Let’s face it: Outdoor influencers are here to stay.
The issue isn’t really with the influencers themselves. It’s the system.
In the outdoor industry, even honest hunters and gear reviewers can be mistaken for people just chasing free gear. Brands get frustrated, audiences turn skeptical, and platforms restrict reach.
GOTOgear.com is an online platform designed to connect creators, brands and audiences. It lets users share gear recommendations transparently and track what works, adding structure to a space that has relied on informal communication.
“People are already sharing gear links and recommendations, but it’s not always clear or consistent, and creators aren’t always protected,” said GOTOgear CEO Ben Bussey.
“It’s their sandbox. You’ve got to play by their rules,” Bussey said.
Tools that help creators avoid shadow bans and stay compliant are becoming essential.
If a creator is shadow-banned, their posts are hidden without warning. Anything that reduces this risk helps the whole community.
Hunters value honesty above all, regardless of gear cost.
GOTOgear lets creators disclose whether they use, test or want a product, making recommendations more transparent.
Bussey puts it bluntly: “People hate bullshit.”
Compensation for content creation is not new in the outdoors. GOTOgear highlights the value of transparency in these partnerships.
Problems start when payments are hidden or handled behind closed doors, eroding trust.
Bussey, who has an advertising background, says, “What gets measured gets managed.” Brands want to know what works.
A transparent, trackable system legitimizes influencer marketing.
Bussey notes that a creator with a smaller, engaged audience can outperform those with larger but less focused followings. “Relevance beats reach,” he said.
Platforms that value trust and relevance help authentic voices stand out.
Bussey also prioritizes conservation and offers nonprofits free access to its platform.
High-profile missteps by influencers can damage the wider community.
When creators act professionally, it benefits brands, audiences and the entire industry.
The year was 1997, and I was wrapping up a year-long assignment as the director of operations for a 4,000 Soldier air assault brigade. That was one of the most challenging jobs I ever had, even though it was 30 years ago. My commander was giving me my end-of-tour counseling, and it was all roses. The compliments made me feel great, but there was no constructive criticism, and nothing to learn and grow from. I decided to push it and challenged him to comment on what he saw as my weaknesses.
Jeff Buchanan retired as a Lieutenant General from the Army in 2019. He had four combat deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He also led the military forces supporting FEMA in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and commanded more than 6,000 troops on the Southwest border in support of CBP. He and his wife live on a small ranch outside of Patagonia, Arizona and he is one of five commissioners for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
He paused for awhile and thought about it. He then said: “You are not a good listener.” Wow. I did not expect that. His simple statement caused me to look hard at myself to better understand why he felt that way. Here are some of the things I discovered:
If somebody had disappointed me in the past or caused me to doubt what they said, I was quick to ignore what they were saying and not pay attention. My weakness of over-judging got in the way of effective listening.
I was always in a hurry to get things done. I wanted to knock down targets and move on to the next thing. My lack of patience got in the way of effective listening.
I constantly focused on myself and my responses when somebody else was talking. Instead of actively listening to what they were saying (through both words and body language), I was only thinking about what I was going to say. Even worse, I would cut others off with my response. My internal focus got in the way of effective listening.
Why is listening such an important skill for leaders? The easiest answer is that none of us has the market cornered on good ideas. In my role as a Commissioner for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, I have both a lot of relevant experience (lifelong hunter and angler) and education (degree in wildlife ecology), but my “going in position” is not always where I end up. In the military, I occasionally had to make quick decisions (especially in combat) without a lot of consultation. I learned that even in a crisis, though, I made better decisions if I asked others for options. I had to become a better listener if I wanted to make better decisions.
A recent example is in order, but I ask you, the reader, to be cautious of your judgement. Every state has different conditions and what works in one does not necessarily translate to others. In our state, crossbows are not authorized in “archery only” seasons (they’re permitted for the general and muzzleloader seasons). Previous commissions had made an exception for those with disabilities about 25 years ago and then they made the exceptions even broader about 10 years ago. As a result, we had a lot of abuse: many people were hunting with crossbows who had either never had a disability or who had healed and should not longer be granted an exception. The number of crossbow hunters had grown to the point where it was starting to have a biological impact in some areas.
We felt that a change was in order. I’ve been a bowhunter for more than 50 years (recurves and compounds), and my “going in” opinion was that crossbows did not belong in an archery season. Period. Our Commission uses a public process, though, and I worked hard to listen to all opinions: those of department employees, other commissioners, and the public (both crossbow enthusiasts and those who were not). In the end, my position shifted. I have come to believe that we need to continue to provide opportunities during archery-only seasons for those whose injuries or disabilities make them incapable of drawing back a vertical bow. We modified our rules to limit abuses, but still provide opportunities for those who really need them.
Back to 1997. Feedback is a gift, and I did not want to waste it. I wish I could tell you that I became a great listener over night but that is not the case. In fact, I am still working on it. You can too. Here are some recommendations:
Try to leave your judgements about what did or did not happen in the past out of the present.
Dedicate the time to focus on the other person and set aside your “to do” list.
Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes to see things from their perspective.
Seek to understand, not to respond.
If you can improve your listening skills, you will build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and become a more effective leader. It takes work to be an effective listener, but if I can improve, you can too.
- Jeff Buchanan, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Patagonia
Swhacker Broadheads announces the launch of the #307 100GR Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead, featuring exclusive Blade-Lock Technology, a 2" cutting diameter, and signature slice-twice blade action. Engineered and built in the USA by FL Outdoors, the #307 is designed for serious bowhunters seeking precision, reliability, and devastating field performance.
Outdoor Sportsman Group presented Chris Dolnack, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Host Michael Waddell presented the award, recognizing Dolnack's three decades of contributions to the shooting sports and firearms industry.
Federal received the 2026 Gold Award in the Shotshells category from Predator Xtreme readers, marking their eighth consecutive year winning the honor. Federal Shotshell Product Director Dan Compton highlighted the Federal Premium Buckshot 4B load's copper-plated pellets and tight patterns for predator hunting.
Summit Treestands earned the Gold winner award in the 2026 Bowhunting World Readers' Choice Award for Climbing Treestands. Brian Malone at Summit Treestands highlighted the company's commitment to designing treestands that exceed expectations for safety, comfort, and silence.
CCI Rimfire Ammunition won the Predator Xtreme 2026 Gold Award for Rimfire Ammunition for the 10th consecutive year. CCI Rimfire Product Manager Steve Monniere announced two new Hunter Series loads featuring Small Game Bullets in 22 LR calibers for 2026.
Traditions® Performance Firearms announced Steve Kirkpatrick of The WL Carter Company as the 2025 Sales Representative of the Year. Kirkpatrick has represented Traditions products since 2006, demonstrating outstanding performance and dedication to customer relationships and brand growth.
The Wild Sheep Foundation presented multiple awards at the Sheep Show® in Bozeman, Montana, recognizing individuals and organizations for conservation and hunting contributions. Recipients included Jim Travis, Brett Wiedmann, the Texas Bighorn Society, Chris Barker, and numerous others honored for their dedication to wild sheep conservation across North America, Europe, and Asia.
On Target Magazine awarded Federal Ammunition's 7mm Backcountry cartridge a 2025 Editors' Choice Award as part of its 24th annual awards program. The cartridge features patented Peak Alloy case technology and is engineered for short-barreled hunting rifles, achieving 3,000 feet per second through 20-inch barrels with 170-grain bullets.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $1,490,728 to mission-related projects in Q4 2025 across four pillar programs: Outdoor Education, Hunting Preservation, Habitat Enhancement, and Shooting Sports Advancement. The organization supports hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation initiatives for youth, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
SLG2, Inc. released a video featuring Karen Butler mentoring Christa Forrester through her first turkey hunt, demonstrating that effective mentorship requires passion and willingness to share knowledge safely, not expert status. The video aims to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to become mentors and introduce others to hunting.
Spartan Precision Equipment announced a partnership with Hunter Outdoor Communications to strengthen its North American market presence through strategic public relations and brand development. The collaboration aims to expand brand awareness and deliver impactful messaging to the outdoor industry.
RetailBI released its January Firearm Sales Index showing a -6.2% decline compared to January 2025. Gearfire's RetailBI provides data-driven retail performance metrics using point-of-sale transactions from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, offering manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accurate consumer demand insights.
Kovix, a premium titanium suppressor manufacturer, relocated its headquarters from Lake Norden, South Dakota to Kalispell, Montana. CEO Luke Hanson stated the move enhances team synergy and positions the company more centrally for operations while maintaining seamless customer service.
Whitetails Unlimited Inc. is hiring part-time Field Directors for territories in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Candidates should have event planning experience, Microsoft 365 proficiency, and knowledge of hunting and white-tailed deer. Interested applicants should email fieldoperations@whitetailsunlimited.com.
Vortex Optics launched the Triumph 2 MOA Red Dot, designed for new and recreational shooters seeking reliable performance across multiple platforms. The optic features 9 daylight and 2 night-vision illumination settings, motion activation with 10-minute auto-shutoff, and multi-height mount options at $99.99 MAP.
Wildlife Research Center® launched its Golden Estrus® Scent Stick Formula, a weather-resistant estrus scent made from fresh premium doe urine designed to trigger rutting bucks' mating instincts. The 2.5 oz stick offers easy application, extended scent release, and durability in harsh conditions, available at authorized retailers for $22.99 MSRP.
The 2026 SHOT University, presented by NSSF, attracted over 3,100 retailers and industry professionals during the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The event featured educational sessions on compliance, marketing, and workforce development, plus a debut Suicide Prevention Town Hall led by mental health advocates. NSSF President Joe Bartozzi emphasized the organization's commitment to suicide prevention awareness and education.
Halo Optics has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, announced by WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The company's rangefinders feature advanced technology including Angle Intelligence and Scan Mode to help hunters make confident, ethical shots.
Easton announces the 5MM Steel HIT Break-Off Insert, an adjustable stainless steel accessory for archers that allows weight adjustment from 50 to 75 grains. Four times stronger than brass or aluminum, it optimizes arrow Front of Center and is compatible with all Easton 5mm arrow shafts.
Swhacker Broadheads, manufactured by FL Outdoors, announces the launch of the #307 100GR Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead featuring exclusive Blade-Lock Technology and a 2" cutting diameter. The broadhead is engineered and built in the USA for serious bowhunters seeking precision, reliability, and field performance.
MTM Case-Gard introduced the Chronograph Case (CCXERO) in Dayton, OH, offering custom-fit protection for the Garmin Xero chronograph. Featuring precision-cut foam, hard-shell construction, and compact dark earth design, the case is priced at $14.50 MSRP.
CZ will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show, February 7–15, 2026, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At Booth #317, CZ representatives will showcase firearms for hunting, personal defense, and sport shooting, connecting with the shooting sports community.
Content King Media, led by Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, continues its partnership with Hoyt Archery through The Choice TV, airing on Pursuit Channel and Wild TV. Jeremy Eldredge, Director of Marketing at Hoyt Archery, praised the Cianciarulo's dedication and professionalism over their 20-year collaboration.
Warne announces the MaxLite MSR Scope Mount, a lightweight aluminum optic mounting solution designed for modern sporting rifles. Available in 1-inch and 30mm tube sizes at $109.99 MSRP, the mount offers precision construction and proper MSR height for shooters using LPVOs and other modern optics.
ZeroTech launches the Thrive HD 1-8x24 LPVO RAR Illuminated riflescope, engineered for rapid target acquisition at 1x magnification and precision at extended distances. The optic features a 30mm maintube, 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction, and RAR illuminated reticle optimized for tactical, competition, and hunting applications.
ZeroTech Optics introduces two new reticle options for its Thrive 3-9x40 riflescope platform: the G4 for fast target acquisition and the PHR4 for precise shot placement. Both models maintain the rugged construction and optical performance expected from the Thrive family and are available through authorized dealers and online.
German Precision Optics (GPO USA) announced that the free $95.00 custom Kenton Industries™ turret is now standard with select GPO CENTURI™ riflescopes. The custom turret allows shooters to dial exact yardage or ballistic data tailored to their specific rifle and ammunition at no additional cost.
Dallas Safari Club announced Russell Stacy as its new Chief Executive Officer. Stacy, a fourth-generation agri-business operator and DSC Life Member, previously served on the DSC and DSC Foundation Boards. He will lead DSC as it temporarily relocates its annual Convention to Atlanta in 2026-2027 and Houston in 2028-2029.
The Wild Sheep Foundation concluded its 49th annual convention in Reno, Nevada, raising record funding for wild sheep conservation. Gray N. Thornton, WSF president and CEO, highlighted that millions of dollars will support wildlife agencies and partners in management programs, with a conservation permit selling for $1 million.
Swhacker Broadheads introduces the #311 100GR Fixed 3-Blade Broadhead, featuring single-bevel design with replaceable blades for maximum stability and penetration. Engineered by Rick Forrest and manufactured by FL Outdoors, the broadhead is made in the USA for serious bowhunters.
Ani-Logics Outdoors launches four new deer products: CRUSH Concoction, Camo CRUSH, Ani-Shield Base Mix, and Mass Maker. These offerings combine deer attraction with nutritional support, featuring protein-based formulas, immune support through Ani-Shield TX4, and minerals designed to enhance herd health and antler growth.
Avian-X announces the launch of Ridge Runner and Ridge Runner X turkey vests designed for mobile hunters, featuring backpack-style designs with EVA-molded call pockets and magnetic quick-deploy seats. Limited-edition NWTF versions will debut at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, February 12-14.
Whitetail Institute introduces Whitetail Sorghum Select, an innovative blend of two premium hybrid sorghum varieties designed for hunters and land managers. The product combines early and late-maturing hybrids to extend feeding opportunities while offering drought and disease resistance, attracting whitetail deer, turkeys, and game birds.
Blaser Group unveiled the R8 Professional 2.0, an enhanced straight-pull rifle featuring an ergonomic vertical pistol grip, DLC A+ barrel coating, and height-adjustable comb. The rifle is available in a kit with TSA-approved hardcase and starts at $5,500 MSRP through Blaser Premium Dealers.
Blocker Outdoors introduced the Finisher BT (Boss Tom) Strap Vest, a minimalist turkey hunting vest designed for simplicity and comfort. The lightweight vest features adjustable straps, removable magnetic seat cushion, dedicated pockets for calls and accessories, and is available in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland and Mossy Oak Full Foliage patterns at $149.99.
Federal Ammunition expanded its Rob Roberts Raptor Steel waterfowl shotshell line in 2026, collaborating with Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks to offer six new options in 12-gauge and 20-gauge configurations. The specialized loads feature heavy payloads, high pellet counts, and optimized velocities designed for improved pattern consistency and performance on ducks and geese.
Hook & Barrel Magazine is hosting a giveaway sweepstakes for a Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB .30-caliber suppressor valued at $1,049. The sweepstakes runs through February 28, 2026, with entry available on the Hook & Barrel website.
GSM Outdoors will showcase hunting gear from over 50 brands at the 2026 National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, featuring debut backpack-style turkey vests from Avian-X in limited-edition NWTF designs, plus appearances by Hall of Fame Callers Mark Drury and Paul Butski.
Knight & Hale Game Calls returns to the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention with founders Harold Knight and David Hale making special appearances. The booth will feature exclusive show specials including a 50th NWTF Convention Anniversary Pot Call and debut the complete 2026 product line with new apparel, calls, and limited-edition collector's items.
Remington Ammunition will debut its new Final Strut HD turkey load lineup at the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2026 Convention in Nashville, February 10-14. The tungsten-blended loads offer enhanced retained energy and dense patterns at longer ranges, complementing Remington's existing turkey ammunition options.
Beretta USA will showcase its A300 Ultima Turkey lineup and hunting shotguns at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention & Sport Show in Nashville, Tennessee, February 12-14. The company will feature exclusive collaborations with Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Realtree®, and Mossy Oak®, highlighting purpose-built turkey guns and modern hunting shotguns at booth #2061.
Silent Steel USA will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA at Booth 587, showcasing its FLOW-IQ Technology suppressors designed to reduce blowback and improve shooter comfort. The company, an independent U.S. extension of Silent Steel Finland, will educate attendees about suppressor technology and practical applications for hunting and shooting.
Target Sports USA returns to Booth #710 at the Great American Outdoor Show with raffles, exclusive ammunition pricing, and a Ford F-250 giveaway truck. New AMMO+ members receive a $130 gift and automatic entry into the truck drawing.
Bear & Son Cutlery, Alabama's largest knife manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 7-15. The company will debut over a dozen new products including Locking Farmhand pocketknives, Executive stainless steel series, and expanded kitchen cutlery at booth #720.
Fish Monkey and Hunt Monkey will showcase their full product lines at the Nation's Best Sports Fall 2026 Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13, featuring hunting gear, winter fishing apparel, waterproof gloves, and merino wool socks at Booth #1900.
APEX Ammunition will exhibit at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention February 12-14 at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, showcasing their TSS turkey loads in Booth #1445. The company will offer multiple gauges and blends, with the APEX Cigar Box available free with purchase of three or more boxes of turkey ammo.
CZ will exhibit at the 50th Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention & Sport Show on February 12–14, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The company will showcase hunting-focused firearms at Booth #1114 and connect with industry leaders and conservation-minded sportsmen.
Federal Ammunition is the title sponsor of the National Wild Turkey Federation's 2026 Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tennessee, February 10-14. Federal will sponsor the Hunting Heritage Breakfast and introduce new turkey loads including Realtree 40th Anniversary Special Edition and Rob Roberts Limited Edition ammunition.
MyOutdoorTV premieres new Bone Collector episodes weekly, featuring Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt, and Travis "T-Bone" Turner. Season 18 includes deer hunting at the Waddell Family Farm in Georgia, hunts with Cameron Hanes and Blake Shelton, and exclusive content including The Michael Waddell Podcast.
GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, features Jim Shockey's hunting adventure shows every Saturday in February. The lineup includes Jim Shockey's UNCHARTED, Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures, and Jim Shockey's The Professionals, offering two hours of hardcore hunting content from exotic global destinations.
Beretta USA announced its official sponsorship of the Super Sport event at the 2026 Jack Link's Cup at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in Okeechobee, Florida from February 10-15th. The company will showcase DT11, 694 Sporting, 688 Performance, and A400 shotguns, with authorized dealers on-site for purchases and a DT11 Sporting featured in Saturday's dinner giveaway.
