Archery and bowhunting attract people from all backgrounds and professions, and each January many of these enthusiasts meet at the ATA Trade Show. Among the thousands of ATA retailers, manufacturers, Olympians, hunting professionals and government officials working this year’s Show in Indianapolis was Rick May, senior adviser to Ryan Zinke, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Given the passion that ATA Trade Show attendees share for growing the industry and protecting their sports’ future, May fit right in. His official job description says he “oversees recreational activities on public lands, with the aim of creating access and opportunities.” Those duties mesh well with the bowhunting and archery industry, which relies on support from local, state and federal governments.
Zinke dubbed May with a simpler, more direct title: “Recreation Czar.” Dan Forster, ATA’s vice president and chief conservation officer, said May’s presence at the ATA Trade Show was “a clear and undeniable recognition that the archery industry is a priority in this country’s outdoor recreation.” After all, the Interior Department oversees millions of acres of public land for bowhunting access.