Hunter Nation is a non-profit organization committed to wildlife conservation, multi-use public lands, and educating state and national legislators on the vital role hunting plays in America’s wildlife management and conservation systems. Recently, the group selected Mark DeYoung (above) as CEO.

“Mark is a proven and respected leader within the shooting sports, outdoor recreation, and conservation communities,” said Hunter Nation Co-Founder Keith Mark. “In addition to creating and leading one of the largest outdoor companies, he also served as chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and chairman of the Wildlife Management Institute. Mark also served on the board of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the board of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturing Institute. We are very pleased that he has agreed to lead Hunter Nation.” 

Prior to his appointment as CEO of Hunter Nation, DeYoung was chairman and CEO of Vista Outdoor, a global shooting sports and outdoor recreation company with brands such as Federal Cartridge, Bushnell and Savage. Prior to leading Vista Outdoor, he served as CEO of ATK, a premier sporting, defense and aerospace company.

DeYoung is ready to get to work: “I am honored to help lead this organization and excited about Hunter Nation’s potential to enhance the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, protect the rights of all hunters, and improve collaboration among hunting and conservation organizations. Hunters fund the vast majority of all wildlife conservation efforts and Hunter Nation will provide a powerful voice for all hunters.”

Hunter Nation Advisory Board Member Ted Nugent said, “Mark DeYoung is the perfect person to lead Hunter Nation. You would be hard pressed to find anyone with a better understanding of the hunting industry and hunting lifestyle than Mark. Plus, he exemplifies the basic principles of Hunter Nation: God, Family, Country, Hunting and Conservation.” 

“Mark has been a warrior in his defense of hunting rights for decades,” said Mark Geist, Benghazi hero and Hunter Nation Advisory Board Member. “His leadership will be critical in the ongoing battle to protect our hunting heritage.”

DeYoung holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Weber State University where he was later presented an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. He earned his MBA from Westminster College, where he also served as an adjunct faculty member and was awarded the school’s prestigious Adjunct Professor of the Year Award.

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