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40 PULLUSA MAGAZINE FALL 2025 THE FIELD INSIGH T Participation in shooting sports, such as the USA Clay Target League, is continuing to fuel interest from athletes in pursuing careers in natu- ral resource management or hunting and shooting sports. Job opportu- nities today are more diverse and easier to find, but they may not be easier to attain. A quick review of a monthly news- letter advertising jobs in the fire- arms, hunting and fishing worlds reveals these job titles: customer service representative, farm manag- er, shooting instructor, firearm man- ufacturing, firearm sales, gunsmith, business analyst, digital market- ing designer, social media manager, graphic designer, field producer, product manager and GIS develop- er—just to name a few. These are in addition to the more traditional biologist, technician and research scientist titles commonly associated with state and federal agencies. T h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s p a t h s t o a c h i e v i n g c a r e e r g o a l s. C o l l e g e i s n 't f o r e ve r y b o d y, e s p e c i a l l y i f the school years were not enjoyed. I n s t e a d , c o n s i d e r h a n d s - o n j o b opportunities working for an out- door business or industry. When given job opportunities, with or without a college degree, make sure to capitalize on them by working hard and networking with the people you meet. Don't be shy about asking questions and demonstrating your interest and excitement for your work and your u l t i m a t e c a r e e r g o a l . A p l e a sa n t personality and strong work ethic, combined with good references, are a recipe for success. When pursuing your career goals, just like on the trap field, keep your eye on the target and never stop working toward the perfect round. ✪ The only career paths for natural resource management I knew of were with the government or non-profit conservation organizations. In those days, there was no internet to easily share or search for job openings. How things have changed. GROWING UP, I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A DAD WHO INTRODUCED ME TO THE OUTDOORS THROUGH HUNTING AND FISHING. I spent countless hours poking around in the nearby woods, lakes and rivers in search of whatever game or fish were available, and I even joined the high school trap shooting team to hone my shooting skills and spend time with my friends. Those early experiences fueled an interest in pursuing a career managing the fish and game I enjoyed so, that future generations could have the same experiences. CAREERS FUELED BY SHOOTING SPORTS by BOB NACK, R3 Team Supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources TRAINING, NETWORKING, AND CHARACTER ARE KEY TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS FUN FACT The USA College Clay Target League gives student athletes a chance to compete, network, learn, and start a career. FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR (BELOW) AND GUNSMITH (RIGHT) ARE JUST TWO OF THE MANY CAREER PATHS WITHIN THE SHOOTING SPORTS INDUSTRY.