Breaking News: Iconic Ammo Brands Sold, Hunting Program at Risk, and Social Media Classes in Colleges

In the News - Big changes: Iconic U.S. ammo brands sold, federal hunting access funding threatened, and colleges embrace social media influencer courses. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!  

Season 5, Episode 221

Key Developments Impacting Iconic Brands, Public Hunting, and Education    Iconic American Ammo Brands Sold to Czech Company

The iconic American ammunition brands Federal, Remington, Hevi Shot, Speer, and CCI have new ownership. Sold in November 2024, these legendary names in ammo were sold to the Prague-based Czechoslovak Group (CSG) for $2.225 billion. This acquisition marks the end of a 2.5-year process involving scrutiny and approval by U.S. regulatory bodies.

Under its new parent company, The Kinetic Group, led by CEO Jason Vanderbrink, these brands are set to thrive with long-term investments that aim to boost innovation and production. Vanderbrink states that moving away from the pressures of short-term returns will allow the brands to focus on delivering better and more reliable ammunition for consumers.

Why the Sale Happened

The ammo brands were previously owned by Vista Outdoor, a company managing a mix of outdoor and ammunition businesses. A strategic decision was made to split the two sectors due to differing business models and investor demands. Ammunition, a volatile commodity market, didn't align well with the stable growth expectations of lifestyle brands like Bushnell and Primos.

National Security Concerns Addressed

The sale raised national security concerns, prompting an investigation by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Despite opposition from some politicians, including then Senator JD Vance (now current Vice-president), the sale was cleared in June 2024. CSG emphasized its commitment to supporting U.S. military, law enforcement, hunters, and allied nations, along with its nearly 4,000 American employees.

The Future of American Ammo

With additional resources from CSG, which also owns a majority stake in Fiocchi, The Kinetic Group is poised to grow and innovate. Manufacturing plants like Federal's in Minnesota and Remington's in Arkansas will continue to play a key role in supplying high-quality ammunition for American and allied markets.

References:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/kinetic-group-sold-to-czechoslovak-group/

https://smokinggun.org/vista-outdoor-closes-2b-sale-of-ammunition-brands-to-czech-firm/

https://czechoslovakgroup.com/en/news/csg-acquisition-kinetic-group

Funding Gap Threatens Federal Walk-In Hunting Access Program

The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), which funds walk-in hunting access on private lands, will not receive federal funding in 2025, creating challenges for hunters and conservationists. Without these funds, states cannot expand or create new access programs, leaving hunters with fewer opportunities.

Historically funded by the farm bill, the program received $50 million in 2018 but saw reduced funding with recent extensions. The 2025 farm bill extension omitted funding entirely, marking the second consecutive year without adequate support. States participating rely on these grants to incentivize private landowners to allow public hunting and improve habitats.

Existing programs will