical training within the indoor range. Range Expander 180 is a 180-degree, downrange, tactical firearms training system, constructed from a 3/8″ AR500 steel plate covered with patented Dura-Panel ballistic rubber. The sidewalls allow for downrange, close-quarters combat training. Shooters can employ 180-degree firing angles and tactical move-and-shoot drills, even at point-blank distances.
“We are honored to partner with SIG in bringing a state-of-the-art, indoor gun range to their legion of customers, trainers and operators.
This new SIG SAUER Experience Center will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for its users,” said Joe Bricko, Range Systems director of sales.
/ range-systems.com / sigsauer.com
Editor’s Note: Image above is a rendered concept drawing and subject to change.
Bangers LP Becomes Iron Valley Supply Co.
Bangers LP, distributor of shooting sports products and outdoor recreational sporting goods, announced it has rebranded as Iron Valley Supply Co.
The new name reflects the company’s nearly 100-year heritage as a wholesale distributor in the Iron Valley region of Alabama. It is also meant to project a more modern image, signifying the company’s future while honoring its past. Bangers LP was founded in 1923 in Birmingham, Ala.
While Iron Valley Supply has mainly served independent shooting sports dealers in the Southeastern U.S., the company set its sights in early 2020 on meeting the needs of a broader network of sporting goods retail outlets nationwide, including medium-sized and larger, full-line, outdoor sports retailers.
“This new brand not only represents the region’s unique history, but also marks a tribute to the men and women who are the fabric of this area and helped to build this great company. We look forward to growing Iron Valley Supply Co. into the premier ‘Adventure Culture’s Storehouse’ as we implement new technology, diversify our product lines and continue our expansion across the U.S.,” said Brent Wouters, CEO of Iron Valley Supply Co.
Utilizing today’s most advanced information systems, marketing content development and warehouse automation, Iron Valley Supply Co. aims to deliver an enhanced customer experience, as well as intensify brand exposure for the vendors and product lines it represents. Currently, that’s over 150 shooting and outdoor sports brands.
/ ironvalleysupply.com
HatsanUSA Announces Top 2020 Sales Group, Sales Rep
HatsanUSA, exclusive distributor of Hatsan airguns and Escort firearms, announced Donaldson & Associates is its 2020 Sales Group of the Year. The Donaldson team represents HatsanUSA’s line of Escort shotguns and performance airguns in the Midwest and Upper Midwest states.
HatsanUSA selected Donaldson based on the agency’s performance in promoting the Hatsan brand, maintaining and acquiring customers, and doing both with professionalism and responsiveness.
Donaldson & Associates consists of principals Greg Gershon and Dan Rogers, and its sales force of Adam Gershon, Shannon Shipley, John Eberhart, Chuck McGannon and Kody Johnson.
“The Donaldson agency was HatsanUSA’s first sales group when the company was founded 10 years ago, and it has been a pleasure to work with such a professional group,” said Blaine Manifold, CEO and president of HatsanUSA.
HatsanUSA additionally announced Tim Verner of the Don Coffey Co. — Southeast has been named its 2020 Sales Rep of the Year. Verner received the award “in recognition of his excellent communication, tireless dedication and overall sales success, via current and new customers.”
“Tim aggressively seized opportunities and got placement ahead of the curve, which gave us great confidence in our 2020 products, pricing and programs,” Manifold said. “As a result, we knew early on we were going to have a good year, even before the gun sales spike occurred.”
Hunt Like A Girl’s mission is to empower women with confidence, giving them
opportunities to experience nature while helping them put food on the table.
Shoot Like A Girl Adds Hunt Like A Girl Program
Shoot Like A Girl is taking its mission to the next level, which now includes the Hunt Like A Girl program, aimed at exposing more women to hunting in a fun, safe and encouraging environment.
With help from corporate sponsors, Shoot Like A Girl is giving women an opportunity to experience hunting with knowledgeable guidance from an all-female staff.
“Hunting is a natural progression of shooting sports, and this program empowers women with confidence by taking them into the field to experience nature and, ultimately, put food on the table for themselves and their families,” said Karen Butler, founder and president of Shoot Like A Girl.
Hunt Like A Girl has introduced new hunters to the field through several, unique hunting experiences thus far.
In April, the program partnered with Bass Pro Shops to host an exclusive “club experience” turkey hunt. In May, Beretta USA participated in a guided Kansas turkey hunt with an all-female team. More recently, Hunt Like A Girl organized a Texas turkey hunt that included leaders from TrueTimber, Upper Canyon Outfitters and Shoot Like A Girl.
Throughout all the hunts, women used products from several partners including, TrueTimber, Walker’s, Beretta, Mossberg, Savage Arms, Federal, LaCrosse Footwear and Primos.
A number of other hunts are planned for the remainder of the year, with more on the horizon for 2022 and beyond. As Hunt Like A Girl grows, more corporate sponsors will have the opportunity to participate in the program.
“Being able to guide these women in their early hunting experiences helps plant the seed for the next generation to get into the field and take on hunting themselves,” said Christa Forrester, Shoot Like A Girl chief of staff.
In the premiere video of SilencerCo’s “American Gun“ series, real estate
professional JoAnna shared why she decided to carry concealed: “It’s
not a weapon against someone; it’s protection for myself.”
SilencerCo Video Campaign Reveals Diversity Of America’s Gun Owners
SilencerCo has launched “American Gun,” a series of videos featuring vastly different kinds of gun owners around America. The videos illustrate the commonality of firearms ownership among a broad spectrum of Americans.
Seeking to illustrate the true story of today’s American gun owner in a time when conversations surrounding firearms are highly contentious, “American Gun” is an intimate look at the foundations of American freedom. The videos focus on the right to bear arms and the diversity among those who support the Second Amendment across this country.
The first video in the series, “American Gun: The Realtor,” was released July 14. Additional videos are following on a monthly basis.
In the premiere video, JoAnna, a single mother and real estate professional from North Carolina, tells SilencerCo she was motivated to carry concealed by a wave of rape incidents among real estate agents in her area.
“It’s not a weapon against someone; it’s protection for myself,” JoAnna said.
Each video in the “American Gun” series will showcase a different perspective from an individual who has made firearms a part of life. Desiring more authenticity, SilencerCo used film rather than digital photography for the still shots included in the project.
“Still photography in the modern day has become synonymous with deception — digital manipulations meant to appear grander than reality,” said Jace LeRoy, photographer and media director at SilencerCo. “‘American Gun’ is all about the truthful depiction of the typical gun owner in America, and capturing their images on film will give the audience a closer look into their lives in a way they are not used to seeing.”
The videos will be featured on SilencerCo’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. They are meant to be shared and re-shared, sparking an honest conversation surrounding firearms.
Streamlight Pink Strion
Streamlight Continues Support Of Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Streamlight Inc., provider of high-performance lighting equipment, announced its latest donation of $22,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a not-for-profit organization seeking to prevent and cure breast cancer. This marks the 13th year the company has supported the foundation.
Each year, Streamlight donates the proceeds from sales of its pink Nano Light keychain light, pink Siege AA ultra-compact lantern and pink Strion LED tactical light to the BCRF. The company donates $1, $2 and $5, respectively, for each of the lights sold during the
fundraising period.
“Our commitment to the BCRF is steadfast, as we count a number of Streamlight employees among those who are breast cancer survivors,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight VP of sales and marketing.
According to 2021 BCRF estimates, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. More than 43,000 women and 500 men will likely die from the disease this year. Because of research conducted by organizations like BCRF, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 41% since 1989.
The BCRF is the highest-rated breast cancer research oganization in the U.S. Since its founding in 1993, the organization has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivorship and metastasis. It is among the largest non-governmental funders of breast cancer research in the world.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
Distribution
DuraMag has expanded its distribution with the inclusion of MSR Distribution.
Riton Optics announces AmChar and Lipsey’s as the latest wholesale distributors to carry its line of optics.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems has developed a distribution partnership with Hicks Inc. This expanded program includes many of the most popular HIVIZ products, including sight replacement systems for rifle, handgun and shotgun platforms.
Primary Arms now carries apparel from the Vertx Women’s Lifestyle Collection, backed by next-day shipping.
Tactical Gear Distributors has added DPMS Panther Products, including firearms, upper and lower receivers and gun accessories.
Camfour announces the addition of EOTECH to its vendor lineup.
Davidson’s has added Exothermic Technologies to its product lines. The Pulsefire LRT flamethrower is the initial SKU being offered.
Sales Representation
Outtech Inc. has announced partnerships with Ani-Logics Outdoors, German Precision Optics USA and B3 Archery. Outtech will represent each brand across multiple channels nationwide.
International Case Company, exclusive distributor for Negrini of Italy, has partnered with John Swartz of JMS Enterprises Inc. (JMSEI) for full sales representation in the Southwestern U.S. JMSEI will also represent SeaRun cases.
Elite Survival Systems has partnered with PMI-Max for sales representation in nine Midwestern states and Tim Bailey & Associates in the TALO states.
PR & Marketing
Work Sharp has named Sinclair Communications as its public relations agency of record to help guide the company’s media relations efforts.
Active Outdoors has chosen Providence Marketing Group (PMG) as its agency of record. PMG will engage in media planning, social media, creative design and public relations.
ThermaSeat has renewed its partnership with RubLine Marketing. The outdoor marketing agency will continue to manage branding and marketing efforts for ThermaSeat’s seat cushions and other outdoor products.
