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- Outdoor-Hive Newsletter May 28, 2025
Outdoor-Hive Newsletter May 28, 2025
Tips and career/job opportunities in the shooting, hunting, archery, and sportfishing industries.
David Dolbee & Kevin Paulson
May 28, 2025
Economic Headwinds Create Uncertainty in the Gun Industry Job Market
The gun industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation as economic uncertainties and potential tariff threats reshape employment dynamics across the sector. Industry analysts report that manufacturers and retailers are adapting their workforce strategies in response to these challenges. Market pressures have forced companies to reevaluate their operational priorities. The transition is particularly evident in hiring patterns.
Organizations throughout the industry are showing a marked preference for contract-based positions over permanent roles, providing greater flexibility in uncertain times. For workers in the industry, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. The industry continues to monitor economic indicators and trade policy developments, which will likely influence employment trends in the coming months. Companies remain cautious in their hiring approaches while maintaining focus on technological advancement to stay competitive in an evolving market.
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
The first two paragraphs are basically complete and utter nonsense created by AI and passed off as truth. It took all of two minutes to create that gibberish and it could easily be floated as truth rather quickly. Is it based on a little bit of reality? Of course it is. However, none of it should stop you from getting out of bed every single day, making your bed and getting that first win of the day. Then, You should be attacking the job market until you find the job that is your dream role. No one is working against you here at Outdoor-Hive.com.
We created this newsletter for every person in every company in this industry. If you have been in the industry, are in the industry, or want to be in the industry… we want you as a subscriber. Every person who works at a company who can exhibit or attend SHOT Show, ATA, or ICAST should subscribe to this newsletter. It only comes once a week, and we will never sell our list of subscribers to anyone — EVER.
The vast majority of companies we talk with are hiring, they may or may not be posting jobs, but no company we know in the industry is going to turn down someone with tremendous talent. So, read through the jobs below, apply for the ones that are a fit, and fight to get that interview.
Of course, if you know someone who is looking, forward our information to them.
Firearms
The Tooling Systems & Software Technician is responsible for all tool setting equipment to include measurement, maintaining a tooling database, and tool setting programming at the site. This includes coordinating repairs, calibrations, and equipment upgrades. The Tooling Systems & Software Technician will draw on some prior knowledge of software used in tooling and manufacturing environments. They will work alongside both the CNC Programming team as well as the Operations team to ensure all tooling needs are promptly addressed. This position will provide multisite support on occasion.
In your role as an Accounting Manager- M&E Controlling, you will be responsible for overseeing cost controlling functions around cost of sales, such as controlling raw material & energy, M&E spending, capital expenditures, working capital and productivity. Additionally, you will support site accounting activities and ensure accurate financial reporting. Key responsibilities include preparation of key cost accounting reports, tracking regional productivity efforts, engaging in the estimate and budgeting process and providing financial insights to drive efficiency and profitability. This role requires strategic and broad skillset in accounting principles, processes, and alignment, including potential impacts to financial results.
The Manager of Public Affairs works to advance the association's communications objectives with mainstream news media, center/right media outlets and assists in the development of communications strategies and tactics in support of the association's government relations, litigation and public affairs priorities. This person works collaboratively to develop and carry out communications initiatives that will advance the industry's position.
In this role, you'll blend technical knowledge with creative flair to produce engaging content—from creating multimedia content, including photos & videos, that are appropriate to the outdoor recreating industry and supportive of Silencer Central's marketing initiatives. You'll be the voice that connects its products with the shooting community, shaping how enthusiasts, professionals, and newcomers experience the brand. If you live for tight groupings and killer content, this is your shot.
Drive and execute assembly of firearm parts, packaging and quality assurance at Primary Arms. This position is responsible for scheduling, coordinating, inspecting, and executing all aspects that align with the Primary Arms business strategy.
The Productions Manager will report to the Director of Operations and will ensure all goals are met monthly. You will be responsible for the coordination of Assembly, Quality Control, packaging and testing of all Expo Arms Products. This person will be responsible for overseeing Expo Arms Armorers and will ensure that all products meet its company standards.
The Director of Manufacturing Engineering will own and manage all engineering aspects of high-volume production and assembly for small, intricate, precision electro-optic and electro-mechanical assemblies. This individual will be responsible for driving improvements in manufacturing processes, leading new product introductions, and expanding its production capabilities to support future growth. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert with extensive experience in process optimization, automation, and team building.
The Senior Supervisor of Factory Operations demonstrates the highest levels of servant leadership to ensure vision of company is realized in area of responsibility. Responsible for having up to date information to make decisions on higher level priorities and initiatives involving other departments and plants. Helps with ensuring the plant metrics are being met and helps with corrective action when they are not. Ensures communication across shifts is strengthened by having a single point of contact. Acts as a trained replacement during the area senior manager’s absence. Also functions as a coach and communicator keeping staff up to date on company and department information.
Develop and create design concepts, drawings in Solidworks. Design, create, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes. Generate and build line layouts within planned timeframes for New Product Introductions. Identify gaps and/or unnecessary redundancies. Make improvements of existing products. Investigate and solve problems in cooperation with Quality and Operations departments.
Manage and maintain Technical Product Roadmap and scheduling. Define, develop, and maintain product testing protocols for each product and lead testing exercises to validate new product designs and product improvements. Maintain standards for technical drawings, internal specifications, and engineering documentation.
Operates industrial machining equipment to machine parts as needed. Troubleshoot and repair industrial machinery as needed. Performs machine tear down and repair as needed. Utilizes various hand tools to perform tasks. Uses gauges and measuring instruments as necessary. Perform all mechanical, machinist, and other maintenance tasks as assigned.
Position may include climbing ladders and entering confined spaces. May include exposure to wet, humid, and extreme temperatures. Installs and fits machined components. Bore, ream, polish, and size large and small inside diameter holes to very close tolerances.
Seeking an experienced Sr Manager, Product Finance to join the Outdoor Performance platform team which consists of Bushnell, Blackhawk, Camp Chef, Primos, Simms Fishing, Stone Glacier, and other outdoor accessory brands. The Outdoor Performance strategic priorities are to be consumer-first focused, lead with power brands, and invest inwards. We will build the Outdoor Performance business by creating focus and power with the consumer. The Finance team will work cross-functionally to provide accurate financial forecasts, understand risks, and facilitate improvements to profitability.
Hunting
The Customer Acquisition Marketing Manager will optimize marketing campaigns across paid digital channels to turn impressions and clicks into passionate customers. This role will execute marketing initiatives focused on acquiring and retaining customers, primarily in performance marketing channels. This includes but is not limited to paid social, paid search, traditional media, display ads, email, and website. The ideal candidate will understand acquisition funnels and have hands-on experience implementing growth strategies, decreasing customer acquisition costs, and campaign execution and optimization.
Supports the development, implementation, and administration of compensation programs. They assist with analytical research, data management, and program administration, while also providing support to various teams within the organization. Conducts market research and data analysis to inform compensation strategies, including salary surveys, job evaluations, and compensation benchmarking.
Seeking a Customer Success Representative to join the team who will provide sales support, customer service, and manage orders for an assigned territory of Sales Representatives and Fox Authorized Wholesale Dealers. As a level II support agent, you will also provide support to Fox E-Commerce consumers when called into action during peak support periods of the year.
Field Operations is the primary fundraising structure of the RMEF. Regional directors oversee local volunteer chapters in organizing fundraising events, primarily banquets and other event activities, to support the continued operation of RMEF and finance elk and wildlife conservation projects. In addition to event-based fundraising, regional directors should work within their region on volunteer recruitment, retention, and training. Regional directors in designated elk states serve as the chair of their respective state project advisory committee from which conservation project recommendations are developed for RMEF funding.
Looking for a Creative Coordinator that will serve as the central hub for organizing and managing creative projects across the marketing department. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on planning, can juggle multiple projects at once, and enjoys working cross-functionally with teams across the organization. You’ll lead with tenacity and will be the go-to person for project intake, sprint planning, and ongoing project management. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining its Digital Asset Management (DAM) and the Monday.com platforms to ensure projects move smoothly from concept to completion.
The CDO must be a skilled communicator, highly organized, and motivated to develop a sustainable and innovative philanthropic program. While the CDO will oversee an operation, which includes major donor solicitation, corporate, private, and family foundation grantmaking, planned giving, capital campaigns, annual giving, endemic corporate giving, and special events, the CDO should be inspired to bring an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to revenue generation to match the innovative nature of Delta’s programs. Moreover, because so much of what this person will do involves building and maintaining trust with senior management and staff, donors, and outside stakeholders, the CDO must possess the presence, judgment, and ability to operate effectively and professionally with a wide cross section of public, private, and philanthropic leaders.
Seeking a dynamic and visionary Vice President of Marketing & Communications (VP MARCOM) to lead and evolve the organization’s brand, marketing strategy, and communications initiatives. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this executive will oversee the MARCOM department, ensuring alignment with Delta’s strategic objectives while amplifying its mission across stakeholders, donors, and the broader conservation community.
The incumbent will work on governmental relations matters for SCI on matters involving state laws and regulations related to hunting within the U.S., within the Western region of the U.S. This position routinely handles highly sensitive, confidential, legal information. The environment is fast paced and constantly changing. Incumbents are called upon to be resourceful problem solvers, resolve conflicting priorities, and maintain professional decorum. The position routinely interacts with Boards, committees, national and international agencies. Knowledge base must include bylaws, state, federal and international laws relating to hunting and wildlife conservation.
All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission, and be passionate about hunter’s rights.
Seeking to recruit a dynamic new Marketing Director to be based in Bismarck, North Dakota. This position will oversee, coordinate, and participate in the development of marketing strategies and products for the organization.
The Guide & Outfitter Liaison represents SCI to the Professional Guide & Outfitter Associations (G&O Associations) in the United States, Canada, Africa and other countries as assigned, as well as serving as the communications conduit to SCI from the G&O community when warranted and practical. The Liaison informs and educates all members of the G & O Associations as to the benefits of membership in SCI, benefits of exhibiting at the SCI International Hunters Convention, encourages participation in the SCI Auction donation program (for SCI exhibitors) and informing the professionals as to the successful Hunter Advocacy, Conservation, and other meaningful and pertinent programs the Club accomplishes. The Liaison will report on the activities of the Club and be an advocate and spokesman for SCI. The Liaison is responsible for establishing and maintaining an exhibit at every G&O meeting that SCI attends, actively solicit memberships in SCI from attendees present.
The Events Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the Moultrie Mobile brand experience across various platforms and events. This position is charged with orchestrating the brand's presence in the market, ensuring its brand standards are not only met but exceeded in every customer interaction. From trade shows to digital events, the Events Manager will collaborate closely with marketing, sales, product development, and retail teams to deliver memorable brand experiences that drive awareness and growth on brand, on budget, and on time.
The Retail Community Coordinator will play a key role in driving foot traffic to its retail brand store(s) by developing and executing innovative strategies. This individual will be responsible for increasing brand awareness, driving store traffic, customer engagement, and in-store sales through events and corporate sales orders. The Retail Community Coordinator will work closely with store management, the marketing team and external partners to deliver impactful campaigns and events that attract both new and repeat customers. In this role, they will be responsible for strategizing and executing retail marketing, driving store traffic and building relationships in the community.
Additionally, they are also responsible for leading the sales floor and making sure that we always present its brand stores in their best image. This individual works in partnership with the Inventory Lead and Sales Lead in store to ensure that the entire leadership team is speaking to one vision in store. While they will operate from the place of community and marketing, they will need to ensure always that the needs of the sales floor come first. This role combines marketing expertise with hands-on leadership in managing the day-to-day operations of the sales floor. The individual will collaborate with store management to execute marketing initiatives while leading a team to provide exceptional service and meet sales goals.
As the Consumer Experience Director, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that consumers have a positive and seamless experience when interacting with its products and services. In this role, you will be responsible for understanding customer needs and preferences, developing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, and implementing initiatives to improve the overall customer experience.
This position is responsible for the production of graphic materials and the design of publications like newspapers or/and magazines. Provides technical support and pre-flighting for publications if required.
All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.
Seeking a part-time Field Director to execute program services. As a Field Director the candidate will organize volunteers and conduct membership events. Additionally, the Field Director will act as a liaison between all regional activities and National Headquarters. Guidance and resources will be provided by National Headquarters to help you succeed at delivering remarkable events. This part-time position could develop into a full-time salaried position.
The National Deer Association is seeking a creative and motivated Social Media Intern to help grow its online reach and engage with the deer-hunting and conservation community. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in outdoor communications, content creation, and social media management.
As the Director of social media at Brunt, you’ll lead the strategy and programming across its owned social media channels, with the goal of creating compelling stories to efficiently drive brand awareness and build a healthy funnel of follower acquisition.
Reporting to the Chief Brand Officer, you’ll play a crucial role in growing BRUNT Workwear brand affinity and ensuring the company’s brand identity remains consistent through all social media endeavors.
In addition, this role will also lead special projects for its CEO, Eric Girouard, where his personal social media channels are involved.
The Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing, designing, documenting, and supporting new and existing software solutions and systems. This role focuses on troubleshooting, training, and evaluating RMEF systems while providing clear documentation and recommending process improvements. Additional responsibilities include application and database administration, workflow optimization, and providing customer service and technical support.
Looking for a Marketing Leader to join the Sitka Gear team. In this role, you will build the multi-year marketing campaign strategy in alignment to the marketing roadmap. This person will support the optimization of acquisition and retention efforts for new and existing media types. This position will be located at its facility in Bozeman Montana, with the possibility of a hybrid remote work arrangement, depending upon the responsibilities of the role and business needs. Relocation assistance may be offered for this role.
The Mossy Oak Field Producer & Content Creator role is an opportunity for you to express your creativity not only through the lens, but with project management and fresh ideas. You’ll see your work at a national level across multiple media channels in Socials, websites, traditional print, TV and more
Your core responsibility will be completion of various video and photo content production and editing projects that will take place both in the field and in its studio facilities.
Editing skills are preferred but not required – we offer training on editing alongside the latest tools and technology to help not only fulfill your responsibilities but grow your personal and professional skill sets.
The Staff Accountant will work diligently to ensure the continued financial and operational integrity of the company. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a variety of sectors and fields, such as retail, supply chain, and audit.
This career requires significant organizational skills, the ability to communicate clearly, the ability to balance multiple projects at once, and deliver on timelines.
Archery
Trouble shoot and operator the drawbench machine, ensure products meet quality standards and specifications, visual inspections.
Responsible for setting up and maintaining various shaft and arrow production machines including calibrating product and making the necessary machine adjustments to ensure a quality product.
Looking for a dynamic and driven experienced Human Resources Generalist to join the team at Hoyt. This pivotal role will have a hands-on impact on recruiting, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance. As an HR Generalist, you’ll work closely with the HR team and other departments to help ensure a positive work environment and maintain high operational efficiency.
Daily cash receipt application in accounting system and reconciliation with daily bank reports. Working with the credit team to make AR collection calls to customers. Accept customer credit card payments over the phone and answer customer questions as needed or route calls to appropriate credit personnel. Enter detailed notes in computer system to document all customer correspondence. Process credit memos while following approval processes. Send out invoices or credit memos as needed to customers. Assist AR & Credit personnel with filing to keep filing system current.
The Customer Relations Representative will manage all aspects of customer account management, including receiving and processing customer orders, addressing inquiries and complaints, and offering technical advice on products and services. This role is essential in building and maintaining positive customer relationships while supporting various internal departments.
Fishing
Partner with the Store Manager to execute the strategic vision of our outlet store. You'll energize and empower the team, foster a customer-first mindset, and help drive operational excellence. This role is a unique chance to lead in a fast-paced, outdoor-lifestyle retail environment that celebrates innovation and customer connection.
Are you passionate about e-Commerce, digital merchandising, and delivering an exceptional online shopping experience? As a Site Merchandiser at Pure Fishing, you’ll be responsible for optimizing product discoverability, managing content, and enhancing the consumer journey across multiple Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) websites. You’ll work cross-functionally to ensure its digital storefronts are engaging, seamless, and conversion-driven. If you love the balance of data, creativity, and strategy, this role is for you!
The Assistant Manager plays a crucial role in supporting the Manager to ensure all aspects of the business including sales, staff management, guest services, and daily operations work in concert to deliver a consistently memorable fishing experience for the guest. This position requires a strong work ethic, flexible scheduling, excellent communication & interpersonal skills, and a passion for the outdoors. The Assistant Manager directly assists with supervising the Guest Services staff and assists with the River Patrol, Housekeeping, and Maintenances staffs in the Manager’s absence. The Assistant Manager helps oversee and administer corporate technology systems, marketing, and social media accounts.
The General Manager is responsible for the seamless operation and overall success of Cliff Dwellers Lodge, Kayak Horseshoe Bend, and Lees Ferry Anglers. This role oversees daily operations, including front desk, restaurant, housekeeping, general store, kayak activities, and guest services. They are the steward of company culture, guest satisfaction, and team morale. The General Manager ensures effective collaboration, proactive property management, and consistent alignment with business goals. The GM will work out of the general office at the lodge and is expected to work a regular schedule of at least 40 hours each week.
As a Reel Repair Technician, you'll play a vital role in delivering exceptional service to the customers by performing high-quality repairs with speed and precision. You'll collaborate closely with the Customer Service and Parts teams and occasionally connect with Product Innovation and Production departments regarding reel performance and product improvements.
You’ll also have direct interaction with customers—whether by phone, email, or in person—offering technical support and product insights.
Seeking a passionate and creative Social Media Manager to join the team at Mayfly Outdoors. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing the social media strategy to enhance brand awareness and engage its community of outdoor enthusiasts. This position is vital in promoting its mission and products while fostering a vibrant online presence.
Are you a design student with a passion for creativity, an eye for detail, and a love for the outdoors? As a Graphic Design Intern at Pure Fishing, you’ll dive into hands-on design projects that bring its iconic brands to life. Whether you’re working on packaging concepts, logos, or marketing materials, this is your chance to turn your ideas into real-world impact—all while learning from a talented and collaborative team in its Columbia, SC office.
Are you passionate about e-commerce, digital merchandising, and creating seamless shopping experiences? As an E-commerce Site Merchandising Manager at Pure Fishing, you’ll play a key role in optimizing its direct-to-consumer (DTC) websites for multiple iconic brands. You’ll be responsible for curating product assortments, enhancing site navigation, and driving online sales, all while ensuring that its digital storefronts deliver an exceptional customer experience. If you’re equal parts creative visionary and data-driven strategist, this is the role for you!
Miscellaneous
Deliver high quality multi-platform projects using Microsoft development frameworks. Demonstrate highly effective approaches to object-oriented software development based on industry best practices. Design, build, test and maintain scalable, secure, and testable code. Create programming documentation and maintain existing documentation, and unit testing.
Work with the dev team, product owners, and stakeholders to get clarification on business requirements, break down large problems into small workable chunks and then implement solutions including code development and database design. Monitor and support Moultrie Mobile production cloud infrastructure. Stay abreast in the latest industry best practices, tools, and patterns. Assist in resolving critical production issues. Mentor new and more junior team members.
PRADCO is looking for a Software Engineer to contribute to its growing e-commerce business. The engineer will be supporting its ecommerce platform by updating the application, writing HTML, CSS and JavaScript for customer facing storefront features as well as writing backend code to integrate the platform with other systems. The position is a well-rounded role providing experience in the many layers of web software development.
The Software Engineer position is a great opportunity to hone skills in many areas of web development, platform security and project management. The position is available for remote work, providing flexibility in time management and location. If you want to grow with a small team as we expand the capabilities of its business, please apply.
Oversees all government affairs activities including federal and state legislative and regulatory actions, lobbying at all levels, litigation and international affairs. This position travels up 30% of the time, including to the SCI annual convention, site visits, Board Meetings, and any other trade shows or events of interest to or supported by SCI/F or Sporting Conservation International.
All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.
Seeking a customer-obsessed UX Designer to help craft intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing digital experiences. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, utilizing data and user insights to enhance its website and digital products.
In this role, you’ll contribute to creating intuitive user interfaces that meet the needs of BRUNT customers. You’ll leverage customer insights, market research, and site data to inform your designs and improve the user experience. Through continuous testing, iteration, and innovation, you’ll help ensure a best-in-class, customer-centric experience on BRUNT’s website.
This position will require you to have a solid understanding of Azure and Microsoft development technologies. This team member will act as a full stack developer working from the database through the backend to the client side. You will also work with product development and other software teams to ensure the completion of visions and timelines set by the business.
This position is responsible for soliciting expiring, expired members, and specialized selected member list to renew or upgrade their Safari Club International membership. This position requires making a significant number of outbound phone calls each day and sending follow-up communications as necessary based on a provided membership database. An integral function of this position is to maintain and implement a plan that includes strategies for continued improvement to reach higher retention rates. This position requires a results-driven, self-motivated individual that is motivated on a sales-incentivized basis.
This job operates in a professional office environment. This position travels up 35% of the time, including to the SCI annual convention and any other trade shows or events of interest to SCI/F or supported by SCI/F.
All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.
Seeking a Sr. Materials Sourcing Manager to join a talented Softgoods team. In this role, you will lead and implement an enterprise-wide raw materials sourcing strategy. This includes partnering closely with product teams across the portfolio of brands to collaboratively define and refine an optimized material sourcing strategy that meets consumer expectations, supports unique needs such as innovation and sustainability but also builds scale and leverage when and where possible. You will also help to establish and grow supplier partnerships and manage and improve performance.
Social Media Intern (Unpaid) – National Deer Association – Remote – Part Time