Gamebird Industry Honors Firearm Industry Executive

Each year, the NAGA Convention concludes with the Annual Awards Banquet, an evening dedicated to recognizing the people and partnerships that strengthen the gamebird industry. This year’s celebration was held Wednesday, February 4, at the Hyatt House in historic Charleston. NAGA, the North American Gamebird Association, represents pheasant, quail, partridge and duck producers, as well as the hunting operations that they serve.

NAGA will experience a bittersweet transition in March as longtime gun industry executive Chris Dolnack retires from NSSF – The Firearm Industry Trade Association. The firearm industry has long supported the gamebird industry and NAGA, and for the past 12 years that commitment has been led by Chris Dolnack, senior vice president and chief customer officer for NSSF.

Under Chris’s leadership, NSSF has been a major donor to NAGA, with support that extends far beyond financial contributions. The firearm industry has produced economic research that clearly demonstrates the impact gamebird farms and hunting clubs have on communities across the country, along with promotional videos highlighting the upland hunting business. The NSSF team have also provided featured speakers and writers on topics that engage and inform NAGA members.

Chris and NSSF have been true champions of the gamebird industry. While his retirement brings a sense of sadness, it also brings deep gratitude for years of steady partnership and leadership. As the NAGA Board reflected on how best to recognize that commitment, one word consistently rose to the surface: legacy. In that spirit, the North American Gamebird Association recognized Chris Dolnack, on behalf of NSSF – The Firearm Industry Trade Association, as the first recipient of the Legacy Appreciation Award.