Author:
Cassie Scott
Bow and arrow companies aren’t the only manufacturers in the archery and bowhunting industry. FOXPRO Inc., a digital game-call manufacturer, has helped so many hunters boost their odds that its owners think they’re the worldwide leader in digital game-call sales.
Mike Dillon is FOXPRO’s general manager. His father, John, started the company in 1993 by merging his engineering passion with his son’s hunting passion.
Mike remembers walking with his brother, Steve, into his dad’s “lab” – aka the garage – with a game call as large as a boombox before heading out to hunt fox. Their dad saw the heavy, bulky device and thought there must be a better way to broadcast sound into the woods. After a few years of trial and error, he developed a calling device small enough to hide inside a Rayovac flashlight for protection.
Mike Dillon, FOXPRO's general manager estimates that FOXPRO Inc. makes up 60 to 70 percent of the predator-calling market. He attributes the company’s success to its innovations, customer service and made-in-America foundation. Photo Credit: FOXPRO Facebook
The new call gained attention by word of mouth, and John started taking orders while continually adapting his product. Before he knew it, his operation expanded beyond his garage and into his basement. When it again outgrew that space, and filled a 4,500-square-foot building. The operation finally settled into a 45,000-square-foot facility in Pennsylvania. The one-man operation grew into a company with 70-plus full-time employees in just over 20 years.
The company sells high-quality digital game calls with hundreds of programmed sounds. And to make itself more well-rounded, FOXPRO Inc. developed and started selling other products, including decoys, apparel, accessories, hand calls, diaphragm calls and hunting lights.
Mike estimates that FOXPRO Inc. makes up 60 to 70 percent of the predator-calling market. He attributes the company’s success to its innovations, customer service and made-in-America foundation.
“We take care of our customers and we take care of our units,” Mike said. “We have great engineers, the best warranty, and we’re also an American-made company. We make everything right here in the U.S., including assembly, testing, shipping and engineering. Everything is done under one roof. These things resonate well with the hunting community.”
John and his engineers still create products, like their recently released FOXPRO BuckPro, a digital game call for deer hunters. The system helps deer hunters take advantage of technologies predator hunters have used for years. Hunters can remotely control up to three BuckPro ground-speaker units from their stand or ground blind, giving them the power to produce realistic, ground-level calls that trick their quarry.
FOXPRO Inc. employees are excited to show their new products to retailers at the 2019 ATA Show.
“There’s no better way to introduce [our products] to the archery industry than at the ATA Show,” Mike said. “Becoming an ATA member gives us the opportunity to present our products to archery dealers and let them be involved with our business. The ATA has really been beneficial to us. It gives us the audience we need to highlight our products.”
Mike believes all retailers should confidently sell hunting accessories. He said FOXPRO’s products provide additional revenue streams, and retailers don’t have to worry about customer complaints about their products. FOXPRO Inc. proudly handles product-support claims. In addition, its products give customers options.
After the four- or five-month deer hunting season, bowhunters who want another exciting challenge can use electronic calls to pursue coyotes. Predators also provide valuable pelts. Photo Credit: FOXPRO Facebook
“People want to buy products that improve their odds of success,” Mike said. “People also want to hone their skills during the offseason. Electronic game calls present hunting opportunities and help consumers achieve both goals.”
Mike said electronic game calls can be used year-round for hundreds of species. For example, after the four- or five-month deer hunting season, bowhunters who want another exciting challenge can use electronic calls to pursue coyotes. Predators also provide valuable pelts.
Are you interested in expanding your inventory and product offerings? Become a FOXPRO Inc. dealer. For more information, email sales@gofoxpro.com or call them toll-free at (866) 463-6977, and ask for the sales department.
To learn more about ATA memberships, contact the ATA’s business and membership office at (866) 266-2776 or info@archerytrade.org.