Inside Archery March 2021

www.insidearchery.com

®

MARCH 2021









INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021 | VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 2

42 TA.RX.CUE. LBAalrlc/heryWtrEuBSbITaEll:.com People

Big & J PHONE: 929-2800 40 Power of Participation
(434) ■ Blake Kidder | The Outdoor Group
(866) 210-7781 EtMruAIbL:[email protected] ■ Patrick Meitin | Inside Archery
inBpaifrgfltfooaea&dve@uhoJdciregmesbrhsoaaiergkosrecrtcaorsioonlndonnaercgdseedajrani.rnratceerdtacoturtthaimsgoecernatodaltou,nhfantynosdtddahaentpeehdrpreplnhicprueoartrottrdeiidot,iiunnowc-.nibttashalcssvaeuintdpapbsl muleepmminpeeilxernematdlssewtnaotnisthdh.eNnflopouotadriretininfitcsial OinsctnturetioivHersvavienwtenortaosewXhgyittmgidoiaosTtaoimrBelptenoaeIllndsni,aewrocrnnure,orhs-elgecorgelsTpvleL/oeiuivcnnial.asvAeoiRewsoicanetvtleelnaXashihok.mrwneaUewensouCpatRiiuvei..lnPhdwssnEnahee/Bn.r.iWbgL2ecaTirAo2eSnadr,lar0uuewr5Xbcler-ueieltese2gnadainCnfanycpfmlpolh1necdaEonldoner!rkrpi8xrieLdeuMnoayus.Z-t’sy-rndrssgFhsAts5oeSasoreuto2tXbairnposiudgoaEcgrc0nuCrmtna!fgthhS2aoss2yEWnedae.tetT0dm1iiLtTrmdrnev.Muh2ceL.wBgeiAeRchaa1naos-eter.triegTUnlucitskrs.o-hdnR.otyetrsetou.esUilrnfrytpyr.gddaBeepSad,yslilpicsnRlatugeetselmleedt-ahadsoeneerndsamelAienwucrtlscrtHiola-adBptimuiCtnhcFteesaldleisrdgxhaeeonbrtwasisncistgnkanh-obatvi,ltaiizo-enr- ■ Jim Cox |
Jim Cox Archery Adventures
Tink’s SAcrocrhpeioryn V7e2nomWtPiE(nHE8BiMOknS0NIsAfT0E.oIELc::):@o6mt2in4k-s5h9u8n8ting.comEloastntndiaoegdiNbsnvcDbplleesoiuoseRerwnruorShyienSeuvpfrcTenfsscestpphrpodhd,e.rcanhoeNuoTraTaerDepiirausnpnp2eiyornsendostunuet0ms.t.1ekaeieSs1stlT92c’Maar-retspotDeiios7e1PrnanneofP,,on2diTrd,pktsTstmdtcosT,ih’rpetbanscikTeiwehnreserobyakCoeiPlSetksanoasenl’heporiesg’cesnnanakTrsnnuhmsr-Tbee#b’ddddShmeascflntnyneFiaulrlreb6nepceePeTyaTtheipeiuardBrpoe.d9skneitureiePaarpSnssfPunta’opstuaswsocyPFspDeeescdfasrkelpe-ckoraooaeraiesaeaii’noanrhksltstcfucuclrlniynFhhesdM.ndiyeeaoklspPwrtduTiaecrslnnihrHByoo(oinssilwtip#nnudtesdoerctwustsydkord&1iekroutNc.te’ienmcershDcnpk-GdrohrstortrBeoshRetneoeenm#oseeupweeRdavas1-tclfiaacueoiiPkcdtfirhlrtywlhk)setni..nesseetgieignkngWPEHESMlBOuccaASorbNlanafrIIrBoTLfEtpdiacterB:Eoi:enaKodcALw:ijd(dnrnsitltenaobh8,scts,oeSVnsststuaoutCchrip4s,ersdg-eniusierilectVrbrontonUxrovpao4a3sSoelgsocradrinneaa0pwnsneelm)sWpuctidbbrpgtvolityklaanc9poieerimmAanoaeLtyiogoenwlrsgg2xrau,sdapr,@tcBaen,r3fabnupCarhd9sonTdoleeucreaSveerdhLowtl,s-tamfrratranseufaesCeayc7ttscleoaceebilrraStooKneroo8otnrxnrrrBsutunaiiiespncimtaocrocrnr2swseealeageekihwpfbeamz.rnnrair7aitrCWiroAsespeitcdhssgMw.lodlisna-yetlilatFwnoiAacapaatswnsxtRrysenifreoorhui,nr.tgacioverrtetCewptutcivehldorledilraeeopsi,teuLhnc-smamerePnnceuicsuahsdoeotolaubnspaasarolanrupreycpvsnleatidme,rpysemlndriet-oehea.eqr-cpeoortuipaodfacalorayrBlmcidr,cthoyfpvhewrarecronesoyevtcn,rriiewdnitnydridonag.uatlgc/eFnssertoldeuprnyrimrihdvno. i,aUnocPnofenocv.fioeqLlayrduotmmieovbleeukoyr-wic ■ Josh Cates |
X-Factor Outdoor Products
6940 ■ Megan Zelenka | Adjustable Red Dot
■ Rusty Ogden |
T.R.U. Ball/Axcel Archery

42 ForeRunner Blinds
Chasing the American Dream
By Daniel Allred

Market Trends

56 Bow Report
APA Archery Black Mamba 31
By Patrick Meitin

58 New Year’s Bows
What 2021 Has in Store.
By Patrick Meitin

72 Manufacturer Pro les
Detailed information on the
top manufacturers in the industry.

88 88 Bow Report
PSE Archery 2021 Drive NXT
By Patrick Meitin

90 2021 Standout Products
The most talked-about
products so far for 2021.
By the Inside Archery Sta

INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 24, #2) ISSN #1940-3879, USPS #024-412 is published 10 times per year (Jan / Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep / Oct, Nov, Dec) by Apollo Creative Inc. PO Box 15827,
Colorado Springs, CO 80935. Periodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80935 and at additional offices. Postmaster please send address changes to INSIDE ARCHERY, P.O. Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998.

6 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021 | VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 2

IInnsdiudsetrtyhe

14 Inside Track
An Innovative & Resilient Bunch

18 Kinsey’s Business
Blueprint

Con ict esolution

20 Inside Retailing
Trader Bows

40 24 Your ATA Insights
Begin With The End

56 By Kurt Smith / ATA
26 Industry News

Information that keeps you up
to speed on news, events and
people in the archery industry

34 ATA Action
ATA Completes its First Virtual
Trade Show, ATA 2021 Online
By Cassie Gasaway / ATA

106 Industry 5Q
Five Questions on Competition
Archery Media with Josh Grine
By Daniel Allred

90

20

8 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021 | VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 2

insidearchery.com Online Exclusives

Business

Bow Preferences

Patrick Meitin breaks down the statis-
tics from an ATA-sponsored survey—
”Bowhunting in the United States”—on what
various demographic groups are looking
for in a bow, how often they are likely to
upgrade and what they expect from a sale.

Debate

The Baiting Question

Is baiting big game an ethical means
of take? What is the difference
between offering bait and planting a
food plot? Does the fact someone en-
joys baiting take anything away from
your hunt? These are the questions
Patrick Meitin asks.

Equipment

Skinny Arrows

A growing trend in carbon arrows is thinner
diameter shafts. What are the advantages,
and can they make you a better bowhunter?
Executive Editor Patrick Meitin delves into
the details and investigates who is involved
in this latest arrow trend.

WebXtras: In this issue: “Inside Retailing” takes a look

at Trader Bows; “Bow Report” tries out the APA Archery
Black Mamba 31 and PSE Archery 2021 Drive NXT.

Inside Archery Digital Edition

Now Inside Archery can be delivered to your door, viewed on your computer,
AND on your smartphone or tablet. VISIT INSIDEARCHERY.COM/DIGITAL

Fresh content daily
on social media!

INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021







INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACK

An Innovative & Resilient Bunch
A ll indications hint at a healthy and prosperous archery industry into the fore-
seeable future. uipment manufacturers are still scrambling to fill record-
high orders and bow-shop owners continue to report chaotic shops. I’ve always
said that being overwhelmed with work beats the alternative any day. If a bright side

can be ascribed to the pandemic, it is that it brought scads of new archers into the fold,

reignited the passion in many who’d drifted away from the sport, and in some cases,

provided dedicated bowhunters more free time to spend afield. his has driven demand

to unprecedented levels and manufacturers and retailers

alike have been overwhelmed in striving to fuel our passions.

It is also interesting to note that on the very day of Biden’s

inauguration, quite coincidentally, the World Health Orga-

nization (WHO) instituted new guidelines ratcheting up the

diagnostic criteria for COVID-19 testing, requiring follow-up

tests and placing stricter guidelines on when and how tests

are conducted. Stricter testing parameters should result in

fewer false positives and automatically reduce COVID num-

bers, hopefully easing the economic strain the pandemic has in icted upon the world.

oo, hopefully those who have oined our ran s during the past year have discovered

or rediscovered ust how emotionally soothing archery can prove, inspiring lifelong

passion and fueling the current wave of steady archery sales.

It also impresses me how resilient the archery industry has remained. Despite lock-

downs in many regions, added to workforce, raw material and shipping challenges,

the archery industry continues to innovate, improve and refine always moving for-

ward. wo thousand twenty-one arrived with fresh new products, ust li e any year

before it. For example, in covering new compound bows for this issue, I see incredible

innovations in engineering approaches (Mathews and Gearhead Archery), new materi-

als pedition and PS and design refinements ear, Martin and lite Archery that

makes these company’s products faster, quieter, lighter and easier to tune and shoot.

he good people who drive archery and bowhunting innovation are an incredibly

talented group of individuals who never cease to wow. hey are intelligent and hard-

wor ing, not easily discouraged. espite the past year’s challenges, ust about every

archery manufacturer we’ve tal ed to has new products appearing for new ap-

proaches to overcoming our most persistent frustrations or reoccurring problems en-

countered on the target line or in the field.

New product drives the industry and stokes archery sales. It brings people into shops

seeking the next big thing, that solution to a recurring dilemma, something to give

them that extra edge. While we strive to keep you abreast of new developments in every

issue of Inside Archery, March is the issue when so many spanking-new products are

unveiled, the post-A A show release of the newest and most e citing gear of the year.

I think you will be as impressed by the new lineup as I am.

Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor

INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



Publisher

Apollo Creative Inc

Executive Editor

Patrick Meitin • [email protected]

Associate Editor

Daniel Allred • [email protected]

Copy Editor

Lauren Molenburg

Contributors

Kurt Smith | Cassie Gasaway

Sales & Marketing Director

Stephen Mack • [email protected]
(814) 341-9313

Design & Production

ER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected]

Graphic Designer

Tara Bondar

Website & Social Media

Stephen Mack • [email protected]

Account Manager

Pam Ludlam • [email protected]

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Inside Archery founded in 1998 by Bill and Sherry Krenz

Inside Archery® Copyright © 2021 Apollo Crreative Inc. All rights re-
served. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permis-
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•—•ative inc Inside Archery®
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p•—• ollo crea Apollo Creative Inc
Printed in the USA.

INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY BUSINESS BLUEPRINT Sponsored by

on ict eso tion third party could come in the form of Kinsey’s is the leading distributor to the outdoors and
a manager, upper-management or HR. archery industry. Carrying items from your favorite
I n light of the recent election Ultimately, you need an independent brands, in-stoc and ready-to-ship, the company o ers
and the passing of leadership person to come in and to listen to both domestic and international retailers a wide array of
from one political party to an- sides of the disagreement and hear products and services. Kinsey’s also owns innovative
other, it’s important to remember your them out. consumer brands including BlackHeart, Fin-Finder,
employees and customers may have Elevation and October Mountain Products.
differing political opinions. hrow C - Once a third-party moderator is For more information, please visit KinseysInc.com
- loc downs into the mi , along involved, both sides have an oppor-
with ongoing political and social ten- tunity to voice their opinions on the Find a Compromise
sions, and you’ve got the perfect storm. con ict without feeling li e they’re
he handling of opposing viewpoints being attac ed or actively involved in inally, in today’s political and so-
and opinions within your business the disagreement. An independent, cial climate you’re highly unli ely to
may become an issue now more than third-party moderator also allows for change someone’s views, opinions or
ever before. Although you may agree or individuals to get their feelings and beliefs. our best bet is to find com-
disagree with certain individuals with- emotions off their chest, so those emo- mon ground. Proposing a compromise
in a con ict, it’s important to be con- tions can calm and tensions can ease. can help ease tensions, and resolve
siderate of other opinions and beliefs. the con ict by providing a third option
e’ll discuss three con ict resolution Actions & Behaviors, Not Personalities that doesn’t side with one particular
methods to help ease tensions between individual. f a compromise isn’t able
squabbling employees. The second thing to stay mindful of to be reached, you may have to go with
during con ict resolution is that you the final option available to you. Sim-
Open Communication aren’t there to choose sides and de- ply put, agree to disagree. Agreeing to
termine a winner and loser. Along disagree allows for a compromise of
he first way to help resolve con ict the way, you may find that it’s actu- understanding that you probably won’t
is to have open lines of communica- ally specific actions or behaviors that see eye to eye, and that’s o ay. he
tion. t’s important for your employees offended the other individual. When agree to disagree understanding will
to feel li e they are being heard. f the tal ing with the con icting parties, hopefully provide the ultimate compro-
interpersonal con ict between the in- you’ll most li ely uncover the actions mise when all else fails.
dividuals isn’t getting better, it may be and behaviors that went too far. nce As we move forward in our hope
time for a third-party moderator. That you uncover those actions or behaviors is the political and social tensions that
are running through the nation, and
it’s important to focus on things our businesses, begins to calm down
the individuals can actively from where they are currently. As we
improve upon moving for- mentioned, it’s highly unli ely you’ll
ward. ou must reiterate change someone’s views, opinions
that behavior and ac- and beliefs overnight, but with time
tions can be corrected, and understanding those tensions and
but personality traits con icts will ease. e hope this article
and differences sheds some insight and understanding
can’t. f the con ict on how to resolve con icts with those
resolution focuses around us. IA
solely on personality
differences and person-
ality traits, you will most

li ely only continue to have
problems, headaches and addi-
tional con icts.

18 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING

Thriving While Serving Both “Eastern” & “Western” Bowhunters

Trader Bows and thought it would be rewarding to es- Lubbock, Texas’ Trader Bows carries a wide selec-
tablish a high-end business catering to tion of Bowtech, Hoyt and Mathews bow models
Sto e ofi e serious bowhunters. and top-quality accessories to compliment them.

■ Headquarters: Lubbock, Texas Trader Bows focuses on archery and Scott Austin: Our supply chain continues
speciali es in outfitting bowhunters. to be challenged, however, Q1 has gone
■ Owner: Scott Austin The pro-shop carries Bowtech, Hoyt and well thus far and will exceed last year.
Mathews bows, plus top quality acces- Ideally, we would be practicing Just in
■ Years in Business: Three sories like AXCEL, Black Gold, Vapor Trail Time (JIT) inventory to reduce carrying
and Hamskea, as examples. In addition costs and increase inventory turns. We
■ Square footage: 10,500 (total), 2,000 to archery gear, Trader Bows offers Red- have observed that in the best of times
store oor , , shooting lanes . neck hunting blinds and a full line of our supply chain doesn’t do well to sup-
backcountry hunting gear and apparel by port JIT inventory. With the increase in
■ taffing 1 full-time, 3 part-time. Stone Glacier. demand and the disruptions brought on

■ Bow Lines: Bowtech, Hoyt and Mathews Last spring, during shutdown due to
the pandemic, Trader Bows used the time
■ Arrow Lines: Victory to develop and launch an online store.

■ Crossbow Lines: Mission Austin believes he sells some of the
best products, but his customer experi-
■ Inside Numbers: Estimated annual rev- ence is what his employees pride them-
enues: N/A. Percentage (estimate) of store’s selves on. Trader Bows is fanatical about
revenue generated by bowhunting: 95%; by service, with everything they do aimed
target and recreational archery: 5% at improving the customer experience.
The quality of their tuning services has
■ Store History: Trader Bows opened its led a number of customers from across
doors on ather’s ay, . wner Scott the country to send their bows to Trader
Austin had retired a year earlier from a Bows to be tuned and to have custom ar-
long career in the medical equipment rows built.
industry. After completing a long list of
Honey Do’s he decided he needed some- Retailing Q & A
thing bigger to keep him busy. For many
years prior to retiring he joked about Inside Archery: How has 2021 been going
leaving the corporate world and opening for Trader Bows so far, as compared to
a bait shop in Lubbock, Texas (an area this quarter during the 2020 season? Any
with very little fishing available . Austin particular highlights or observations?
had enjoyed bowhunting for many years

Trader Bows is headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, and situated in a 10,500 square foot
building, including 8,500 square feet of indoor shooting range.

20 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021

Sponsored by

Plano Synergy

Trader Bows prides itself on stocking only high-quality products and providing uncompromising
customer service, an approach that creates customer trust.

Participating retailers will receive $1,000 in Scott Austin: As strange as it may seem, over-ordering or “hoarding” product when
products generously donated by Plano Synergy. think it has been more stressful on us than it does become available? Did ordering
our customers. Our customers have been start earlier than normal this year, giving
by the pandemic, our supply chain has re- understanding, but get the sense they you additional buffer time?
ally taken a beating. just don’t feel they can complain when a
pandemic is ta ing place. ’ve had sleep- Scott Austin: t has been suggested that we
Inside Archery: What basic beginning-of- less nights and find myself at odds with should place huge orders and just cancel or
year preparations have helped with your manufacturers that don’t seem to have any return product if demand falls off. can’t
shop’s continued success, as well as help- transparent rational for allocation of prod- bring myself to consider that practice. The
ing fulfill customers’ needs from spring uct. We have received limited communica- supply chain in this industry is challenged.
and moving into summer off seasons? tion describing what manufactures are do- My principles would never allow me to be
ing to reduce lead times. We have started a part of any further disruption. We start-
Scott Austin: We have completed our phys- stocking some new brands simply because ed ordering inventory in October in larger
ical inventory, written this year’s strategic they have been able to deliver. Truth is, quantities than in previous years. This has
plan and updated our merchandizing to we have been very happy with the level of helped a bit, but now we are changing or-
re ect new products. n addition, we have product quality and service from some of ders to re ect products that had not yet
updated our online store as well. these new manufacturers and will contin- been introduced at the time of order.
ue to support them.
Inside Archery: How have you overcome Inside Archery: Do you normally attend
the current challenges of limited inventory Inside Archery: ue to the difficulty in fill- the A A rade Show f so, how did your
availability and keeping up with customers’ ing orders right now, do you find yourself ordering and inventory build-up differ this
increased demand due to the pandemic? year, compared to those years when you

Trader Bows dedicates 2,000 square feet of space to retail merchandise, including In addition to owner Scott Austin, Trader Bows is a full-service pro
some of the best brands in the business and catering to an increasing demand for shop employing three highly-experienced bow technicians to set up
backcountry hunting gear. and tune bows professionally.

MARCH 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 21

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING

were able to attend the in-person show? Hawks Holder, one of Trader Bows’ sales associates and skilled bow technicians, helps a customer
choose the proper bow for her needs.
Scott Austin: We normally attend every
other year. We see it as an opportunity to products, or is the slowdown in the supply Inside Archery: Have buying groups, such
discover new niche products and network chain costing you sales? Any examples you as A , proven beneficial in helping you
with manufacturers and dealers. We don’t can share? fill orders, or has it proven more profitable
use it primarily as a buying show. It can be to go straight to the manufacturers?
a nice place to celebrate a deal and spend Scott Austin: Absolutely, our customers
some quality time with key supplier part- trust that we sell only high-quality prod- Scott Austin: We’re not a member of any
ners. Also, at the end of the day it supports ucts and that we would never recommend buying groups, so I’m not sure if it would
the ATA, and we believe that is a good thing. a product if we didn’t think it would meet have helped us fulfill orders or not. av-
their needs. We stand behind everything ing spent a large portion of my career op-
Inside Archery: Are there any particular we sell unconditionally. We are fortunate erating a medical buying group, I learned
equipment trends you observe developing that we have strong brands and product that as an industry matures it typically be-
in your region? Do you believe these are options. f we don’t have a specific product, comes harder for a buying group to create
nation-wide trends or particular to the we can still meet the needs of our custom- value for the manufacturer and the dealer.
hunting conditions found locally? ers with another. I have not been inclined to join a buying
group as I prefer to deal directly with the
Scott Austin: We see more bowhunters manufacturer.
leaving their local ranches to get out there...
way out there. Backcountry hunting is in. Inside Archery: Are there any specific
Lightweight gear is in. Camo is out, solids tactics, promotions, shooting leagues,
are in. Got to be rockin that slider sight. contests or incentives that you deploy to
Kisser buttons are out; nose buttons are in. help boost store traffic during the slower
I’m not aware of any nationwide trends. periods between new-gear releases and
We are in a unique market in the middle of hunting-season openers?
West Texas, where we serve as the gateway
to Western bowhunting. Scott Austin: We have Trader Bows Archery
Academy, which offers youth and adult ar-
Inside Archery: Have you found custom- chery programs. We provide USA Level III
ers willing to accept substitutes for favorite NTS coaching and have had the privilege
to coach a few great archers, including a
Texas State Champion. In addition to the
Academy classes, we host a number of
tournaments, clinics and special events
throughout the year. IA

Trader Bows’ huge indoor shooting range allows hosting regular tournament leagues. Owner Scott Austin WebXtra ■ For more informa-

is also a erti ed e el r hery Coa h. tion about Trader Bows, please log into
insidearchery.com/TraderBows.

22 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTS

Begin With the End
BY KURT SMITH, COURTESY OF THE ATA

K nowing where you want to arrive makes Right Equipment to Create New Bow- growth each year or number of custom-
it a whole lot easier to get there. It’s not hunters” retail members from across ers served. When a business owner starts

a new concept, but it’s one worth revisiting. the country shared how stocking cer- with the end in mind, they can work
tain equipment helped welcome new bac ward to determine how much profit

customers and prompted them to find they need to make on each sale to achieve

ATA 2021 Online presenters referenced this long-term enjoyment in their goal.

idea throughout their educational offer- archery and bowhunting. As an analogy, Yacek and

ings. Many said thinking about the end You can’t establish a busi- I compared selecting a prof-

result before you start is the key to success ness that serves long-time it margin for a business to

when running a business, reaching cus- archery enthusiasts and choosing a vehicle to tow a

tomers and coaching successful archers. expect newcomers to “get camper. If you want to pull a

Here’s a recap of a few Show presenta- with the program.” Creat- small pop-up camper, you’ll

tions that showcased the importance of ing new archers and loyal probably be fine with a four-

identifying a goal, making a plan and ex- customers takes time and cylinder sedan. But if you

ecuting tasks to achieve success. commitment. Three retailers (one each hook up a decked-out, 30-foot travel trail-

I Am from Iowa, Arizona and Pennsylvania) er you won’t have the same result—no
described how they put emphasis on matter how hard you press the gas pedal.

If you’ve watched any content created by business practices that allowed new ar- The four-cylinder sedan simply isn’t built

former Olympic silver medalist Jake Ka- chers and bowhunters to have fun and to tow the large trailer. Similarly, your

minski, you’ve likely heard him use this experience success. As a result, they business must be built to achieve the end

affirmation statement. n his live presen- created happy, satisfied customers. Ad- goal. A business created without a plan is

tation “Coaching Methods to Build Better ditionally, each business had a culture unlikely to achieve a goal, let alone the

Recurve Shooters” Kaminski said it’s im- that encouraged customers to learn, specific one you had in mind.

portant for archers to identify the goal ask questions and try new things. Ask yourself, “Have I planned my busi-

they wish to achieve. For example, an ar- anning f r r t ness with the end in mind?” and “Do I
cher should say, “I am a state champion have a specific goal that aligns with my

archer,” instead of “I want to be a state Many sessions in the 2021 Archery In- business structure or culture?” If you an-

champion archer.” This simple change dustry Masterclass identified areas swered yes to both questions, remember

in mindset allows the archer to envision where business owners could improve to examine both your successes and fail-

themself accomplishing their goal rather to increase their profitability and ef- ures to keep improving. If you answered

than aspiring to achieve their goal. En- ficiency. n the Paths to Profitability no, now’s a good time to start!

couraging your customers or students to session presenter Hank Yacek ATA 2021 Online ended on Jan. 15, but

affirm their goals allows them to em- answered an attendee’s ATA members can still take advantage of

brace changes in practice routines, question regarding its virtual education offerings. Members

motivation and mental approach. what profit margin and nonmembers can buy the Archery

hose who affirm they are champi- percentage a business Industry Masterclass anytime to gain im-

ons are much more likely to practice needs to ourish. ot mediate access to all course content. You

like a champion. No matter what surprisingly, Yacek can also view the free on-demand ses-

the archer’s end goal (keeping all ar- answered, “It depends.” sions now, and watch the live event re-

rows on target, becoming a state cham- The true answer for each cordings from the show when they post

pion or a bowhunter deadly at 30 yards) business, though, isn’t iden- in April 2021. To access the content you

encourage them to be that person now. tified by luc . t’s calculated must have a current ATA membership. Log

reating rc ers by starting with the ultimate into your MyATA member dashboard and
end goal, which might be a click the MyATA Learning Center to access

In the on-demand panel certain take-home salary for all the content. If you have questions or

discussion “Stocking the the owner, a percentage of comments, please send me an email at
[email protected]. IA

24 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

BDalarctkonEaAgrcleheArryrows Acquires er since their inception; Darton Archery Solid Aiming Solutions, Inc., manufactur-
for more than 70 years and Black Eagle/ ers of some of the most innovative and
Black Eagle Arrows-Conquest Archery is ex- Conquest for nearly 10 years. versatile stabilizers in the archery indus-
cited to announce the acquisition of Darton try. Vapor Trail purchased the company
Archery. Darton Archery, founded in 1950 Both companies have strong expertise in on February 2nd, 2021.
and headquartered in Hale, Michigan, mar- the archery industry. With more than 25
kets industry-leading bows, patents, Darton Archery is a company that “Selling Stokerized was not an easy de-
crossbows and archery ac- cision for us, but when we decided to sell
cessories, including more is known for its innovative the company, Vapor Trail was the perfect
than 30 innovative patents engineering, with many match that mirrors the way we do busi-
for archery products. patents that still have a ness,” said Kyle Stokes, president, Stoker-
major impact on the in- ized. “If you look at Vapor Trail’s 30-year
“This is a unique opportu- dustry today. Black Eagle history and combine it with their commit-
nity to combine two indus- leads the target market for ment to manufacture the most innovative
try-leading archery compa- 3D and target archery with and meticulously built archery products,
nies that have very similar innovative technology. we new it was the right fit for us. e feel
cultures,” said Randy Kitts, honored to leave our decade-old company
owner and President of Both companies are in the best possible hands.”
Black Eagle Arrows-Con- loyal to independent ar-
quest Archery. “Growing up chery dealers. Since its “Stokerized has been a long-time part-
in hio, the first compound inception Black Eagle Ar- ner of Vapor Trail Archery, so when the
I ever owned was a Darton. rows has been dealer-only acquisition opportunity came about,
I have always loved and respected the brand and refused to sell to box we were extremely excited about what
and what it stood for. stores. Darton Archery has it means for us and our future growth”,
done much the same, and both companies said Rory O’Loughlin, president, Vapor
“After we started Black Eagle Arrows,” will continue that dedication to the inde- Trail, “We are proud to add Stokerized to
said itts, arton Archery was the first pendent dealer in the future. our product line. Just like our Vapor Trail
company to OEM crossbow bolts from Black “Darton Archery is one of the strongest brand, Stokerized, too, was built on a
Eagle. That relationship only strengthened archery brands in the world and Black Ea-
our respect for the brand, employees and gle Arrows–Conquest foundation of excep-
founder Rex Darlington. The acquisition is Archery provides the tional quality, cut-
simply a natural fit and the ne t logical best carbon arrows/ ting-edge products,
step in the evolution of our companies.” stabilizers in archery and a pride that only
to its dealers and cus- comes from being
Darton founder Rex Darlington added, tomers,” said Kitts. manufactured in the
“My wife and I have devoted the last 55 “By bringing Darton USA. We are thrilled
years to the growth and development of Archery into our fam- to expand our com-
Darton Archery and we love this brand, ily of proprietary brands, we take an im- pany product line to offer full customiza-
our dealers, customers and the archery portant step forward in continuing our tion options for our customers, which is
industry. We have always prided our- commitment to the archery industry. We an exact extension of what we already
selves on the fact that we are a family- feel that by aligning our customer service provide for our customers here at Vapor
owned company, and we are proud of the and extensive dealer relationships, we’ll Trail. We will be preserving the Stokerized
company culture that we have developed. find new ways to innovate and create e - existing product line, the branding, and
That will not change with Randy Kitts and ceptional customer experiences. Further, the warranty.”
Black Eagle Arrows. It is the perfect com- Darton Archery is an outstanding United The entire Stokerized operation will be
pany to continue our life’s work.” States manufacturer and will help Black relocated from Pennsylvania to Vapor Trail
Eagle Arrows–Conquest Archery expand headquarters in Ham Lake, Minnesota, be-
Both companies have a strong heritage our manufacturing experience.” | LEARN ginning February 4th. | FOR MORE INFOR-
of innovation. Darton Archery has led MORE BY VISITING BLACKEAGLEARROWS.COM. MATION ABOUT VAPOR TRAIL AND STOKERIZED
bow, crossbow and cam innovation for PRODUCTS, PLEASE VISITVAPORTRAILARCHERY.COM
more than 30 years and has been in the Vapor Trail Acquires Stokerized Solid ANDSTOKERIZED.COM OR STOP IN AND SEE YOUR
archery business for more than 70 years. Aiming Solutions, Inc. NEAREST DEALER TODAY. | CONTACT: SHERYL
Since its inception Black Eagle Arrows has GALLUP OF GALLUP MEDIA MARKETING AT
led the arrow industry in new concepts for Vapor Trail, manufacturers of premium 763-300-1132.
arrows and components. archery products with worldwide distri-
bution, has recently acquired Stokerized™ Continued on Page 28
Both companies have been single-own-

26 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 26

OAcdqinu’issIintinoonvoaftiHounnstCeor’ms Kplloeateks the Odin’s Scent Beads are biodegrade, leaving samples were collected and measured by a gas
the area “Better Than You Found It®.” chromatography mass spectrometer to deter-
Prairie Village, KS—After years of using mine scent potency. After 27 days, the product
Hunter’s Kloak synthetic scents in Odin’s In- “The Odin’s product is brilliant,” said retained more than half of its initial potency.
novations time released delivery pellets, the Jodie Daniels of Hunter’s Kloak.
brands are combining to provide hunters Many of the Hunter’s Kloak products will
with next genera- “The products create a shift in how hunt- continue to be available and used in concert
tion scent delivery er’s look at the use of scents,” said Black. with the Odin’s family of great products.
options to improve
the chances for a “With our lure “Odin’s has been fortunate to grow very
successful hunt. scents, the hunter quickly,” said Black. “This puts more fuel in
can survey the traf- our tank! The entire Hunter’s Kloak team
“When we de- fic in front of trail would also like to share our gratitude and
cided to move our cameras without appreciation for not only your business,
product to 100 per- frequent re-intro- but your support and partnership over the
cent synthetic scents, we looked for the most duction of human previous four years. Each and every one of
effective and proven. That led us to Hunter’s scent while re- you have played a role in helping Hunter’s
Kloak,” said Paul Black of Odin’s Innovations. stocking—and it is effective the entire time. Kloak become what it is today. It is a bitter-
“Combining the companies is the logical next “Also,” said Black, “when the pheromone sweet time, but rest assured you are in good
step to ensure that Odin’s customers would (dominant buck and doe in estrus urine) hands with Odin’s,” said Gabrielle Barltett,
continue to use the best synthetic scents scents are effective, we feel that the stabil- VP of Hunter’s Kloak. | LEARN MORE BY VISITING
available.” ity of our release beads and the efficiency ODINSINNOVATIONS.COM.
of synthetic scents combine to provide the
tensively field and laboratory tested, most effective attractants available.” Dfreoemr PArToAteMcatinoangPermoegnratm Transitions
Odin’s releases scent for 30 days or more Black subjected his scented beads to test-
and is “rain-proof,” continuing to work even ing at a university chemistry laboratory. The Archery Trade Association and the
after heavy rain or snow. Furthermore, During the test, scent beads were exposed to
the elements for 27 days. Every three days, Continued on Page 30

28 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 28

Responsible Hunting Scent Association a c trade association and elected offi- tion requires a focus that is best achieved by
(RHSA) are working together to transition cers and a board of directors. Sam Burgeson the Responsible Hunting Scent Association.
the Deer Protection Program (DPP) from ATA of Wildlife Research Center is the RHSA pres-
management to RHSA management by April ident. Roxanne Lotts of Indianhead White- “The ATA is transitioning the program to
1, 2021. tails and Doug Roberts of Conquest Scents the RHSA so it can focus on its strategic ini-
share RHSA’s vice president positions. tiatives, which include increasing archery
The ATA launched the DPP in March 2016 and bowhunting participation numbers,
as the threat of chronic wasting disease The RHSA is focused on maintaining and supporting the nationwide effort to re-
(CWD) increased nationwide. Program par- and strengthening the DPP to ensure that cruit, retain and reactivate hunters.”
ticipants include urine-based scent manu- hunters and wildlife managers have ac-
facturers and their suppliers who agree to cess to urine-based scents that have strong Dan Forster, ATA’s vice president and chief
follow strict guide- conservation officer, said the decision helps
lines and safeguards safeguards in place to the ATA further its mission and allows the
on their products to protect against CWD. DPP to grow and mature under the RHSA’s
reduce the risk of Building on the strong command.
spreading CWD. Their foundation and high
efforts and commit- expectations initiated “We’re proud of the role the ATA played
ment help ensure the sustainability of the by the ATA, the RHSA in establishing the Deer Protection Program
hunting industry by protecting the health of will ensure a healthy future for the scent and resulting quality urine-based products
wild deer herds. Today, DPP members mar- industry by contributing to a healthy future being produced under the highest of indus-
ket and sell the vast majority of urine-based for wild deer. try standards and protecting against CWD
scent products on the market. “The ATA played a critical role in unifying transmission,” Forster said. “We’ll continue
responsible scent manufacturers and col- to work closely with the Responsible Hunt-
DPP members recognize the regulatory lectors around a scientifically based set of ing Scent Association to ensure that produc-
and oversight needs of their segment of the standards,” Burgeson said. “As our program tion standards remain high. e’re confi-
industry are very specialized, so they orga- participants have embraced these protocols dent this is the right organization to lead
nized their own association in 2020. The and procedures aimed at disease preven- and improve this state-recognized program
tion, we have realized that our specializa- into the future.”
SA officially incorporated in ecember as
Continued on Page 32

GSM Outdoors Announces Acquisition of TRUGLO Assembled in the USA, TRUGLO also manufactures the only
patented, fully encapsulated tritium sight in the firearm
Irving, TX—GSM Outdoors, a multi-brand manufacturer and market. Glowing bright both day and night, the TFX sights
technology innovator of hunting and shooting products, is are always ready. TFX takes their award-winning Tritium +
thrilled to announce their most recent acquisition of TRUGLO. Fiber-Optic technology even further with all the features cus-
For more than 25 years TRUGLO has been dedicated to provid- tomers require: compact snag-free design, longer sight radi-
ing their customers with a broad range of accessory items for
archery, crossbow, and firearms. us and an amazingly durable construc-
tion built to handle just about anything.
Founded by competitive archer and
hunter Paul LoRocco in 1993 TRUGLO “Timing really couldn’t be better,”
invented the first multicolor fiber op- said GSM Senior Vice President of Sales
tic archery pin sight. Built on the slo- & Marketing, Ben Smith. “We have a
gan “When Brightness Counts,” TRU- resurgence of avid outdoorsmen and
GLO has been the leader in quality and firearm owners spending additional
innovation within archery sights ever time in the field or on the range and
since. an unprecedented amount of new fire-
arm owners entering the market. TRU-
“The LoRocco family has done a tre- GLO’s broad line of premium products really complements
mendous job pioneering the way in what GSM already has to offer, allowing us to continue to
fiber optic and tritium sights while building a diverse prod- strengthen our relationships with our retailers, while si-
uct base for their customers in both the firearms and ar- multaneously allowing the customer a better shopping ex-
chery industries” said GSM CEO, Eddie Castro. “It is such an perience.” | TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRE LINE OF TRUGLO PROD-
honor to continue the legacy they’ve built by adding such an UCTS, OR TO BECOME A DEALER, VISIT GSMOUTDOORS.COM.
iconic brand as TRUGLO to our portfolio of premium outdoor
products”.

30 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



Continued from Page 30

The RHSA is in the process of recruit- National Sales Manager, Kevin Strong, the team’s digital marketing strategy as
ing an executive director to handle com- has been promoted to VP Sales. Strong an independent contractor, Steve Allie of-
munication and administration of the has been with Nexus Outdoors for the ficially oined e us utdoors as Senior
DPP. | A WEBSITE WILL BE LAUNCHED SOON AT past three and a half years, but his sales Marketing Manager in June of last year.
RESPONSIBLESCENTS.COM. experience in the outdoors industry spans In addition to his passion for hunting and
more than a decade. Strong spent several the outdoors, Allie brings 14 years of cre-
Personnel Changes at Nexus Outdoors of those years as a Retail Specialist and ative design, strategic multimedia man-
Buyer for Bass Pro Shops. agement, branding, and marketing expe-
Norm Langlois, Nexus Outdoors VP of rience to the Nexus team.
Sales, one of ScentLok Technologies’ ear- A graduate of Western Michigan Uni-
liest team members and recognized as a versity’s Haworth College of Business, In our digital age, electronic media has
friendly and helpful face throughout the Strong is an avid bowhunter and lifelong become invaluable for direct communica-
hunting industry for the past 20 years, an- outdoorsman who was in uenced early in tion with consumers. Careful, consistent
nounced he will retire after 20 years with life by his father. As VP of Sales, Strong will and continuous messaging is important,
the company. Langlois helped build the lead and direct all functions of the Nexus which is why Nexus Outdoors created an
ScentLok brand, was active in designing Outdoors Sales Team, for all of its brands. all-new Senior Digital Marketing Manager
many well-known ScentLok products and position, filling that position with digital
helped facilitate Nexus Outdoors’ expan- After helping with critical aspects of media pro, Brian Wahl, last June. Wahl has
sion. 18 years of digital marketing experience, in-
cluding more than 14 years at Cabela’s.
As Langlois enters this new and exciting
time of his life, he’ll continue to offer his Nexus Outdoors experienced team will
expertise and experience to the Nexus Out- continue their mission to deliver products
doors team and its customers as a strate- their customers can rely on to improve
gic advisor, but will have a lot more free success and help make the most of their
time to enjoy. precious time outdoors. | LEARN MORE AT
SCENTLOK.COM IA
In Langlois’ absence, Nexus Outdoors

32 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

ATA Completes its First Virtual Trade Show: ATA 2021 Online

BY CASSIE GASAWAY

T e T ra e its rst irt a Matt ormann, A A’s president C , was chery Industry Masterclass.
it a g n ine t rn t glad the ATA could host a virtual event
after COVID-19 made the team change Looking at the numbers, the MyATA

Learning Center gained 600 new users

course. (for a total of 799 users) and had 1,598

Alongside the unprecedented 2020 year Kormann said, “The decision to can- sign-ins during the five-day Show. Previ-

was an unprecedented event for ATA cel #ATA2021 in Indy was one of the most ously, only 199 members were using the

staff, members and Board of Director challenging in our history, but I’m in- MyATA Learning Center, which means

members: ATA 2021 Online. The Jan. 11-15 credibly proud of your ATA Board, staff, the Show introduced users to the

event was the first virtual Show in the and members who helped us pivot quick- A A-member benefit platform. Addition-

A A’s years of in-person rade Shows. ly to create this first-ever online event. ally, the Masterclass content had 2,515

uring the five-day event, , A A Maria Lewis, ATA’s senior director of visits, and 427 individuals attended live

members signed into their MyATA mem- rade Show and membership, ac nowl- education sessions.

ber dashboard account. That number in- edged and praised ATA members for their Christi and eremy ilson, co-owners

cludes individuals from 543 retail shops. dedication and willingness to adapt to of Cabot Archery in Pittsburg, Pennsylva-

Those retailers sent 1,510 emails to ex- the re uirements of a virtual Show. nia, attended every Masterclass session

hibitors using the platform. Another 335 “The type of engagement our members and found value in all of them. They ap-

retail members didn’t log in during the e pect at a live rade Show is e tremely preciated the ability to ask questions and

Show, but they did receive the hibitor difficult to achieve in a virtual space, get real-time answers.

Show Special uide by mail, giving them Lewis said. “ATA 2021 Online wasn’t de- “As new retailers, we learned a lot from

the ability to contact exhibitors by phone signed to replace our live event; it was every course, Christi ilson said. e re-

or email. he online Show also had created to provide an alternative for our ally liked that the topics were organized

exhibitors, each with their own exhibitor members. Our exhibitors worked incred- by track/theme. For us, the business and

profile. he profiles received a combined ibly hard to adjust their approach, create marketing classes were most helpful.

total of , booth clic s. ach booth new content, revise their marketing ef- he Paths to Profitability’ course was our

click is equivalent to a booth visit at the forts and build an online booth profile for favorite. Overall, we found the quantity

in-person Show. the first time. Many brands also created and quality of information available to

ATA staff and BOD members created their own ads and social content to com- ATA members to be extremely valuable to

ATA 2021 Online in about two months. plement ATA 2021 Online content. Their us. The value for the investment in the

efforts and support increased the Show Masterclass was e ceptional.

value for everyone. he ilsons hope the Masterclass

ATA 2021 Online gave ATA members sev- becomes an A A Show standard. hey

eral ways to interact and engage online. plan to re-watch the courses to reinforce

n fact, Show-goers celebrated A A’s their knowledge. They appreciated that

Impact Award recipients, took advantage the Masterclass was available early, so

of nearly Show specials, attended nu- they could focus on the material before

merous live and on-demand educational reviewing Show specials and placing or-

sessions, learned about the new indus- ders. As such, they didn’t get a chance to

try-wide recruiting and mentoring effort watch the free courses offered Jan. 13-15,

and had more than 70 opportunities to but intend to as they have time.

win an exhibitor-donated product. The free live course recordings won’t be

Kormann was most impressed by the available until spring. ATA members and

attendance turnout for the educational nonmembers can buy the Masterclass

The ATA wrapped up its rst virtual Show with a good events, including free live sessions, free course to access 57 video recordings and
online turnout. PHOTO ATA on-demand sessions and the all-new Ar-
Continued on Page 36

UNITING THE INDUSTRY ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION
archerytrade.org

34 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Continued from Page 34

2021 Virtual Media Summit, (bowhunting) and be successful. I think it’s
a great idea, and it definitely has my full
was well-attended by press. support!”

Six well-known media mem- Zylka said the virtual Show felt more in-
clusive to press. Still, she missed the ability
bers shared practical how-to to schedule on-the-spot interviews, collect
information for her podcast and meet new
information and unveiled an media representatives. Regardless, she
didn’t view the challenges as deterrents.
industry-wide recruiting and
“I’m working to create new episodes and
mentoring effort. Read the YouTube clips from the content I was able
to collect and view online,” Zylka said. “It’s
ATA’s article “ATA’s 2021 Vir- just a new world, and we as media have to
adapt. The staff did a wonderful job creating
tual Media Summit Unveiled a a virtual space. The user interface was easy
to navigate and despite the normal hiccups
New Recruiting Effort, Shared that come with a virtual event, ATA 2021 On-
line went off without a hitch for me.”
Christi and Geremy Wilson thought each Masterclass course provided Practical How-To Info” on
valuable information. PHOTO ATA ArcheryTrade.org for a recap of From the manufacturer side, Matt Pe-
the online event. ATA members tersen, vice president of operations for Radix
Hunting, said attendee engagement for his
can watch the video record- company was light, but he viewed ATA 2021
Online as one large, diverse advertisement.
watch the content anytime in 2021. Visit ar- ing in the MyATA Learning Center, which
Continued on Page 38
cherytrade.org/masterclass for the lineup is accessible through the MyATA member

of courses and presenters, and then regis- dashboard.

ter for relevant, helpful information from Carrie Zylka, hostess of the BowCast Pod-

industry professionals. Log into your MyATA cast, was inspired by the Summit and liked

member dashboard at archerytrade.org/ the new recruiting effort.

login and click “MyATA Learning Center.” “It’s nice seeing folks work towards a

You’ll see the registration link atop the page. collaborative effort,” Zylka said. “Providing

Follow the prompts to register and pay. a unified front will show new hunters that

Another educational opportunity, ATA’s you don’t have to have a TV show to get into

36 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Continued from Page 36

“We think the Show will provide us with gation and connectivity issues or questions. ATA staff also sent members a short post-
a net gain of brand awareness and sales “We received a lot of valuable feedback
growth for 2021,” Petersen said. “It was a Show survey to gain additional feedback
fun project being less physical and more throughout the week that helped us im-
digital, but we’d like to get back to the prove ATA 2021 Online in real time,” Ko- regarding how to improve future Shows.
in-person Show so that we can have bet- rmann said. “Some suggestions gave us
ter connections and interactions with our ideas on how to improve the 2022 Show Kormann thanked members for their time
dealers, customers and industry friends.” in Louisville, as well as the hybrid online
components, which will certainly be a part and dedication to the industry.
Petersen and his team were grateful for of future Shows.”
the opportunity the Show provided. “Thank you for your continued member-
Lewis agreed. “We asked our retailers
“We want to thank the great people at to make a big adjustment to their normal ship and support of your ATA,” Kormann
the Archery Trade Association for putting Trade Show routine and as such, we identi-
this virtual Show together during one of fied some pain points together, she said. said. “We’re hard at work—not just prepar-
the most chaotic years ever,” Petersen said.
“Businesses like ours, especially small e definitely respected their willingness ing for our return to an in-person event
businesses, truly appreciate your unrivaled to engage online and try something new.
dedication and effort to make this virtual Regardless, ATA retailers made it clear they next year in Louisville. We remain com-
Show possible.” missed the opportunity to meet face to face,
touch and feel products and pick up a print- mitted to inspiring growth, increasing
Many members said the biggest challenge ed catalog and price sheet. Although virtual
or learning curve to the virtual Show was components are probably here to stay, we participation and preserving the sports of
technology. However, members communi- look forward to delivering a live experience
cated with ATA staff to work through navi- to all of our members again at #ATA2022.” archery and bowhunting. Your member-

ship empowers those efforts—even when

we can’t get together in person.”

The 2022 ATA Trade Show is slated to

take place in Louisville, January 7-9, 2022,

so mark your calendars!

Those with questions are urged to con-

tact the ATA business, membership and

rade Show office at - , e ten-
sion 1 for assistance. IA



PEOPLE

PowerTheofParticipation
Archery Industry Members Participating in the Sport

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Email [email protected], Visit insidearchery.com/pop or mail a color
image with your name, address, where the animal was taken, and archery gear used—both manufacturer
and model—to Inside Archery Power of Participation, P.O. Box PO 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

Blake Kidder • Colorado Black Bear Josh Cates • Georgia Whitetail

Regional Sales Manager, The Outdoor Group Operations Manager, X-Factor Outdoor Products

Bow: Elite Archery Kure Rest: Hamskea Hunter Pro Bow: Obsession Fixation 7 Rest: Ripcord Ace

Arrow: Black Eagle X Impact Stabilizer: CBE Torx Arrow: Victory Archery VAP TKO Stabilizer: X-Factor Xtreme

Sight: CBE Engage Hybrid 3-Pin Stabilizer 15 and 12 Broadhead: Innerloc EXP 100 Tac Stabilizer &

Broadhead: Slick Trick Standard Pro 100 Release: Scott Hex Release Sight: HHA Optimizer Dampening System

40 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021

Megan Zelenka • Adjustable Red Dot Patrick Meitin •Texas Whitetail

Owner’s Daughter, Kansas Whitetail Executive Editor, Inside Archery

Bow: Oneida Hawk Rest: Trophy Ridge

Arrow: Easton Full Metal Jacket Whisker Biscuit Bow: Mathews V3 31 Sight: Apex Gear Covert Pro

Broadhead: NAP Thunderhead Release: Pollington Pro Arrow: Victory Archery VAP-SS Rest: Quality Archery Designs Integrate

Sight: Adjustable Red Dot Grip Gator Jaw Broadhead: VIP Combat Veteran Other: Realtree Excape/ Rhino Blind

Jim Cox • California Tule Elk Rusty Ogden • Virginia Whitetail

Owner, Jim Cox Archery Adventures Customer Service/Sales, T.R.U. Ball/Axcel Archery

Bow: Bowtech Extreme VFT Sight: Axcel Armortech HD

Crossbow: Excalibur Broadhead: li ri Quiver: Excalibur Arrow: Beman ICS Hunter Rest: Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit

Bolt: Excalibur Scope: Excalibur Broadhead: Muzzy 3-Blade 100 Release: T.R.U. Ball Execute TC

MARCH 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 41

estled in the rolling hills of southern owa you will find
the headquarters of an up-and-coming manufacturer
called ForeRunner Blinds. Established in 2019, ForeRunner
has quickly built a solid reputation. The company’s key
product and namesake, the ForeRunner Blind, is a unique
and highly versatile option for today’s ground blind hunter.
It has the durable and spacious qualities of a hard-sided
box blind, but it’s also extremely mobile, which essentially
puts it in a category of its own.

The company’s owner and founder, Daryn Yoder,
designed and built the first ore unner lind for his
personal use on his family’s 600-acre farm in Decatur
County, Iowa. The original ForeRunner addressed Yo-
der’s specific hunting needs, but once family, friends
and neighbors saw his invention, word spread and de-
mand grew.

BY DANIEL ALLRED

42 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021

MARCH 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 43

Today, the word continues to spread to draw from. In addition to manag- “Today I’m still involved in farming
and demand continues to grow for ing the land, harvesting crops and and ranching with the family opera-
the ForeRunner Blind. The company raising cattle, Yoder fell in love with tion,” Yoder said. “My grandparents
is relatively new, but it has a winning his family’s pastimes of hunting, moved here from Oklahoma in 1965,
idea that will surely help it go the trapping and fishing. and my parents bought the home
distance. farm from them in 1989. We have
But growing up on the farm gave continued to add to the property and
A Home-Brewed Creation Daryn Yoder much more than an af- grow it, and we also manage nearby
finity for the outdoors. t also gave properties for some of our neighbors.
Born and raised on the family farm, him a solid work ethic and a deep All together, our family operates on
Daryn Yoder has spent an ample appreciation for his family culture. about 4,000 acres. We help them grow
amount of time in the great outdoors. bigger deer and transform their prop-
Accordingly, he has a lot of experiences “It all goes back to family for me,” erty into what they want it to be. I’ve
Yoder said. “My family played an also done a lot of work as a bovine
Key team members of ForeRunner Blinds important role in showing me the embryologist. was one of the first in
gather to discuss business and future plans for value of hard work. They taught me the state of Iowa to be able to pull em-
that it’s not necessarily about how bryos out of bovine species and gen-
this thriving company. Seen here are (clock- successful you are—it’s just about der them male or female. We’ve also
wise from the top right): Daryn Yoder, Scott getting out there and trying your raised some award-winning bucking
Simpson, Dan Cooper and Michelle Rochleau. hardest. It takes a lot of hard work to bulls. The ‘cowboy lifestyle’ has been
attain the big goals in your life, and a lifetime commitment, but I’ve really
that’s just something my parents just been focusing on my family and
brought me up with.” growing our operation. I’ve got three

After growing up on the farm, ids, and ’m a firm believer in the
Yoder stuck with the family busi- American Dream. I want to set them
ness and became an expert at the up with something better than what I
many skills that managing the
land requires.

44 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021

was set up with. My parents had that 45
goal, too, and so did my grandparents.”

Naturally, hunting also played a big
role in Yoder’s life, and this is where the
ForeRunner Blind entered the picture.

“I’m the kind of dad who wanted to
take my kids with me when I went
out hunting,” Yoder said. “My oldest
is 14 now, but when she was about 6
years old I would bring her with me.
It wasn’t the safest way to do it, but
I would strap her up in the treestand
with me so she could watch me bow-
hunt. I knew there had to be a better
way to do that, a safer way. I love tin-
kering in the shop and making stuff
with my hands, so I got to work on
the ForeRunner Blind. It was sort of
just a side project, but I kept working
on it and improving the prototype.”

Yoder’s creation ended up having
some unique qualities and straight-
forward practicality.

“Basically I created something sim-
ilar to a box blind, but it has a soft
cover and it is extremely mobile,”
Yoder said. “The mobility aspect was
very important. I put wheels on it
and made it light enough to move by
hand. If I had it by a food plot and the
wind changed, I was able to move it
around quickly and adapt to the situ-
ation. You can also tow it with pretty
much any vehicle, including an ATV,
golf cart or even an electric bike. An-
other important aspect was the du-
rability. We can get a lot of snow up
here in Iowa, and I wanted something
that would withstand a snow load, so

The ForeRunner Blind is equipped with

versatile Realtree Edge camo, and users

can add elements of the nearby landscape

to make it blend in even better.

MARCH 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

I gave it a sturdy metal frame that I bow cam hitting the roof, and it’s big
knew would hold up better under enough to fit all three of my ids. hey
snow than the fiberglass rods you can ta e naps and eat snac s, and ev-
find in most pop-ups. he first proto- eryone can ust en oy the e perience.
type was pretty crude, but it still got
the ob done for me. hen put the ore unner lind to-
gether, I combined all these things for
he large interior was another im- myself, for the way I hunt and the way
portant benefit, and all of these features my family hunts. t moves around
were combined to create a blind that uic ly, easily and uietly and it’s re-
was perfect for oder and his family. ally simple to set up—especially when
you have a bunch of gear and three
“I wanted it to have the same amount
of room as a hard-sided blind, oder ids hanging off you. ou ust drive it
said. wanted to be able to stand up where you want it and get in.
in it. didn’t want to worry about my
Taking it to the Next Level

Yoder had created a winning idea,
but it took a little reassurance from
friends and family for him to accept it.

“I was a little embarrassed by the

Continued on Page 48

■ : The ForeRunner is easily transported by everything from a pickup

truck to a e-bike. Its innovative hitch design is easy to use and highly versatile.

■ : The ForeRunner can be easily moved by hand if the situation calls for it,

thanks to its lightweight design and retractable wheels. ■ : The ForeRunner

lind has o e a lon way sin e that early prototype was rafted in Yoder s shop,

and it ontin es to re ei e ore p rades ro the o pany s passionate tea .

46 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021



Continued from Page 46 behind me 100 percent. The friends
and neighbors I manage property for
original prototype,” Yoder said. “It also saw it and really believed in me.
was pretty crude, so I just kept it in They motivated me to get a patent on
the shop when I wasn’t using it. One it and to find a proper manufacturer
day, though, a buddy of mine got his for it. And as I continued to use the
tractor stuck on his property and he ForeRunner with my family, I also
called me to ask if I had some chains saw some of its other uses. My broth-
he could borrow. I said I had some in er had to spend time in a wheelchair
the shop, so he came over to get them. after a horse-riding accident, so I saw
He called me back and said, ‘Man, that it was wheelchair accessible and
what are you building in here? This he could still hunt. It also worked as a
thing looks awesome.’ I thanked him great little shac for ice fishing, which
for the compliment and told him not is something else my family loves to
to pay any attention to it, but then he do. It took me several prototypes to
asked if I could make one or two for get it right, but eventually we found a
him. I said ‘sure,’ and I went to the manufacturer for it here in the United
local welding shop to get some more States, and we’ve just been growing
metal, and I built a couple for him. To from there.”
this day, he has been one of the forces
pushing me to bring this to the next These days the operations of Fore-
level. He helped me realize that I had Runner Blinds are in full swing. The
something special, but I still needed company began selling its unique
to perfect it and get it out there.” blinds in 2019, and now hunters
across the country are making use of
Other friends and family members Yoder’s creation.
continued to motivate Yoder as he re-
fined his invention. The ForeRunner Blind itself has also
come a long way since that early pro-
definitely needed friends and fam- totype in Yoder’s shop. Today’s stream-
ily to reassure me and push me in the lined version features a solid powder-
right direction,” Yoder said. “My wife, coated aluminum frame, two no at
Janice, kept telling me I could do this wheels that deploy and retract in sec-
and she believed in me. She really onds, and a 2-inch receiver hitch that
supported me, and I knew she stood can be attached to a truck, ATV, side-
by-side, electric bike and more.

Simply put, the ForeRunner is a
“best of both worlds” kind of blind.

Continued on Page 50

■ Daryn Yoder, owner and o nder o ore nner linds, b ilt the rst
prototype or his own personal h ntin needs. ow, h nters aro nd the o ntry are
bene tin ro his ni e in ention. ■ i helle o hlea , operations and ad inistration
spe ialist or ore nner, is a ey part o the o pany s ti ht nit tea . ■ ore nner s
senior a o ntant, Dan Cooper, wor s losely with the rest o the tea to eep operations
r nnin s oothly. ■ ott i pson is a lon ti e riend o the Yoder a ily and a r
belie er in Daryn s reation. ordin ly, he oined the o pany as a o owner last year.

48



Continued from Page 48 and these are yet another product of steadily in popularity since hitting the
Yoder’s extensive hunting experience. market in 2019, but in the meantime,
It can withstand the elements like a ForeRunner has remained a family-
hard-sided blind, and it has spacious “As a bowhunter I wanted to have a owned business with its priorities in
dimensions. But its lightweight con- lot of different angles for better shots,” the right place.
struction and hitching capabilities Yoder said. “Wildlife is wild. Their
make it just as mobile as a pop-up, number one goal every day is to just “Something that sets ForeRunner
perhaps even more so. After all, you stay alive. They don’t always offer the apart is the family that’s behind it,”
don’t need to disassemble the Fore- best shot, so I wanted big windows to Yoder said. “This is a family-owned
Runner at one location. You don’t eliminate any factors that could lead business, and we pride ourselves on
need to carry it on your back, and to a poor shot or missed opportunity. our hard work ethic and attention to
you don’t need to reassemble it later. ’ve also got a buddy who li es to film detail. It’s that same hard work ethic I
You simply deploy the wheels, hitch hunts. He was always complaining was raised with. We are here to serve
it to whatever vehicle you want, and that blind windows were too small our customers and be loyal to them,
transport it wherever it’s needed. for a good angle, so that was some- and we also just work really well to-
Why walk when you can drive? thing else I kept in mind. The window gether as a group. My wife, Janice, is
size and orientation are also great my biggest supporter. She helps me
Another key feature of the ForeRun- for younger hunters. I like to set up a with the business and the farm, and
ner Blind is its extra-large windows, Caldwell rest for my oldest daughter she’s also an incredible stay-at-home
so she can sit comfortably, without mother. She home-schools the kids,
having to shoulder the ri e. and she’s just really great at helping us
with whatever we may need. Michelle
The ForeRunner’s many allur- Rochleau and Dan Cooper are two of
ing qualities have helped it to grow my other ey employees, and they fit
the same mold. We’re a very tight-knit
group at the end of the day, and we re-
ally put our heart into what we do.”

Continued on Page 52

50 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2021