Who was Jim Scoutten?
Jim Scoutten was a renowned television personality, producer, and host of the popular show Shooting USA on Outdoor Channel. He was also a passionate advocate for the shooting sports, firearms, and the Second Amendment rights. He passed away on July 18, 2023, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and influence in the industry.
His Career in Broadcasting and Shooting Sports
Jim Scoutten started his career as a mainstream news reporter, working for All News Radio and several television stations across the U.S. He became a special interest reporter in the early 1990s, covering topics such as motorsports and shooting sports. He joined the American Shooter television show in 1993 as a producer and host, and made it the highest-rated outdoors television program in history, with more than one million fans nationwide.
In 2001, he launched his own production company, Tier One Media, LLC, and created the Shooting USA program, which he co-hosted with his eldest son John. The show covered a wide range of shooting disciplines, from cowboy action shooting to muzzleloading to trap and sporting clays. He also produced and hosted the Sighting In with Shooting USA program, which featured tips and techniques for improving shooting skills. Both shows aired on Outdoor Channel and My Outdoor TV (MOTV).
Jim Scoutten was known for his firm but gentle voice, his familiar smile, and his journalistic integrity. He was respected and admired by his peers, his fans, and his industry partners. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Golden Moose Award, the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.
His Impact and Legacy
Jim Scoutten was more than just a television host. He was a leader, a mentor, and a friend to many in the shooting sports community. He was a tireless defender of the Constitution and the Second Amendment rights, and a vocal supporter of various organizations and causes, such as the NRA, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, the National Rifle Association, and the Wounded Warrior Project. He also helped introduce and inspire countless people to the shooting sports, especially the younger generation.
Jim Scoutten will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and his fans. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his sons, John and James, his daughter, Jennifer, and his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a legend, a pioneer, and a hero of the shooting sports industry. He will always be Shooting USA.