ATA, Partners Help Restore Funding for Archery and Hunter Ed

With Archery Trade Association support and the help of ATA members and partners, the Senate recently passed the “Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act” (H.R. 5110) one day after it passed the House of Representatives. The bill is headed to the President’s desk for signature and will amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, allowing schools to use federal funds for archery and hunter education programs.

“It’s absolutely astonishing that Congress was able to move something so quickly through the legislative system,” said Dan Forster, ATA’s vice president and chief conservation officer. “The speed and prioritization of this bill speaks volumes to the solidarity of the issue. It’s apparent people see the value of archery and hunter education in school programs. We look forward to seeing funding restored for these valuable programs.” 

H.R. 5110 was introduced on August 1 in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mark Green to counteract the U.S. Department of Education’s misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which passed in June 2022, and inaccurately deemed archery (such as NASP) and other education programs ineligible for federal education funding. 

Over the past two months, the ATA and its partners worked to elevate and push back on the unintended impact from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The ATA also assembled its members through its Action Alert System and encouraged them to take action. These cumulative efforts helped congressmen and women overwhelmingly pass the bill with a 424-1 vote in the House. The ATA thanks its members and partners for their support. 

If you have questions, contact Dan Forster, ATA’s vice president and chief conservation officer, at (507) 233-8143 or danforster@archerytrade.org.

Arcus Hunting Adds Three Key Positions in Sales and Product Management

Arcus Hunting, the platform that manufactures and markets brands including Tink’s, Dead Down Wind, Ramcat Broadheads, Trophy Taker and Rack One, has announced the appointment of Cory Utley to lead sales and customer service as the vice president of sales. Ryan Ripp has been hired to help manage several key regions and accounts as the director of sales, and Bill Wilson has been hired to lead the product team as the category manager.

Cory Utley joins Arcus with a strong background in the outdoor space and was most recently director of sales for American Outdoor Brands. He is charged with driving top line sales, increasing customer collaboration, and continuing to drive improved order management processes. Ryan Ripp comes to Arcus with a background as a merchant, buyer, and sales manager from companies including Pradco Outdoor Brands and Plano Synergy. Increasing market share and helping retail partners to continue to have above average category performance will be some of the many things Ryan will focus on. Bill Wilson joins the company with a background in merchandising, product, sales, and general management. He will manage product performance, category direction, and consumer trends.

“Cory, Ryan, and Bill have great strengths that play off of each other nicely. Most importantly, they bring a team approach based on accountability, and that will help Arcus Hunting reach the next level,” said Arcus President and CEO Jody Agnew. “They are seasoned leaders with significant experience in the hunting categories and their experience, combined with their passion, will help us maintain and grow our leadership position in both market share and innovation. We are lucky to have all three of them join the team.”

For more information, contact Arcus Hunting at marketing@arcushunting.com or visit www.arcushunting.com.

ATA Show Registration Outpacing Last Year

Retailer registration continues to increase for the 2024 ATA Show, with numbers outpacing this time last year. The industry’s largest celebration of archery and bowhunting will take place in St. Louis Jan. 11-13, 2024.

More than 400 different brands have already registered to showcase their products and meet with customers, which is also outpacing last year’s numbers.

“After a 21% increase in attendance last year, we are excited to see our registration numbers continue to climb,” said ATA President and CEO Jeff Poole. “The face-to-face business environment continues to be an invaluable part of this industry, and the ATA Show is one place that brings more archery buyers and sellers together than any other event.”

All ATA-member retailers who register for the Show and book their room in the ATA hotel block will receive a $150 credit on their bill thanks to the ATA’s “First Night’s on Us” promotion in partnership with Explore St. Louis. The ATA has also secured reduced parking rates ranging from 10% to 30% off for all hotel guests staying at one of the hotels in the official ATA block.

The Big Buck Tag coupon books are returning this year, offering exclusive deals from manufacturers and thousands of dollars in savings dealers can only get by being there. All attendees at the Show will also receive a goodie bag that includes quality products and samples.

ATA’s Industry Celebration, presented by Mossy Oak, will be expanded and invigorated with a buffet dinner, new industry awards and more. The networking event of the year allows Show-goers to unwind with friends after a big first day and enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment.

Retailers can take advantage of a variety of educational opportunities at the Show to enhance their business, including becoming an ATA Certified Bow Technician. The Masterclass series is now free for those that attend the Show and includes industry experts speaking on business, coaching, marketing and bow technician tips specific to retailers. Level 1, 2 and 3 archery coach certifications are also available at a special price just for attendees.

The floor plan continues to fill with exhibitors and is updated in real-time. Find out who’s already made plans to showcase their products here. To register for the Show, click here.

For registration questions, please contact Sarah Haala, Trade Show coordinator, at sarahhaala@archerytrade.org or 507-233-8130.

USA Archery Receives USOPC Rings of Gold Program Award

USA Archery recently received the prestigious Rings of Gold Program Award, which was presented at the 2023 Olympic & Paralympic Assembly held in Los Angeles, California.

Introduced in 1996, the Rings of Gold awards are given out annually to an individual or a program that is dedicated to helping children develop their Olympic or Paralympic dreams and reach their highest athletic and personal potential.

The Rings of Gold Program Award honors those programs committed to nurturing and developing the Olympic and Paralympic dreams and goals of children, teaching America’s youth valuable life skills, in addition to making a positive impact in their community.

USA Archery received the Rings of Gold Program Award for Explore Archery, which was launched in 2014. Its aim was to serve as a foundation for the development of community-based archery programs nationwide, and to grow a new generation of archers, and Olympic, Paralympic and world championship hopefuls at the grassroots level.

“We are thrilled to honor Explore Archery with the 2023 Rings of Gold Award,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO. “Over the years, USA Archery’s program has introduced thousands across the U.S. to the sport of archery, teaching children and people of all ages and abilities Olympic and Paralympic values. We thank USA Archery for continuing to inspire Olympic and Paralympic dreams through its programming.”

Explore Archery is an innovative education program which introduces archery to beginners of all ages and abilities. The program includes low-cost, turnkey programming options that offer a comprehensive Instructor's Guide, including a full curriculum packed with classroom activities, and award and games components.

The program's unique skill-based achievement awards allow archers to earn awards through active participation in individual and team-building activities. It also provides resources to help instructors understand how to adapt existing programs to include archers of all abilities and provide education and instruction on assistive devices and other simple adaptations to make the sport inclusive of all.

As the program has grown, it has expanded to offer equipment and training grants to organizations in an effort to reach more diverse communities. Through growing partnerships with over 350 local recreation and parks departments, multi-sport organizations and archery clubs, more than 35,000 archers have been introduced to the sport through Explore Archery.

“USA Archery is honored to receive the Rings of Gold program award for the Explore Archery program,” commented Mary Emmons, chief of sport performance and operations for USA Archery. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of USA Archery staff, countless instructors and partners who have made this program a resounding success.”