How the North American Hunting Club Works

by Simon Shadow

Browse the article How the North American Hunting Club Works

Hunter aiming his shotgun in a forest

Anders Ekholm/Nordic Photos/Getty Images

Introduction to the North American Hunting Club

Are you looking for a good venison stew reci­pe? Or, are you a newbie hunter who wants to bag a wild boar? You might luck into some quality information on those topics through the North American Hunting Club.

The North American Hunting Club (NAHC) has been around for more than 30 years and has reached millions of hunters in that time. The club was created in the 1970s by a father and son who shared a love of the outdoors and a deep affection for hunting. The two felt compelled to start a club that would give hunters a way to meet and share ideas, tips and hunting stories.

Back then, Paul Burke did all the writing and his son Steve did everything else. Today, the staff has grown far beyond two people. In fact, hunters from all over the country now write articles for the organization's magazine.

The NAHC boasts podcasts, TV shows, radio shows, books, DVDs, contests, give-aways and a Web site dedicated to hunters and their passion. Its magazine is read by more than 5 million adults each issue [source: NAMG].

­In this article, you'll learn the history of NAHC, from its humble beginnings three decades ago to the organization powerhouse that it has become today. Though the company has changed ownership (and names) several times over the years, the goals have stayed the same. We'll explore the mission of the NAHC and what the club offers not only to its members but to non-members alike.

You'll also learn how to join NAHC and what benefits you'll get out of membership. From armchair hunters to full-fledged life members -- this club offers something for everyone. What are the pros and cons of membership, and how can you receive free products from some of the leading hunting suppliers around the world? Read on to find out more.

Where's the Elk?

The very first issue of North American Hunter featured Steve Burke, Vice President of NAHC, on the cover with an elk. But the magazine lacked any elk hunting articles. At that time, Steve's father Paul, the only other employee of NAHC and President and CEO, wrote the articles for the magazine [source: Capecchi]

History of the North American Hunting Club

The North American Hunting Club (NAHC) was launched in 1978 by father and son hunting partners Paul and Steve Burke. Avid hunters, the duo enjoyed meeting other hunters and sharing experiences. They wanted to create an enviro­nment where hunters from everywhere could come together to share, enjoy and learn.

­Their answer, the North American Hunter magazine, became a success. And as their business grew, Paul and Steve realized they would need to expand their offerings. During the 1980s, the men began distributing hunting-related books and instructional videos and offered Jamborees where members could meet and socialize with the owners.

In 1988, 10 years after the Burkes started the NAHC, they decided to reach out to a second type of sportsman and created the North American Fishing Club (NAFC). Fashioned after the highly success original, the NAFC also offers magazines and information-packed books, videos and outlets where fishermen can share stories and learn from one another.

The Burkes changed the company name from North American Hunting Club to North American Outdoor Group (NAOG) to reflect their interests in all outdoor leisure activities. By the 1990s, the club was branching out to reach audiences across many different interests, including gardening, golfing, handy work and even cooking.

In 1995, North American Outdoor Group was purchased by CUC International where the combined total club memberships grew to over 3 million. In 1999, the European private equity fund managers, Doughty Hanson and Company, purchased the company.

In 2000, the name changed to the North American Membership Group and memberships grew to more than 5 million, with more than 1 million committing to lifetime member status [source: NAMG]

Though the name has changed, the mission of the North American Hunting Club has stayed the same throughout the years. Read on for an in-depth look behind the scenes of the NAHC.

Great American Trails

Great American Trails is NAHC's hour-long radio program. It features discussions on all types of hunting, including bow, powder and rifle hunting. Big name celebrities are interviewed on a regular basis, including Charlie Daniels, Ted Nugent and David Hale [source: NAHC]

Mission of the North American Hunting Club

This magazine-based hunting club has always focused on one thing -- reaching large numbers of people passionate about hunting and providing them with­ informative articles and true-life hunting stories [source: NAMG].

The North American Hunting Club (NAHC) focuses solely on hunters and what is of interest to them. The magazine's focus is to help readers craft and improve their hunting skills by relating professional and personal experiences. The Web site creates a members-only space that enables hunters to interact with one another and discuss products, services and adventures.

­NAHC works with sponsors and advertisers to bring new products to its members. Then, active participants are able to test new products and rate them, which helps advertisers with product lines and services.

As part of its mission to actively engage hunters from across the continent, the NAHC sponsors many different contests, ranging from cash awards for true-life hunting stories to give-aways, contests and hunting adventure trips.

NAHC also has its own television show called NAH-TV, with many episodes available online. Its Web site provides links to NAH podcasts and radio shows, all geared toward enhancing the knowledge and interest of North American hunters.

The NAHC works hard to offer many services to its members. If its mission and goals speak to you, continue reading to find out how to join.

Nonprofits

Beyond just the magazine, the NAHC gives back though nonprofits. Wildlife Forever is a nonprofit branch of the North American Hunting and Fishing Clubs. Wildlife Forever provides funding to conservation projects in all 50 states and Canada [source: Wildlife Forever].

Joining the North American Hunting Club

Joining the North American Hunting Club (NAHC) is as simple as subscribing to the magazine. Annual memberships start at around a buck a month and can be p­aid online or mailed to the company.

Members enjoy the magazine, which features informational articles, expert advice on just about anything a hunter needs to know, member-submitted photos, and products tested and rated by other members. There are also members-only privileges like a private forum, discounts on products, events, contests and competitions [source: NAHC] .

Testing out new products and gear is one of the things that motivates members to join the club. There are a few different things members can receive:

• All members receive the magazine.
• Many members receive decals and small thank you items, such as key chains and small knives.
• All members receive other solicitations like books and videos, which must be shipped back in a certain amount of time to avoid a charge.
• Some members receive small products or inexpensive gear to test out, but only if the member signs up to be a tester. A tester must sign up each month. In addition, field testers only have a certain amount of time to test the product or gear and must complete a thorough review to be considered for more testing [source: The High Road].

­Anyone can join the NAHC. If regular membership doesn't quite satisfy your hunting club desires, you can choose to become a life member. Life members get rebates of past dues, a lifetime subscription to the magazine, lifetime product testing eligibility, several gifts and an annual hunting resource directory.

Whether joining the NAHC is for right for you depends on your own personal expectations and preferences. NAHC was created based on a love of hunting and remains an effective subscription-based club that continues to provide present members and non-members alike with access to a growing number of hunting-based offerings.