Keeping a Bladesmithing Tradition Alive in Southern Missouri

His knives are found throughout the world, from a hunter’s hand following success in the woods to a coveted collector’s case in a country far away. “I am a steel and tool maker,” says 73-year-old Ray Johnson in a deep Missouri drawl. “Basically sixty percent...

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Outdoor Life Highlights Hunting and Fishing Gear Made in America

From rods and reels to guns and camo, U.S. sportsmen are not afraid to spend money on the gear it takes to participate in the sports they love. According to the most recent statistics from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, outdoorsmen dropped a whopping $43.2 billion on equipment in 2011 alone. But how much of that gear is sporting a “Made in the USA” tag, and how much of that money is going to support American jobs? Outdoor Life goes in depth on the topic, reviewing what it takes to make outdoor gear in America today, in its May issue, on newsstands and available at www.outdoorlife.com/USAmade now.

“Nearly everything we buy today is made overseas, including a lot of our sporting goods,” says John Taranto, Senior Editor of Outdoor Life. “A number of hunting and fishing equipment manufacturers are bucking that trend, though, and we wanted to take a look not only at why they’ve kept production in U.S., but also some the benefits of doing so and the challenges they’re up against.”

Outdoor Life’s coverage also includes a road trip through the Northeast, which, despite its prohibitive gun regulations, is still the epicenter of firearms manufacturing in the U.S. According to the magazine’s statistics, the region is home to no fewer than 22 firearms manufacturers, including four of the five most prolific gunmakers in the country. In fact, according to ATF figures, firearms manufacturing remains a predominantly “American-Made” business, with 5.5 million of the 8.4 million firearms available for sale in the U.S. in 2011 having been produced here. Perhaps the most surprising inclusion in Outdoor Life’s roundup of companies making firearms in the U.S. is Italian-owned Beretta, which produces shotguns in a Maryland factory. With gun sales and profits up, firearms manufacturers concede that the only unknown element in maintaining their U.S. production and U.S.-based jobs is political turmoil.

The article also includes six short case studies on companies that provide outdoorsmen with American-made sporting equipment. The reasons to stay in the U.S. vary from company to company, but many cite better quality and innovation and a desire to stay true to their roots. Top quality often comes at top prices, though, which has occasionally created hurdles. In the case of California-based Crooked Horn Outfitters, the company found it was unable to maintain domestic production and provide big-box retailers with the profit margins they require. Unwilling to shift production overseas, Crooked Horn Outfitters watched as the retailers sold low-end, foreign-produced knockoffs of their hunting packs and binocular straps.

According to recent surveys cited by Outdoor Life, American sportsmen are willing to pay more for American-made items, but just how much more remains an issue. When faced with a 20 to 30 percent difference in price, roughly a third of hunters and anglers would go for the domestically made item, even while noting the better quality of American-made goods.

“We are seeing some sporting-goods companies shifting production back to the U.S.,” says Taranto. “Thanks in part to rising costs in overseas production, perhaps in the coming years it will be easier to fish an American stream with entirely American-made equipment.”

To read Outdoor Life’s complete coverage, visit www.outdoorlife.com/USAmade.

Read and join the discussion on Outdoor Life Highlights Hunting and Fishing Gear Made in America at OutdoorHub.com.

Northport Systems to Distribute Bad Elf Real-Time GPS Accessories in Canada

The Bad Elf GPS (left) plugs into the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad to enable satellite GPS, while the Bad Elf GPS Pro (right) operates independently to wirelessly connect (via Bluetooth) up to five users who can share real time GPS data – anywhere.

Bad Elf, manufacturer of Apple-approved accessories that enable the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad to receive real time GPS data on board via satellite, has appointed Northport Systems, Inc. to distribute the Bad Elf product line in Canada.

Headquartered in Toronto, Northport Systems is a leading supplier of GPS-related products for marine navigation. The company also supplies desktop, mobile and web-based navigation software products under its own Fugawi brand.

Bad Elf GPS does not rely on cell tower assistance to achieve a lock or to determine position. The Bad Elf units include a high performance satellite receiver and antenna that receive data directly from the GPS satellites. Locking on to up to 15 satellites, a Bad Elf unit supplies GPS data up to 10 times a second that can be accurate to within 9 feet (2.5 meters). This also means users will improve their GPS lock on the water beyond cell phone coverage areas.

The Bad Elf GPS (BE-GPS-1000) plugs into iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad 30-pin connector to enable satellite GPS, while the small and compact handheld Bad Elf GPS Pro (BE-GPS-2200) operates independently to wirelessly connect (via Bluetooth wireless technology) up to five users who can share real time GPS data for display on digital charts and a wide range of other compatible marine apps. The GPS Pro was the winner of the TechRadar Best GPS Device award at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.

Read and join the discussion on Northport Systems to Distribute Bad Elf Real-Time GPS Accessories in Canada at OutdoorHub.com.

DeLorme Launches Next Generation of Its Communicator with GPS

inReach SE with Color Screen and Virtual Keyboard Offers Expanded Standalone Text Messaging Capabilities, Adjustable Tracking Intervals, Pairs with Popular Mobile Devices

DeLorme, the innovation leader in personal satellite communications and navigation technology, has announced the launch of its newest product inReach SE (Screen Edition). With 90% of the world’s surface lacking cell phone coverage, inReach SE is essential gear for the traveler or outdoor adventurer to keep them connected and safe anywhere in the world. inReach SE remains the only satellite communication device that can both send and receive text messages in its price category.

The newest generation of inReach builds on DeLorme’s award-winning technology to keep outdoor adventurers, boaters, aviators and travelers connected when off the grid or in parts of the world where cellular communications are limited. With the expanded standalone capabilities of inReach SE, users benefit from a color screen, virtual keyboard, slim design and a long-lasting internal lithium battery. In standalone mode, inReach SE provides free-form texting capabilities of up to 160 characters to any cell phone number, email address or social media page.

Using DeLorme’s Earthmate App (www.AppStore.com), inReach SE pairs wirelessly with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to access topographic maps and NOAA charts and to make text messaging even more convenient. inReach SE is also compatible with Android devices.

With the ability to maintain satellite signal lock even in difficult GPS environments, inReach SE also offers global SOS capabilities, adjustable tracking intervals from 10 minutes to four hours, and remote real-time follow-me/find-me tracking and ping-me locating. In the event of an emergency, the interactive SOS capability of inReach automatically triggers remote tracking and allows users to describe and update their situation so proper resources can be deployed.

“Whether you’re deep in the backwoods, floating on a remote lake, or simply travelling abroad, anyone can benefit from the comprehensive functionality of inReach SE,” said Michael Heffron, DeLorme CEO. “Over the last two years we have been listening to customer feedback, so the next generation of inReach includes many new features based on their input. The internal rechargeable battery and the on-screen, free-form texting are especially beneficial, making on-the-go communications more convenient and delivering peace of mind to family and friends easier than ever before.”

inReach operates over the Iridium satellite network, providing truly global two-way satellite communications, high network reliability and low-latency data links (less than 60 second delivery of messages end-to-end) anywhere on Earth, with no gaps, fringe or weak signal areas.

The follow me / find me tracking feature of inReach provides GPS position updates allowing family and friends to follow the user’s trip as it happens. Family and friends can log into a dedicated MapShare page to follow a detailed breadcrumb trail, ping a location, and send messages to the inReach owner. In the event of an emergency, the built-in SOS button can be activated to trigger a distress alert with delivery confirmation and it automatically activates the remote GPS tracking feature. GPS tracking assists search-and-rescue personnel with homing in on the user’s location, whether stationary or on the move.

Pairing the inReach SE via Bluetooth with the Earthmate App turns a mobile device into a global satellite communicator and navigation tool. Real-time GPS location, tracking and text messages are overlaid on the digital maps for easy navigation and position location. inReach owners get exclusive, unlimited access to DeLorme’s topographic maps and North American NOAA charts, which can be downloaded via an Internet connection prior to departure and remain available in the Earthmate App even when outside cellular coverage.

Suggested retail price for inReach SE is $299, with annual satellite subscriptions beginning at $9.95 per month. Four-month seasonal and special aviation plans with more frequent tracking intervals are also available.

Read and join the discussion on DeLorme Launches Next Generation of Its Communicator with GPS at OutdoorHub.com.

Cabela’s Inc. Announces the Closing of a 10-Year $385 Million Securitization

Cabela’s Incorporated announced today that Cabela’s Credit Card Master Note Trust successfully completed the sale of $385 million of Asset-Backed Notes, Series 2013-I. The securitization transaction included the issuance of $327.25 million of Class A Notes, which accrue interest at a fixed rate of 2.71% per year.

The securitization transaction also included the issuance of three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $57.75 million. World’s Foremost Bank, Cabela’s wholly owned subsidiary, purchased each of the subordinated classes of notes. Each class of notes issued in the securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately 10 years, with a legal maturity of approximately 13 years. This securitization transaction will help finance the growth of World’s Foremost Bank’s credit card portfolio.

“We are very pleased to announce this landmark 10-year term securitization,” said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our first term securitization of the year was very well received and the execution of this transaction is a testament to the Cabela’s brand and demonstrates the continued quality and strength of the Cabela’s CLUB Visa portfolio. We are very pleased with this transaction as the low interest rate environment provides an excellent opportunity for the CLUB to lock in long-term liquidity at very favorable interest rates.”

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. The notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.

Read and join the discussion on Cabela’s Inc. Announces the Closing of a 10-Year $385 Million Securitization at OutdoorHub.com.

Drew Edwards Selected as USC Chief Financial Officer

United Sporting Companies (USC) announces the appointment of Drew Edwards to serve as Chief Financial Officer and report directly to CEO Brad Johnson starting February 12.

Drew will oversee Financial Planning & Analysis, Controllership, and Credit & Collections from the USC Chapin Office in South Carolina.

“Drew’s experience in high volume distribution businesses coupled with his financial insight will make him an exceptional asset for USC and the Shooting Industry,” said Brad Johnson, USC CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Prior to joining USC, Drew was CFO of Fortune 500 Company Owens & Minor, a leading distributor of medical and surgical supplies. Drew’s experience includes a strong history as CFO at Tredegar Corporation as well as several years at Coopers & Lybrand. Drew is a licensed CPA and holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting. Besides being well-versed in the distribution arena, he has extensive experience with mergers/acquisitions/divestures, strategic planning and analysis, and investments.

United Sporting Companies (USC) is a leading nationwide distributor of hunting, outdoor, marine and tackle products. The company operates through two subsidiaries, Ellett Brothers and Jerry’s Sport Center which were founded in 1933 and 1949, respectively. USC distributes to all 50 states through facilities in Chapin, SC, Newberry, SC, Pittston, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Newington, CT, Dayton, OH, Spring Hill, KS, and Reno, NV. With the largest sales force in the industry, USC serves over 30,000 independent retail customers and maintains the largest product selection in the industry with over 85,000 SKUs.

Read and join the discussion on Drew Edwards Selected as USC Chief Financial Officer at OutdoorHub.com.

PrimaLoft Creates Strong Presence in GearJunkie.com ‘Best in Show’ Awards: Greatest Gear for 2013

Results issued at 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

PrimaLoft, the world leader in high performance insulations and performance fabrics used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications, is proud to announce their performance insulation technology garnering multiple award placements in GearJunkie.com’s “Best in Show’ awards at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT from January 23-26, 2013.

“GearJunkie.com holds a high standard for the companies in the outdoor industry and grades innovation from a technical and performance standpoint,” stated Michael Joyce, president and chief executive officer of PrimaLoft, Inc.  “To be acknowledged in three products for 2013 is a great achievement for our insulation technology, but also illustrates our brand partner’s commitment in pushing the boundaries for technical performance and innovation for today’s outdoor consumers.”

For 2013, PrimaLoft was selected as a “Best in Show” winner for being a key component in The North Face Thermoball Collection. PrimaLoft also received “Best in Show’ mentions for their inclusion in the NEMO Canon -40 sleeping bag and Montane Prism lightweight gloves, respectively. The awards are issued by GearJunkie.com.

“PrimaLoft is a long-trusted ‘ingredient’ in outdoors products we test here at GearJunkie,” said Stephen Regenold, editor and founder of GearJunkie.com. “It was no surprise to see the brand well represented in this year’s awards.”

GearJunkie.com, founded in 2006, provides outdoor enthusiasts with product reviews and news in the outdoors world. As part of their ‘Best in Show” award series, GearJunkie.com editors and reporters meet with represented brands at Outdoor Retailer to seek out “Best in Show” products, the most innovative and unique items put out by the industry this year.

Read and join the discussion on PrimaLoft Creates Strong Presence in GearJunkie.com ‘Best in Show’ Awards: Greatest Gear for 2013 at OutdoorHub.com.

PrimaLoft Creates Strong Presence in GearJunkie.com ‘Best in Show’ Awards: Greatest Gear for 2013

Results issued at 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

PrimaLoft, the world leader in high performance insulations and performance fabrics used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications, is proud to announce their performance insulation technology garnering multiple award placements in GearJunkie.com’s “Best in Show’ awards at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT from January 23-26, 2013.

“GearJunkie.com holds a high standard for the companies in the outdoor industry and grades innovation from a technical and performance standpoint,” stated Michael Joyce, president and chief executive officer of PrimaLoft, Inc.  “To be acknowledged in three products for 2013 is a great achievement for our insulation technology, but also illustrates our brand partner’s commitment in pushing the boundaries for technical performance and innovation for today’s outdoor consumers.”

For 2013, PrimaLoft was selected as a “Best in Show” winner for being a key component in The North Face Thermoball Collection. PrimaLoft also received “Best in Show’ mentions for their inclusion in the NEMO Canon -40 sleeping bag and Montane Prism lightweight gloves, respectively. The awards are issued by GearJunkie.com.

“PrimaLoft is a long-trusted ‘ingredient’ in outdoors products we test here at GearJunkie,” said Stephen Regenold, editor and founder of GearJunkie.com. “It was no surprise to see the brand well represented in this year’s awards.”

GearJunkie.com, founded in 2006, provides outdoor enthusiasts with product reviews and news in the outdoors world. As part of their ‘Best in Show” award series, GearJunkie.com editors and reporters meet with represented brands at Outdoor Retailer to seek out “Best in Show” products, the most innovative and unique items put out by the industry this year.

Read and join the discussion on PrimaLoft Creates Strong Presence in GearJunkie.com ‘Best in Show’ Awards: Greatest Gear for 2013 at OutdoorHub.com.

Bass Pro Shops Announces New Store to Open in San Jose, California

Bass Pro Shops, America’s most popular outdoor store, will locate a new store in San Jose, California west of the highly visible intersection of the Almaden Expressway 85 and Highway 87. The store will be part of the 350,000-square foot Almaden Ranch development and will have tremendous access for all of the east and west Bay population. The new 145,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is scheduled to open in 2015.

San Jose is California’s 3rd largest city, and this will be home to Bass Pro Shops 3rd store in the state that ranks 3rd in fishing with 1.7 resident anglers. The new store will be located in one of the most densely populated areas in Northern California–conveniently located within easy access to the east and west San Francisco Bay areas. (*www.sportsmenslink.org)

“We are very excited to bring Bass Pro Shops to this premier site in San Jose and to be a part of the exciting Almaden Ranch development,” stated Johnny Morris, Founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This highly visible location is easily accessible and will allow us to bring Bass Pro Shops’ low prices and famous friendly, expert service to the many area sportsmen and women as well as the millions of visitors to the area each year,” Morris continued. “We are extremely grateful to Hunter Storm Development and Ed Storm and Deke Hunter for selecting Bass Pro Shops to be the anchor tenant for this remarkable development,” Morris said.

Nationally, Bass Pro Shops will host over 120 million people visiting their 77 stores and marine centers across America and Canada this year; the average customer stays 2 ½ hours and drives an average distance of 50+ miles. Bass Pro Shops was recently named by Advertising Age magazine as one of the Top 10 Hottest Brands in America along with name brands such as Old Spice, M&M’s, iPad and Droid. Also, Bass Pro Shops has been recognized numerous times for their conservation and outdoor education efforts, as well as being recognized by J.D. Powers & Associates for their customer service excellence.

Bass Pro Shops’ unique, award-winning, mega-sized outdoor stores are known for combining retail with entertainment, conservation and outdoor education. More than just a fishing and hunting store, the Bass Pro Shops store will also offer equipment and clothing for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, outdoor cooking and more. A gift and nature center will also serve up a wide variety of outdoor-related items from lamps and dishes to bird feeders and furniture.

The expansive boat showroom will feature Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly and Mako boats built by Tracker Marine Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing boats.

Bass Pro Shops’ unique exterior and interior motifs have branded them as visually appealing, high quality outdoor stores. The outdoors feel is brought indoors through massive log and rock work, large indoor aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species as well as an extensive collection of museum quality fish and wildlife mounts. Historic photos and exhibits will pay tribute to the regions great outdoor heritage.

The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store in San Jose will also feature an Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill-the much acclaimed nautical themed entity within the store that features a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining. Twelve lanes, divided into two separate areas of six lanes each, offer customers the chance to ‘bowl in the ocean.’ Casual family dining will be available in the Grill where customers may select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Read and join the discussion on Bass Pro Shops Announces New Store to Open in San Jose, California at OutdoorHub.com.

Hydrapak New SoftFlask Models Win ISPO Award

Win Announced at Product’s Unveiling

Hydrapak, a leading global supplier of active-lifestyle hydration equipment, today announced its new SF350 and SF500 SoftFlask collapsible bottles have been designated ISPO Award Winners in the Performance Accessories category.

ISPO’s international mix of 57 judges, with expertise in design, professional sports, media, and retail, have bestowed the prestigious award as the company introduces the new SoftFlasks to the market.

Extending the utility of the easily stored and collapsible SoftFlask line, the new SF350 and SF500 focus on performance hydration and feature wider filling ports, on-demand bite valves, shut-off switches, and are versatile multi-sport accessory produced in .35 and .5 liter capacity. The modular design is user-friendly and flexible: whether stored within a backpack, a cycling jersey pocket, or with Hydrapak’s optional integrated hand straps, these feather weight flasks are engineered to adapt.

“The SoftFlasks have great potential across a wide variety of sports and recreational activities,” said Hydrapak CEO Matt Lyon.  “We are excited to develop this entirely new category of hydration and feel honored to become an ISPO Award winner. It’s awesome.”

With an introduction at the ISPO trade show and launched to consumers in Summer 2013.

Read and join the discussion on Hydrapak New SoftFlask Models Win ISPO Award at OutdoorHub.com.

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