Author: Adam Back

Lafayette, Louisiana – Gray Man Tactical™ is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the NSSF SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas, NV. The rigid MOLLE panel made in the USA [RMP] The Gray Man Tactical™ is the #1 storage and carry product on the market.

Be sure to stop by the booth to make the Gray Man Tactical™ part of your SHOT Show 2023 experience, located at Venetian Level 1, Booth #42928.

Founded in 2014, Gray Man Tactical™ has quickly established itself as the benchmark for MOLLE panel storage and carry on the market. This product is perfect for military, police, first responders, and nature lovers.

SHOT Show is the premier event for the shooting and firearms industry, bringing together industry professionals and the latest products. Gray Man Tactical ™ is pleased to join the other exhibitors in the industry, showcasing his products and expertise to all attendees.

At SHOT Show 2023, Guests Can Learn All About Gray Man Tactical™ Rigid MOLLE Panel [RMP]included:

• Perfect fit in any vehicle, pack or wall.
• Usable in any environment
• Available in variety of sizes
• durable construction
• Quick and easy installation

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GMT™ Guarantee:

Gray Man Tactical™ warrants its products against defects in workmanship and materials. If you have a defective product, we will gladly replace it at no cost to you. This does not apply to third party products.

About GMT™:

In 2012, Paul Capdepon lived in an area where he preferred that the contents of his personal computer not be known. He carried a nondescript commuter-style backpack and wanted the ability to organize EDC-type gear. Not finding a suitable option, Paul decided to adapt the traditional MOLLE style mesh and designed the first ever Rigid MOLLE Panel™ to insert into any backpack with a 15″ laptop sleeve.

After receiving interest in the Rigid MOLLE Panel™ that Paul had made for his own gear, he decided to launch a basic website in 2014 to start selling them. Paul worked with local fabricators in his home state of Louisiana as demand to expand the RMP™ range of sizes increased rapidly. GMT™ has undergone extensive testing and evaluation under the most adverse and demanding conditions. GMT™ then incorporated customer feedback to optimize performance in creating a trusted organizational platform.

Since then, the RMP Series™ has been used by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, specifically the DOS, DOJ, DHS, FBI, USMS, USBP, NYPD, and LAPD for the US Armed Forces, including the US Army, USAF, USN, USMC, USCG, and USSOCOM, with deployment to assigned missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and surrounding areas of operation. As a result, the RMP Series™ has produced over 1,000 five-star reviews in our efforts to make critical equipment quickly accessible.

Our ongoing passion is serving prepared citizens, outdoorsmen, law enforcement, first responders, and Armed Forces communities, and we look forward to continuing to build teams that enable them to perform at the highest level.

For more information please visit:
www.greymantactical.com

The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to present its 2022 Conservation Awards that recognize significant contributions to the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and game. Winners have been named in the following six categories.

Hunting Heritage Award

Recognizing significant contributions to our hunting heritage with the potential to have lasting impacts for current and future generations of hunters, the NDA is proud to name the Pennsylvania Game Commission a recipient of the 2022 Hunting Heritage Award. The award recognizes the PGC association in creating a new Field to Fork coordinator position. The position, funded through PGC, will oversee the NDA’s Field to Fork expansion, adult food-focused hunting apprenticeship programs, and other Recruit, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) initiatives. Read more about this award here.

Professional Deer Manager of the Year

For his significant on-the-ground contributions to deer and deer hunting through education, research, and stewardship on public and private lands, the NDA is pleased to name Jim Heffelfinger, Wildlife Science Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Fish and Game, as their 2022 NDA Professional. Deer Manager of the Year Award Winner. Read more about this award here.

Deer Manager of the Year

This award is given to an individual or individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the sound management of deer habitat and wildlife populations. Heartland Bowhunter, the Kansas City, Missouri outdoor video production company, receives the 2022 NDA Deer Manager of the Year award. Read more about this award winner here.

Agency of the Year

Wildlife agencies receiving this award have a track record of innovative and progressive deer management, initiating positive change through science, regulation, and hunter engagement. NDA is pleased to recognize the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife as its 2022 Agency of the Year. Read more about the agency’s work here.

Signpost Communicator of the Year Award

Named for the organization’s first newsletter, the Signpost Award is given to an outdoor communicator who shares accurate information with deer hunters, works to ensure a strong future for whitetails, and supports the NDA and its mission. . Alex Robinson of Minnesota, editor-in-chief of Outdoor Life, is the 2022 recipient. Learn more about Robinson and the award here.

Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award

The NDA is pleased to announce that Dr. Steve Demarais of the Mississippi State University Deer Lab has received the NDA’s 2022 Joe Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. Through his research and various media platforms, Demarais has educated hundreds of thousands of people about deer management around the world. Learn more about this award here.

Join the NDA and support their mission today, or sign up for their free email newsletter to receive the latest on deer hunting and management at DeerAssociation.com

About the National Deer Association

The National Deer Association is the leading nonprofit deer conservation group, working to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and game. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-standing successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 40-year effort that has changed deer management to improve hunting and protect America’s most vital and admired game species. North America for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Remington Ammunition is proud to announce that Core-Lokt Tipped has been awarded american rifleman2023 Golden Bullseye Award for Ammunition Product of the Year. Core-Lokt Tipped is officially hunter approved along with the original Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods, Core-Lokt.

For generations, American hunters have trusted Core-Lokt to put meat on the table and mounts on the wall. As the new choice for seasoned hunters, Core-Lokt Tipped brings even more precision and advanced technology to the table. The Big Green Tip and new boat tail offer excellent flight aerodynamics and accuracy at extended ranges, creating the latest evolution in big game ammunition.

“We are honored that american rifleman has chosen Core-Lokt Tipped as Ammunition Product of the Year,” said Jason Vanderbrink, president of Remington Ammunition. “Generations of hunters have trusted the deadliest mushroom in the woods, and Remington is pleased to extend this tradition with new technology.”

Each year, NRA Publications’ Golden Bullseye Awards recognize the best products available in the outdoor industry. The awards are selected by a seven-member committee comprised of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff. 2023 serves as the 21st^st year of the esteemed Golden Bullseye Awards.

Golden Bullseye Award winners will be recognized at the 2023 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Find Remington ammunition at dealers across the country and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

KastKing Announces Additions to Professional Staff

2023 marks the tenth anniversary of KastKing. KastKing, a leading manufacturer of rod, reel, line and tackle accessories, sells fishing tackle around the world through a variety of supply chains. With affordable innovation, inventive designs, and fresh concepts, this manufacturer has established itself as a powerhouse in the fishing tackle industry.

“Today, I am proud to announce the addition of two Bass Pro Tour MLF Fishing Pros to the KastKing team with the signing of my old friend Skeet Reese and a new friend, James Elam. Both professional anglers bring incredible talent, passion and credibility to our brand,” said Al Noraker, President of KastKing USA.

“Both anglers signify the quality and technology that KastKing brings to anglers of all skill levels as they strive to win at every level, whether it be on the bass tournament circuit or simply enjoying the sport of fishing,” he added.

Skeet Reese has one of the most successful careers in bass fishing history. Skeet is a native of Northern California and is one of the few anglers to have earned Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year and Bassmaster Classic titles.

“I am excited to join the KastKing team. I love that they are a 10 year old company that has gone against what the big traditional brands have done. They have their own team of engineers developing their designs. KastKing started from scratch creating great products at affordable prices,” Reese explained.

“What impressed me is the combination of high quality and affordable prices. The quality is better than I have seen in many fishing products, so I would expect the price to be two to three times what they are. Comparable brands are in the $300 and $400 range, but you are often looking for comparable quality but at a median price of $100,” Reese added.

Reese will be fishing the entire line of KastKing reels; however, KastKing Speed ​​Demon Deadbolt and KastKing Speed ​​Demon Elite really impress him.

“One reel that is driving me crazy is the Deadbolt! It’s so simple; it makes perfect sense to pop a frog or hit. Why have extra parts on a reel you don’t use? It simplifies fishing,” Reese said.

The Speed ​​Demon Deadbolt Baitcasting Reels were designed to eliminate the frustrations anglers had with their slipping drag when fishing heavy cover by eliminating drag. Rotation allows for powerful, slip-free hook sets.

“Speed ​​equals efficiency. That’s where the Speed ​​Demon reels work. You waste no time putting the bait back in the boat. At the end of the day, if I get an extra 40-50 casts, it can make all the difference,” Reese said.

A former Bassmaster Elite and Open champion, Elam joined the Major League Bass Pro Tour circuit four years ago. He will be fishing for REDCREST from Major League Fishing, the Sea Bass Professional Fishing World Championship, at Lake Norman in North Carolina this March, where he will be fishing KastKing rods and reels.

Elam’s go-to rod series is the KastKing Orange Speed ​​Demon Pro Tournament series. “There is a rod for every application a bass angler might need,” Elam said. “Usually you will see me with a Speed ​​Demon Pro Tournament Series and a Speed ​​Demon Elite reel in 10.5:1 and 8.6:1 gear ratios, but there are several different reels I use for different applications,” added Elam. He uses the KastKing Bassinator Elite reel for slower applications, especially in the slower 6.6:1 gear ratio. “When I need a smaller reel that casts light baits extremely well and can really spark, I love the KastKing Kestrel Elite Magnesium Frame: BFS,” he added.

“I am excited to be on the KastKing team! I am especially impressed by the affordability of all KastKing products. When fishing for bass, it’s easy to have a lot of money wrapped up in a few products, but with KastKing, you can have a wide variety and combinations on your boat at an affordable price. They have made innovation affordable for the bass pro and weekend bass warrior alike,” Elam said.

“I hope that both Skeet and James will encourage us to continue our growth and develop new, cutting-edge technology that helps them win at the highest level. We welcome your requirement to be the best at everything we do as it will push KastKing even further to continue to develop the highest quality and most innovative products available to anglers. I look forward to 2023 and beyond. I will be their biggest cheerleader as they continue their quest to win,” Noraker said.

About KastKing:

Founded in 2013, KastKing had a vision of producing quality products designed by anglers for anglers and delivered directly to the consumer at affordable prices. True to that vision, KastKing products are developed through input from the fishing community and go directly to the manufacturing plant. This reverse formula from manufacturer to consumer introduces cutting edge features into the new products that anglers want and need. The brand has gained popularity with anglers by offering affordable innovation through in-house engineering, allowing KastKing to offer never-before-seen technology at truly extraordinary prices. Ten years later, KastKing products have been sold in more than 60 countries around the world through a variety of supply chains. Originally, KastKing products were only available online, but consumers can now find their favorite products in a growing number of retail stores. To learn more about KastKing and KastKing products, please visit our website at kastking.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

ARGO, manufacturer of ATVs, SxS, UTVs and a world leader in amphibious extreme terrain vehicles (XTVs), has been taking advantage of Minnesota’s frozen tundra this winter.

Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, boasting an all-time low of -60°F (-51°C) and an all-time high of 115°F (46°C), making it the testing ground perfect for the new Atlas EV from ARGO. Amphibious XTV.

Based at their Thief River Falls, Minnesota facility, ARGO engineers were busy testing the Atlas EV in cold climates over the holiday season.

Testing the 48V system; battery life, runtimes and indicator functionality are just a few of the performance evaluations conducted in temperatures that have hit lows of -24°F (-31°C) so far this season .

Overall performance continues to impress in some of the toughest conditions like the ARGO E-Steer^TM The transmission hasn’t missed a beat and continues to work flawlessly with progressive manoeuvres.

Having more than 12 in (30 cm) of ice on the lakes meant amphibious testing would have to wait until spring. However, the feeling of floating was achieved by crossing the ice, proving once again that the ARGO XTVs are a true “go anywhere” machine.

For more information on the new Atlas EV XTV and all the new 2023 ARGO products, visit ARGOxtv.com

About ARGO
ARGO has been the world leader in amphibious Xtreme Terrain Vehicles (XTV) since 1967. ARGO markets its XTV, ATV, SXS and UTV products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada and through dealers representing the distributors in Europe, South America. , Middle East, Asia and other international markets.

Popular online waterfowl hunting content creator continues to grow

With a presence on all major social media platforms, Campus Waterfowl showcases the lifestyle of college waterfowl hunters and shows the outdoor industry that these students are not to be overlooked.

Established in 2014 by outdoor media writer and television host Jason Cruise, Campus Waterfowl, the largest digital community dedicated to college waterfowl hunters, officially became part of Ducks Unlimited in June 2021.

“Today’s college waterfowl hunters are tomorrow’s industry leaders and influencers, so partnering with them is absolutely essential to ensuring the future of wetland conservation,” said DU Brand Director Doug Barnes. “Campus Waterfowl has created a loyal and passionate community of college athletes. Ducks Unlimited’s acquisition of Campus Waterfowl is a natural progression in our ongoing R3 (recruit, retain, reactivate) efforts with the next generation of hunters and conservationists.”

Derek Christians, a graduate of South Dakota State University, was one of the first interns, along with Wesley Littlefield from Rogers State University and Logan Smith from Mississippi State University.

Over the years, Campus Waterfowl has become much more than just a social media page. The Christians realized that Campus Waterfowl was indirectly contributing to the R3 movement. In 2019, the Christians began the Collegiate Waterfowl Tour. In this YouTube video series, Campus Waterfowl travels to college campuses to capture and share the lifestyles and stories of a group of college waterfowl hunters.

“Each stop on the tour is an opportunity to shed light on what life is like for college-age waterfowl hunters. You can see everything that goes into a hunt,” Christians said. “You see how this passion for waterfowl extends beyond the field into conservation efforts in their local communities.”

During the most recent Collegiate Waterfowl Tour, Christians met students from across the Midwest, including DU college volunteers and DU staff. Christians is familiar with DU’s Ducks University program from volunteering with its university chapter and knew that both organizations had a similar purpose. They both knew the importance of the R3 movement and its role in growing the college audience.

Today, Campus Waterfowl remains a place where college waterfowl aficionados can share their stories with the entire outdoor industry, learn from other like-minded hunters, and connect with students from across the country.

The Collegiate Waterfowl Tour continues to be the featured video series on Campus Waterfowl.

During the 2021-2022 waterfowl hunting season, Campus Waterfowl traveled to 12 universities across the country, including Texas A&M University, Lake Superior State University, the University of Mississippi and more. Campus Waterfowl has a total of 220,000 followers/subscribers and has amassed over 5.2 million views in the last year.

Watch Campus Waterfowl on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/CampusWaterfowl.

Listen to DU’s podcast on campus waterfowl here.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world‘North America’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving vanishing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to the contributions of more than one million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of enough wetlands to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. For more information about our work, visit www.patos.org.

To support the sporting goods and law enforcement markets

Lyons Falls, New York: Otis Technology is pleased to announce a new sales partnership with Simpson Sales Company, Inc. This new partnership provides Otis Technology and Shooter’s Choice with additional sales support throughout the southeastern United States. They will represent Otis and Shooter’s Choice in the sporting goods market as well as the law enforcement market.

Simpson Sales Company is headquartered in Lawrenceville, GA and will cover distributors, big box stores, members of buying groups, and independent dealers on the sporting goods side, as well as state, local, and federal dealers and law enforcement agencies. They are made up of twelve sales professionals in ten states, plus a fully staffed office to support the sales team.

At the 2005 and 2007 SHOT Shows, Simpson Sales Company was recognized by NSSF and SHOT Business Magazine as Manufacturer Representation Agency of the Year for the Shooting Sports Industry. This award exemplifies the strength and drive of your sales force.

“We are delighted to work with Simpson and welcome them to the team. They are the best in their respective territories and are dedicated to selling the best brands of quality sporting goods and law enforcement gear,” says Kenda Campbell, Director of Commercial Sales for Otis Technology.

Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems and accessories available. Superior Breech-to-Muzzle® design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice for the US Military. Otis technology is CARE OF SMART GUNS.

Silencer Central, the largest silencer distributor in the United States, is proud to announce its attendance at the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Annual Convention & Expo as a Diamond Sponsor. From January 5-8, 2023, Silencer Central will showcase its innovative suppressors, including the new Banish Backcountry, in Dallas alongside exhibitors from around the world.

“We are excited to kick off another great year by introducing our products to an incredible group of hunters and conservationists at DSC Convention 2023,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “As a Diamond Sponsor of this event and a long-time supporter of DSC, we look forward to showing attendees the benefits of suppressing hunting and how it relates to compliance with their initiative.”

As one of the largest conservation fundraisers in the US, the DSC Convention features nearly 1,000 unique exhibitors filling nearly 2,000 exhibits and has generated millions of dollars for conservation efforts around the world. The organization is dedicated to ensuring wildlife conservation through public participation, education, and advocacy for well-regulated hunting and sustainable use. DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization funded by hunters from around the world.

“DSC and our team of DSC100 volunteers look forward to welcoming back the world’s top exhibitors and attendees to our annual convention here in Dallas,” said Brian Fienhold, director of operations and development for DSC and the DSC Foundation. “As a steadfast partner and diamond sponsor of our convention, Silencer Central continues to demonstrate its commitment not only to DSC, but also to conservation and our hunting heritage.”

Silencer Central delivers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. The consignment process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and allows customers to streamline their buying experience by removing unnecessary obstacles to muffler ownership.

Silencer Central is a proud sponsor of the 2023 DSC Convention mobile app, which allows attendees to stay informed on the latest event news and updates. Customers can purchase directly at the event venue at booth #4600 with Silencer Central representatives assisting throughout the purchasing process. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.

About Silencer Central:

Silencer Central began its illustrious journey in 2005 as South Dakota Silencer, an event-based company created with the goal of reaching the underserved sport shooting and hunting market by simplifying the silencer ownership process. It became the Dakota Silencer and was eventually renamed Silencer Central after expanding its streamlined process in August 2020 to all 42 states where silencers are legal. Ranked in the 2022 Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies, Silencer Central simplifies buying a silencer by managing the entire buying process for the consumer, providing a free NFA Gun Trust, offering interest-free payment options, and Shipped directly to your doorstep, once approved.

Innovative Gunsmith and the Firearms Regulatory Liability Coalition file a lawsuit holding key government officials accountable for arbitrary and capricious policies and decisions.

Franklin Armory, Inc., a leading US-based manufacturer of firearms and accessories, together with the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc. (FRAC), announced today that it has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the misclassification of firearms and regulatory delays by United States Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The Co-Plaintiff, FRAC, is a nonprofit organization that demands accountability, transparency, and fairness from those agencies that regulate firearms.

The case, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Merrick B. Garland, et al., seeks immediate enactment of the procedures and forms necessary to facilitate sales and transfers of Franklin Armory’s Reformation® line of firearms as required by law. The case also seeks immediate reclassification of Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ line of firearms pursuant to the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA).

The complaint centers on the ATF’s multi-year delay in developing the mechanisms necessary for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) to sell and transfer the Franklin Armory Reform, which the agency considers a subject firearm. to GCA but not subject to NFA. In one of its letters to the Franklin Armory, the ATF acknowledged that its classification created “a loophole in federal firearms regulations” that the agency would have to rectify immediately. As of the filing date of this case, more than 1,500 days have passed since the ATF classified the Reformation as a non-NFA firearm without implementing the required procedures.

The lawsuit further highlights the ATF’s arbitrary, capricious and meritless regulatory overreach regarding the misclassification of Franklin Armory’s Antithesis line of firearms as a “short barrel rifle” under the NFA and GCA. According to the filed complaint, and despite several additional voluntary submissions of widely popular Antithesis caliber and cartridge variations that Franklin Armory submitted for classification, ATF ignored numerous factors in its misclassification. According to the demand:

The Franklin Armory Antithesis is a new type of weapon that, in addition to firing a fixed cartridge with a single projectile, is designed and intended to fire cartridges that eject multiple projectiles. By classifying the Antithesis as a short-barreled rifle subject to the NFA and GCA, the ATF has loaded the weapon with illegal conditions that make it significantly more onerous for Franklin Armory to sell to the public.

“ATF’s Antithesis classification ignores the plain and clear language of the statute in favor of its own politically motivated interpretation, and its extraordinary delay in creating the procedures and forms necessary for the ATF series of firearms to Reform being sold off the market has caused Franklin Armory significant financial damage,” said Franklin Armory President Jay Jacobson. “We have spent years trying to resolve this matter without litigation. This lawsuit rightfully challenges the ATF’s egregious inaction and overreach, and seeks to ensure that not only Franklin Armory, but all members of the industry are treated fairly, accurately, and in accordance with the laws enacted by Congress.”

After many years of unsuccessful negotiations, the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Merrick B. Garland, et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Western Division of the District of North Dakota and names as defendants: Merrick B. Garland, in his official capacity, as Attorney General of the United States; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Steven Dettelbach, in his official capacity, as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Counsel for the plaintiffs is Washington-based Wiley Rein LLP.

Media inquiries should be directed to 775-783-4313 or [email protected]. For updates on this and other Franklin Armory news, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Franklin Armory®

Franklin Armory’s enduring mission is to safeguard the God-given right to protect self and property. From the “Battle Born” state of Nevada, the company designs and manufactures quality firearms, parts and accessories for sporting, defense and law enforcement applications. Highly adept at creating innovative products and using 100% American Made parts and materials, the people at Franklin Armory are true enablers of Freedom™. For more information, visit FranklinArmory.com.

About the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition

FRAC’s mission is to promote greater regulatory transparency in Washington and policies that support America’s small businesses and manufacturing jobs in the firearms industry. FRAC seeks to work with Congress and the Administration to develop a strong policy that encourages innovation in all firearms product lines. But the FRAC will take on the federal government when companies find themselves on the receiving end of arbitrary and unwritten enforcement actions that undermine a predictable business environment. For more information, visit FRACAction.com.

St. Croix Rod, craftsmen of Best Rods on Earth® for 75 years, is pleased to announce the hiring of Zack Dalton as Director of Fly Fishing Sales. Dalton brings 23 years of experience in the fly fishing business to his new position on St. Croix.

A lifelong fisherman, Dalton grew up in Idaho Falls with immediate access to world-class trout fishing. He entered the fly fishing industry as a manufacturing leader and customer service representative for RIO Products in 1998. His career at RIO would take him around the world, and Dalton’s authentic fly fishing skills earned him wide recognition. it spread to the kingdoms of rainbow trout, salmon, saltwater and beyond. Dalton was already an established authority and respected voice in the fly fishing industry when Far Bank Enterprises acquired RIO in 2005, at which time he remained on board and began managing sales of the RIO and Sage brands. He continued as the sales manager for all Far Bank brands until December 2021.

Now living in Poulsbo, Washington, Dalton, 44, begins the next chapter of his professional career with St. Croix Fly Fishing this week.

“I am extremely grateful for my many years at RIO and Far Bank,” says Dalton. “We have released many highly successful products over a number of years, and that goal, to bring new products to market that help fly anglers experience greater success and satisfaction, is truly what motivated me to join this exceptional team that St. Croix is ​​building. to re-establish his fly fishing record for the benefit of fishermen.”

St. Croix CEO Scott Forristall has deep roots in the fly fishing industry and has worked closely with Dalton in the past. “Zack briefed me during my own time at Far Bank,” says Forristall. “He is a student at the institution of fly fishing, sport and industry, and has proven instrumental in the company’s sales success, but he was also heavily involved and trained in product development. He had personal relationships with just about everyone in the business and was the best sales manager in the fly fishing industry at the time. I think he still is.

Forristall emphasizes that St. Croix is ​​serious about leveraging its research, technology, materials and manufacturing capabilities to provide fly anglers with exciting, inspiring and engaging new rod options to move forward with. “St. Croix has always been in the fly fishing market and was an important part of our portfolio for many years,” he says. “Our ability to design and build rods is second to none, and now we are assembling a team that I believe that will allow us to win and command a seat at the table in the fly rod market.”

Dalton points to many factors that make St. Croix a special company and a unique career opportunity. “There are 75 years of history and heritage here, which translates to so many personal stories and memories associated with the St. Croix brand on behalf of fly fishermen everywhere. There is also a very strong family culture that permeates the brand. Then, of course, there are the significant design and manufacturing capabilities of St. Croix, which, in my opinion, are unmatched in the industry. It all adds up to a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-engage with the fly fishing community, re-establish authentic relationships, and ultimately do the work that is going to earn the attention and respect of fly fishermen. I couldn’t be more excited.”

In his capacity as Director of Fly Fishing Sales, Dalton will work closely with St. Croix Vice President of Sales Steve Self as well as St. Croix Fly Fishing Brand Manager Tom Larimer to build relationships with a network of the best and most trusted fly fishing retailers in North America and eventually throughout the world.

“Zack’s skills, knowledge and humble personality have served him well, and it’s the same attributes that make him the best choice for this critical new position on St. Croix,” says Self. “He has earned respect in the fly fishing industry because he gives what he gets; He has built relationships of trust by being a good partner and advocate for the community, both the fishermen and the trade. We know we have a lot of work ahead of us, but success in any job starts with the people who are given the task, and we have worked very hard and invested the necessary resources to build the best team possible. Zack now has the responsibility to carry out that role and cement the relationships that will expand the St. Croix Fly Fishing family to include our critical retail partners.”

Larimer agrees. “I have known Zack for years, but only as a fierce competitor. Watching his leadership from a distance, I’ve always admired his approach to his game. In my opinion, there is no one better equipped to lead the sales team as St. Croix reinvents the flying side of our business. In addition to his primary role in solidifying and supporting our retail presence, Zack’s significant experience in developing fly fishing products will add tremendous value to our overall go-to-market strategy. There is a surge under this brand: tangible energy building internally as we continue to execute on our new direction and test prototypes that will challenge the market. With Zack joining the team, that momentum reached light speed.”

About Santa Cruz rod
Based in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix has proudly produced the “World’s Best Rods” for 75 years. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes with skilled labor, St. Croix is ​​the only major producer that still builds rods completely from design to fabrication. The company remains family-owned and operates duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With popular trademarked series like Legend®, Legend Xtreme®, Avid®, Premier®, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is ​​revered by all types of anglers around the world.