Legacy Meets Innovation: U.S. Manufacturing, Hunting Gear, and Outdoor Industry Trends

Can a father-son duo revolutionize American-made gear while honoring tradition? In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, we sit down with Jon and Mike Edwards—a powerhouse father-and-son team behind Schnee’s and Duckworth—to explore what it takes to build premium outdoor brands rooted in American manufacturing. From sheep ranches in Montana to boot factories in Italy, they walk us through the journey of creating high-performance gear while navigating global trade, tariffs, and a shifting outdoor economy.Perfect for entrepreneurs, gearheads, and conservation-minded listeners, this conversation unpacks what it really means to balance legacy, quality, and innovation in today’s outdoor industry.

 

What You’ll Learn

• Why vertical integration is key to quality—and survival—in U.S. manufacturing.

• The hidden challenges behind “Made in America” labels (hint: it’s complicated).

• How tariffs are changing the game for outdoor brands.

• What hunting gear matters most (and where not to waste money).

• Why Bozeman, Montana is still the Silicon Valley of hunting innovation.

 

Key Topics Discussed

• How Schnee’s and Duckworth balance domestic and international manufacturing

• Boots vs. backpacks: where to invest in your gear

• The future of Bozeman’s role in the outdoor space

• Why American-made goods aren’t always “all-American”

• The power of local community and partnerships in brand building

• How new hunters can find their way—and their gear

   

Show Resources

• Schnee’s Boots: ⁠⁠https://schnees.com⁠⁠

• Duckworth Co.: ⁠⁠https://duckworthco.com⁠⁠

• Back from the Brink Book (on wildlife restoration): ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/backfromthebrinkbook⁠⁠

• Mountain Tough Fitness: ⁠⁠https://www.mountaintough.com⁠⁠

 

Quotes

“If you layer two or three Duckworth pieces, you're covering the gamut of mountain weather.” – Mike Edwards [00:09:50]

“Let’s not make it tribal—public land vs. private land. We all want clean water, healthy wildlife, and a place to hunt.” – Jon Edwards [00:48:20]

 

Conclusion

This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action for entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts to think smarter about manufacturing, conservation, and community. Whether you're buying gear or building a brand, there’s a lesson in this episode for you. Apply what you learned—support American-made gear and build with purpose. And if you liked this episode, don’t forget to share it with a fellow outdoorsman.