From the Editor

We’re very proud of this issue of Shooting Sportsman. Not only is it our annual “safari” issue (to be    distributed at the Safari Club International Convention, in Reno) but it also marks the beginning of our twentieth year in production—a milestone reached thanks to the hard work, dedication and passion of the entire SSM team.

Actually, Volume I, Issue 1 was designated “December 1987/January 1988,” so we’re slightly older than 20. I was not involved at the outset, but I remember receiving news of the launch in the mail. What a great idea, I thought at the time, and when I picked up a copy and saw that Steve Smith (now of Pointing Dog Journal and Retriever Journal) was involved, I knew it would be a winner.

Writing this column gave me cause to flip through that first issue again, and as I always do when looking back, I made sure to re-read the inaugural “Welcome,” to see whether we’ve remained true to the philosophy of the founders. And I quote:  “. . . even though we are a graphically stunning magazine . . . we are, first and always, a working magazine. Like a fine gun that you want to display as a museum piece, maybe you’ll see fit to put us out on the coffee table. But, also like a fine gun, we are made to be used. This issue, like all those to follow, is thick and full of things which will make you a better shotgunner. We take you to where the birds are, show you how to shoot better, and wrap it all around that nice talk about the guns and the loads and the places and the experiences—sort of like the talk that comes up before the fire at the duck club while a north wind is screaming across the cabin eaves.” I’d like to think the same could be said of the magazine today, as we still are—and do—all of these things.

Proof is in our subscriber base. When Down East Enterprise purchased SSM, in 1993, there were about 5,500 paid subscribers. Today—15 years later—more than 1,600 of the original subscribers remain, and they help make up a total paid circulation of almost 33,000. I’d say that’s testament to the fact that we’ve remained on track.

Of course there have been changes through the years. Changes in staffing, changes in department topics, changes in the technology of putting the magazine together. They all have been part of the process of maturing and adapting—and hopefully improving.

Other changes have included an overall growth in advertiser numbers and the increased page counts that have resulted. In such tough economic times, we’ve been thankful for the support, and it has given us the confidence to invest not only in the magazine but also in extensions of the brand, like our recently revamped Website, www.shootingsportsman.com.

Earlier I mentioned the SSM team, and I can’t say enough about each member’s contributions to our success. In the 14-plus years I’ve been with the magazine, I have been blessed to work with many talented individuals. From the editorial crew (including editors, designers, writers, photographers and artists), to the advertising staff, to the production, circulation and tech-support groups, all have had a hand in shaping the publication as it exists today. And with their continued assistance, I’m looking forward to reaching new heights in the future.

In our tenth anniversary issue (Jan/Feb ’98) I wrote: “I hope in another decade I’ll be penning similar good news about Shooting Sportsman’s success.” It feels good that my hope has come to fruition. Here’s to the next 10 years and all that they hold in store.

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