Hunting is a passion that many people share. But for some, it’s more than just a hobby – it’s a lifestyle. For some people, going hunting alone is the best part of their day.
As hunting season approaches, there are loads of hunting fans looking to be sponsored. Who doesn’t like free stuff, right?
But getting sponsorship is no easy task. You need to know how to make yourself an attractive candidate to get noticed by brands in the hunting industry. Sponsors are interested in people who have a passion for their brand and know how to promote their content.
In this blog post, we share some advice and tips on how to get sponsored by hunting brands.
So, if you’re interested and think you have what it takes, read on.
Table of Contents
ToggleSetting Yourself Apart From The Rest
There are likely plenty of other hunters out there trying to make a name for themselves in the outdoors industry. What you need to think about is what makes you special.
Perhaps you have a unique hunting style or technique. This could be a specific method, like bow hunting or spot-and-stalk hunting. Or, it could be a specific technique, like tracking or calling.
Or maybe what makes you special is your quality content. This includes photos, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and everything else in between. If you have hunting tips, tricks and advice that you share online, it’s definitely something you should share with your sponsor.
Or, it could be that you just have a way with people. Sponsors look for people who know how to network and build relationships with others in the community, including industry professionals. So if you’re someone who loves networking at hunting events, trade shows, and competitions, let it be known by sponsors. It might just be your in.
Social Media Presence
It’s a good idea to already have a strong social media presence before trying your luck at a sponsorship. It’s an excellent way for hunting companies to see your potential and what you have to offer. From your perspective, it gives you a chance to display your hunting knowledge, passion, and dedication.
Tips for developing a strong social media presence:
- Set your social media accounts to public. Having a private account closes you off from others in the hunting community and will stunt the growth of your account.
- Showcase your hunting skills. This is where you can get creative. Post photos, videos, and vlogs of your hunts where you share tips and tricks, promote brands and products, and provide insight into your hunting philosophy. This can help you establish yourself as an expert in the hunting community.
- Follow and connect with others in the industry. Knowing and building relationships with others opens you up to opportunities. Interact with your connections by commenting on their posts or sending them a DM.
- Grow your followers. You can gain a strong following by sharing your content far and wide on multiple platforms. You can also ask your friends to interact with your content to gain traction. Another great idea would be to collaborate with others in the industry, as this will expose you to a whole new audience.
Finding the Right Partnerships
Consider the type of companies you could see yourself working with. Do you want to go for a big brand or a brand that’s just starting out? Which companies have values and passions that align with your own? Which brands do you already have hunting gear from that you would love to promote?
These are all questions to ask yourself before hunting (pun intended) for a sponsor. Plus, hunting companies are much more likely to want to take you on if they know you are the right fit for their brand.
You also need to know what role you want to play in the partnership. Do you want to be a pro-staffer? Do you want to make promotional videos in return for free hunting gear?
Whatever you may want out of the sponsorship, be sure it’s something the company is also looking for and will be able to benefit from. They mainly just want you to be able to represent their brand accurately.
Reaching Out To Sponsors
When you’re ready to be sponsored, check the websites of the companies you’re interested in. Many hunting companies will have sponsorship forms on their site that you need to fill in and submit via email.
When you fill out the form, include reasons why you would be a good fit and ways you could bring value. Write in a way that will bring you across as a professional. This means avoiding typos, bad formatting, and a careless tone.
While filling out the submission form is the conformative way to apply to become a sponsor, there are other ways to get noticed over and above this.
You can be brave and DM them on their social media pages, or even give the company a call. This is an excellent way to make an impression. Let them know you are already a fan and love their products. You could even send them some of your content so they can get a taste of your work.
This tells them that you are genuine and not just in it for the free hunting gear. So promote yourself as much as you can. You can also make reference to your video views, engagement, and your follower base.
How to Get Hunting Sponsors Through Negotiation
If there is no clear policy on how the sponsorship relationship will work, it’s a good idea to chat about your expectations. Explain what you can do for them in return for free products.
For example, if you plan on doing product promotion, suggest how much gear you should receive in order to create high-quality reviews. You could propose something along the lines of the following:
“If I get 3 new rifles, I will make one video review for each of them. I’ll give an overview of the affordability, look and feel, and specs. I’ll also show personal footage of how it performs while hunting. I can make one video a week over the course of three weeks.”
This clearly demonstrates what you expect from them and what you’re capable of. Don’t be offended if they twist your proposal a bit according to their own expectations. Both parties need to come to an agreement that will work best.
If you want to be a pro-staffer, negotiate your brand ambassador duties. This could include when and where you plan to attend trade shows, the types of products you want to promote, and the details of how exactly you plan to represent the company.
Stay Persistent
If you don’t get a hunting sponsorship the first time applying, don’t lose hope! Becoming a sponsor is no easy task. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Just because you didn’t get it the first time, it doesn’t mean that you never will in the future.
Continue to grow your social media accounts, engage with other hunters in the community, and create content that you’re proud of. Reapply to sponsorship positions and seek out others you may not have considered previously.
Also, remember to follow up on your applications. This will let sponsors know that you’re serious about their brand. And it will also show your eagerness to work with them.
There’s no harm in even asking for feedback after a rejection. Ask companies what they look for in successful applicants and what you can do differently next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pro-staffer for hunting companies?
To increase your odds of becoming a pro-staffer, you need a strong social media presence and high-quality content that showcases your hunting skills and knowledge. You should also try networking with other hunters and industry professionals to increase your chances of getting noticed.
How do I approach a company for sponsorship?
When approaching a company for sponsorship, it’s important to be professional. Create a well-written proposal that outlines your hunting experience, your online presence, and why you would be a good fit for their brand. Be prepared to answer any questions the company may have and be willing to negotiate terms.
What is expected of me as a sponsored hunter?
As a sponsored hunter, you will be expected to promote the company’s products and represent the brand in the hunting community. This may include posting photos and videos of yourself using the products, writing product reviews, and participating in hunting events and competitions. Sponsors may also expect you to provide feedback on existing products and test new products before they hit the market.
How long does a sponsorship last?
The length of a sponsorship can vary depending on the company and the terms of the agreement. Some sponsors may only want you for a specific event or hunting season, while other sponsors may need you for a longer period, such as a year or more.
Final Words
I hope this post has given you a better idea of how to get hunting sponsors. Sponsors mainly want someone who they can trust and who they know will do justice to their brand. Having a strong social media presence and creating high-quality content is part of it, but being the right fit for the brand matters just as much.