GSM Outdoors Acquires Skull Hooker

GSM Outdoors, a multi-brand manufacturer and technology innovator of specialized hunting and shooting gear, has acquired Skull Hooker.

Since 2009, Skull Hooker has designed rugged, easy-to-install mounting systems to help hunters showcase their trophy game animals (photo above).

"Skull Hooker has a strong reputation as being the best product in its class and offering a first-rate consumer experience,” said GSM Outdoors CEO Eddie Castro. “We look forward to developing many new and innovative hanging brackets, as well as improving existing product lines. Skull Hooker is a welcomed addition to the GSM family of brands."

QDMA and NDA to Become a Unified Deer Organization

Seizing an opportunity to work more effectively for deer during a challenging period in wildlife conservation, the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) and the National Deer Alliance (NDA) recently revealed a joint venture that unifies their two organizations. The venture will combine the strengths, resources and core initiatives of QDMA and NDA into a single, modernized outfit able to serve deer, hunters and the industry more effectively at a time when the need is greatest.

Boards of Directors of the two organizations completed unanimous approval of unification in late June. Nick Pinizzotto, president and CEO of NDA, will lead the new group.

“While there’s no question the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has hit many organizations hard, we are turning the tables by using the situation, combined with the many challenges deer and hunters are facing, as an opportunity to become laser focused on delivering a mission that serves deer, hunters and industry effectively and efficiently,” said Pinizzotto.

Pinizzotto will unify the two teams through an immediate strategic planning process that will finalize the organization’s name and structure before the fall 2020 hunting season. Unification will be complete by the end of the year, providing a clear direction heading into 2021.

USA Archery Introduces Free Trial Youth Membership

USA Archery is offering a free trial membership to introduce youth to USA Archery programs and events. The USA Archery Trial Youth Membership allows current participants of Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA), National Archery in the Schools Program(NASP) and Olympic Archery in the Schools (OAS) to become USA Archery members free for 12 months.

The trial membership will unlock USA Archery membership benefits including eligibility to participate in local, state and national events. Members are eligible to join a Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) club and can earn JOAD Achievement Awards , participate in the Virtual Tournament series, subscribe to member newsletters and access exclusive member-only athlete development resources. Members are also eligible for discount programs from DeVry, Bullseye Benefits and USA Archery travel partners and sponsors. Members are also covered by USA Archery's Individual Liability Insurance when participating in USA Archery sanctioned activities.

This membership trial offer is only available to archers who have never held a USA Archery membership (Temporary Memberships excluded). Once the trial ends, members will renew at the regular member rate.

Apply for a Trial Youth Membership, or contact memberships@usarchery.org with any questions.

Corey Consuegra Named President of Arcus Hunting

Arcus Hunting, owners and operators of brands such as Tink’s, Dead Down Wind, Ramcat, Trophy Taker and Rack One, have appointed Corey Consuegra as president effective July 1, 2020.

Consuegra will take over from Phil Robinson, who has served the organization since 2004 and most recently, as president and CEO since 2015.

Consuegra joined Arcus Hunting LLC in July 2018 to oversee marketing and product development. Previously, he spent 13 years with Bridgestone Golf Inc., more recently as head of marketing for the America’s.

Beginning in July, Robinson will shift to an oversight role consulting on both near and long-term strategies as chairman of the board.

NSSF to Host July 13 Webinar “Using Social Media Effectively”

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is hosting a July 13 webinar, “Using Social Media Effectively in Times of Crisis.”

In this 60-minute webinar, Michelle Scheuermann, principle at Bullet Proof Communications and a regular speaker at SHOT Show, will discuss social media practices that allow firearm industry members to remain sensitive to the needs of their stakeholders while also creating messaging that engages customers when they need you most. An expert in social media strategy and marketing, Scheuermann will help viewers:

— Understand why clients head to their social media pages during times of crisis.

— Develop web-based media key elements that garner trust and respect and ultimately drive people to their stores.

— Align messaging across all social media, email and print communications to provide clarity and consistency.

The "Using Social Media Effectively in Time of Crisis" webinar takes place July 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT. RSVP here.