Season 5, Episode 221
Key Developments Impacting Iconic Brands, Public Hunting, and Education
Iconic American Ammo Brands Sold to Czech Company
The iconic American ammunition brands Federal, Remington, Hevi Shot, Speer, and CCI have new ownership. Sold in November 2024, these legendary names in ammo were sold to the Prague-based Czechoslovak Group (CSG) for $2.225 billion. This acquisition marks the end of a 2.5-year process involving scrutiny and approval by U.S. regulatory bodies.
Under its new parent company, The Kinetic Group, led by CEO Jason Vanderbrink, these brands are set to thrive with long-term investments that aim to boost innovation and production. Vanderbrink states that moving away from the pressures of short-term returns will allow the brands to focus on delivering better and more reliable ammunition for consumers.
Why the Sale Happened
The ammo brands were previously owned by Vista Outdoor, a company managing a mix of outdoor and ammunition businesses. A strategic decision was made to split the two sectors due to differing business models and investor demands. Ammunition, a volatile commodity market, didn't align well with the stable growth expectations of lifestyle brands like Bushnell and Primos.
National Security Concerns Addressed
The sale raised national security concerns, prompting an investigation by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Despite opposition from some politicians, including then Senator JD Vance (now current Vice-president), the sale was cleared in June 2024. CSG emphasized its commitment to supporting U.S. military, law enforcement, hunters, and allied nations, along with its nearly 4,000 American employees.
The Future of American Ammo
With additional resources from CSG, which also owns a majority stake in Fiocchi, The Kinetic Group is poised to grow and innovate. Manufacturing plants like Federal's in Minnesota and Remington's in Arkansas will continue to play a key role in supplying high-quality ammunition for American and allied markets.
References:
https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/kinetic-group-sold-to-czechoslovak-group/
https://smokinggun.org/vista-outdoor-closes-2b-sale-of-ammunition-brands-to-czech-firm/
https://czechoslovakgroup.com/en/news/csg-acquisition-kinetic-group
Funding Gap Threatens Federal Walk-In Hunting Access Program
The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), which funds walk-in hunting access on private lands, will not receive federal funding in 2025, creating challenges for hunters and conservationists. Without these funds, states cannot expand or create new access programs, leaving hunters with fewer opportunities.
Historically funded by the farm bill, the program received $50 million in 2018 but saw reduced funding with recent extensions. The 2025 farm bill extension omitted funding entirely, marking the second consecutive year without adequate support. States participating rely on these grants to incentivize private landowners to allow public hunting and improve habitats.
Existing programs will likely remain stable for now, thanks to state-level funding, but the gap limits expansion and new initiatives. Conservation leaders are advocating for Congress to include $150 million for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program in the next farm bill. Bipartisan proposals to triple the program’s funding offer hope, though Congress has struggled to reach agreements.
The program’s benefits extend beyond hunting, generating millions in economic activity and supporting jobs. Advocates urge sportsmen to contact lawmakers to push for a farm bill that secures funding for VPA-HIP and boosts public land access.
Reference:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/vpa-hip-voluntary-public-access-and-habitat-incentive-program
https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/8016/8573/6520/EconomicBenefit_VPA_HIP_2021_Report_Final.pdf
Colleges Teaching Social Media Influencer Classes
The NY Post says an increasing number of colleges and universities are offering classes in how to become a social media influencer. The trend sees schools now taking content creation seriously as a viable career choice. The influencer marketing industry is valued at over $21 billion and is a favorite field among young people. Arkansas Tech University is even offering a "Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Media Influencing." Other universities following the trend include the University of Alabama, USC, Cornell, Duke, Chapman, and Columbia.
Listen to the full episode for our thoughts on this new trend in Social Media Influencing, and for tips to build your brand better.
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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS
Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.
Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.
United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.
Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.
