YORK, S.C. – March 10, 2026 – The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is proud to present Smith & Wesson (S&W) with its “2026 Conservation Partner of the Year” award.
The outdoor industry, along with America’s 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers Shooters), plays an instrumental role in funding land, fish and wildlife conservation in America. Through the Pittman-Robertson Act, manufacturers of firearms and ammunition have helped conserve and provide access to more than 36 million acres across America.
With help from its customers, Smith & Wesson has been supporting this conservation effort since the 1930s. Over the past five years, S&W has provided more than $236 million in Pittman-Robertson (PR) funds, making it one of the largest funders of wildlife conservation in America.
“The outdoor industry simply does not get the credit it deserves for being the primary funders of land, fish and wildlife conservation in America,” stated OSCF’s Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “Smith & Wesson has one of the longest histories of funding wildlife conservation and we are glad to shine a light on its efforts by presenting them with the 2026 Conservation Partner of the Year award.”
In addition to supporting conservation through the Pittman-Robertson Act, Smith & Wesson also sponsors many wildlife conservation organizations each year, helping each one achieve its mission
“Smith & Wesson is honored to be recognized by the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation as the 2026 Conservation Partner of the Year. Our collective commitment to the protection and preservation of wildlife, habitats and the hunting tradition is essential to the American identity,” said Mark Smith, S&W’s president and CEO. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated customers and staff, whose support enables us to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to many more years of ensuring wildlife sustainability for future generations.”
Learn more about Smith & Wesson’s contributions to conservation by watching Season 2, Episode 47, of the Connecting with Conservation Podcast featuring Kyle Tengwall, S&W vice president of marketing.
About Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality handgun, long gun, and suppressor products to the global consumer and professional markets under the iconic Smith & Wesson® and Gemtech® brands. Additionally, the company provides manufacturing services such as forging and machining to third parties and offers world-class firearm training programs to Law Enforcement/Military departments and civilians at the Smith & Wesson Academy® in Maryville, TN. For more information call (844) 363-5386 or visit www.smith-wesson.com.
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 gun ownership, 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 positive contributions HATS make to society. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag,” “Come With!,” “Connecting with Conservation,” “Donate A Deer” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council,” please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org, follow @OutdoorStewards on Instagram or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, [email protected]. Keep up with the latest from OSCF on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
See also: How wildlife conservation is funded in America.
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