HUNT Refined Repellent to Launch at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Early 2027

HUNT Refined Repellent Set to Debut

Hunt Tech, LLC has made a significant announcement that its innovative HUNT Refined Repellent line will debut in Academy Sports + Outdoors stores in the first quarter of 2027. This move marks a major milestone for the company, which has seen growth through a network of approximately 650 independent retailers before partnership with a major chain.

The Product Line

The HUNT Refined Repellent line consists of three key products: HUNT Refined Repellent Spray, HUNT Refined Repellent Lotion, and HUNT Refined Repellent Wipes. Unlike many competitors in the market, HUNT's products are both DEET-free and scent-free, using picaridin as the active ingredient. These formulations were initially developed for outdoor enthusiasts such as hunters and anglers, and have since grown in popularity among families and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities.

A Local Success Story

Hunt Tech, LLC originated in Elton, Louisiana, at the McNeese State University SEED Center business incubator. The company has built its retail operations one independent store at a time, focused on providing a safe and effective insect repellent option. In a statement, Gabriel Fontenot, CEO of Hunt Tech, expressed pride in the local roots of the company: "This company started in a small town in Southwest Louisiana, and we earned every shelf we are on."

Fontenot also emphasized the role that independent retailers played in the brand's journey: "Our independent retailers believed in this product when we were small, and they are the reason we are here. Academy has been first class to work with from the first conversation. Their team gave a growing Louisiana company a fair shot, and we intend to earn it."

Expanding Choices for Outdoor Enthusiasts

The addition of HUNT Refined Repellent products to Academy Sports + Outdoors' offerings provides customers with more DEET-free and scent-free options for outdoor adventures, whether in the woods, on the water, or simply enjoying the backyard. Academy Sports + Outdoors is a prominent sporting goods retailer based in Katy, Texas, committed to serving outdoor and sports enthusiasts alike.

Looking Ahead

With the launch set for early 2027, consumers can anticipate a fresh, local option for insect repellent that aligns with current trends towards natural products. As the outdoor industry evolves, Hunt Tech’s commitment to quality and consumer safety positions it favorably in the market. The HUNT Refined Repellent line from Hunt Tech is not just a product line; it's a testament to American small business ingenuity and growth.

As they prepare for this significant launch, Hunt Tech is set to increase visibility and make a lasting impact in the outdoor retail space, ensuring their message and commitment to high-quality, effective products resonates with even more customers in the near future.