What is today one of the nation's largest sporting goods and outdoors stores began as a local tire shop in San Antonio, Texas. Max Gochman founded Academy Tire Shop in 1938. He added military surplus to his inventory the following year, and as the business evolved he renamed it Academy Super Surplus. The company became Academy Sports + Outdoors in 1995, and today it boasts more than 220 stores in 15 states. What hasn't changed in nearly 80 years is the company's commitment to their community.

Ducks Unlimited's relationship with Academy began when several stores supported local DU chapters with gift cards, underwriting, and item donations. That relationship evolved into a firearms program in 2011, when Academy began donating a cobranded firearm to each Texas DU chapter. Today the program provides special Yildiz firearms for 350 DU events across 15 states, qualifying the company for DU Platinum Legacy Sponsor status.

Academy is dedicated to delivering a great shopping experience by providing convenience and exceptional customer service while offering a unique selection of quality products at everyday low prices. The company's commitment to excellence has made many DU supporters into Academy customers over the past two decades, and that number is sure to grow in the years ahead. Academy's support for DU continues to grow as well, with a current commitment that will push the company beyond DU's Diamond Teal Award level.