MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – September 17, 2024 – Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) along with Wildlife Management Institute created the Outdoor Industry Communication Council (OICC) to form a coalition of state wildlife agencies, NGOs, media, industry brands, organizations and manufacturers. The OICC’s goal is to better inform people of the benefits of getting outdoors and participating in activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. HATS™ (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) contribute billions of dollars annually to land, fish and wildlife conservation. Funding from HATS makes up a large portion of state department of natural resources’ budgets and allows them to do all the terrific work they do, much of which supports hunting and shooting.
As hunters hit their favorite outdoor retailers in preparation for hunting season, it’s an important time to inform and engage them on a variety of topics. This importance is felt by a diverse group—including but not limited to sporting goods manufacturers, state agencies, conservation groups, mainstream media, hunting and shooting-specific publishers and popular personalities, influencers and online destinations.
“The time is now to reach those audiences we all depend on,” said executive director of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation Jim Curcuruto. “HATS do so much for conservation and improving all types of habitats —with a lot of that not connected to hunting, shooting or trapping at all—we need to spread those messages and grow our industry. The OICC provides great assets including social media graphics and content as well as relevant and recent studies for all to feature or supplement their communications efforts. A quick signup on our website opens the conservation and our team is standing by to support specific needs and requests.”
Sign Up Now—Enhanced Benefits
Membership is free and takes minutes to register. The OICC already boasts more than sixty partners that range from industry icons such as Fiocchi USA and Sig Sauer to conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited, National Deer Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and wildlife agencies ranging from Nebraska Game & Parks Commission to Pennsylvania’s Game Commission. Content is aimed to be shareable, whether on partners’ websites and social channels, in electronic newsletters, in podcasts or in printed publications.
OICC has invested in new content and internal capabilities. The staff is ready and available to provide specifics for any needs. The team can create brand-specific social media content, custom information by geographic location, industry or other custom needs.
For more information about OICC and OSCF visit www.OutdoorStewards.org, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
About OSCF:
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders and stewards of conservation in America. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag”, “Come With!”, “Donate a Deer”, “Connecting with Conservation” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council,” please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, jim@stewardsofconservation.org .
About the Outdoor Industry Communication Council (OICC):
Formed around the commitment to educate all Americans about the origins of conservation
funding in America, the Outdoor Industry Communication Council (OICC) is managed by
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and Wildlife Management Institute
(WMI). OICC works with outdoor writers to develop informative content that is available to
all outdoor organizations and media at no cost. A primary goal of the OICC is to better
inform and promote the positive contributions that wildlife agencies, industry
manufacturers, NGO’s and end users such as hunters, anglers, trappers and target shooters
make to conservation. Outdoor organizations interested in conservation are welcome to
use any OICC content to expand the reach of messages created by the OICC. To become a
member of the Outdoor Industry Communication Council, contact Jim Curcuruto of OSCF
(203) 450-7202 jim@stewardsofconservation.org or Jon Gassett of WMI at (502) 330-9025
jgassett@wildlifemgt.org. There are no costs involved to become a member of the OICC.
Members may utilize OICC materials as they see fit with no restrictions. For additional
information visit https://www.outdoorstewards.org/outdoor-industry-communicationcouncil-oicc/