Articles
Killara Outdoors Acquires GameGuard Outdoors, Heralding New Era for Iconic Texas-Based Outdoor Brand
Sep 15, 2025

ARGYLE, TEXAS – [September 15, 2025] — Killara Outdoors, a leading operator-led investment and brand-building company, today announced its acquisition of GameGuard Outdoors, the legendary Texas-born producer of Southwest-inspired camouflage and outdoor apparel. This strategic move ensures the preservation of GameGuard’s legacy while providing fresh resources and operational expertise to accelerate growth across the brand’s loyal retail and customer base.
“GameGuard represents the heart and soul of the Southwest outdoor experience. We’re humbled that Craig and the team have entrusted their legacy to Killara,” said Chris Macaulay, CEO of Killara Outdoors. “Our promise is simple: preserve everything that makes GameGuard iconic—while unlocking new levels of operational excellence, retail reach, and storytelling. This is how you build enduring brands, in partnership, honoring founders, and never losing sight of what makes the community tick.”
GameGuard: A Legacy of Authentic Texas Outdoor Culture
Founded by Craig Smith in Argyle, GameGuard was built with a clear mission: to design outdoor gear that reflects the unique landscape and values of the American Southwest. Its proprietary camo patterns, inspired by mesquite, yucca, cactus, and Texas brush, are a familiar sight among guides, outfitters, hunters, and families throughout the region. Known for its durability, practical innovation, and signature technical fabrics, GameGuard has carved a distinct path in the outdoor apparel industry, earning the trust of adventurers and sportsmen across the country, making GameGuard the official camo of Texas and the Lone Star State. Killara identified GameGuard not only for its category-leading products—like articulating vented pants and UPF-protection shirts—but also for its passionate community and untapped potential for growth.
“We built GameGuard as a family, with our faith, customers, and Texas roots as our guide,” said Smith. “As we looked toward the next chapter, finding a partner who respects our DNA and is committed to our people was non-negotiable. Killara brings not just resources, but real-world experience and a respect for legacy. I’m proud to know GameGuard’s spirit is in good hands.”
GameGuard’s apparel and gear are carried in more than 500 retail locations nationwide, widely recognized as symbols of Southwest pride and performance.
Operator-Led Growth and Partnership
Differentiating itself from typical corporate acquirers, Killara Outdoors is renowned for its operator-first, founder-centric approach. The leadership team emphasized that GameGuard’s identity, customer relationships, and design philosophy will remain untouched, while Killara provides the operational horsepower to expand scale and market presence.
“GameGuard is that rare brand—instantly recognizable, regionally authentic, and beloved by outdoor enthusiasts nationwide,” said Paul Albrecht, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Killara Outdoors. “Our job is to ensure Craig’s vision thrives as we help expand the brand’s reach and scale their operations. Customers and retailers can expect the same GameGuard spirit and commitment to quality—but in more places and for more seasons.”
Killara’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Karyn McKenna, echoed the focus on maintaining quality and reliability: “The GameGuard team has built an incredibly robust operation over the last 23 years. We’re excited to build upon that great foundation with Killara’s logistics and operational expertise. Fans and retailers can expect more frequent product launches, more variety, and the same industry-leading quality—backed by a robust, scalable supply chain.”
Killara’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ryan Bassham, added, “In the Lone Star state, we don’t just build gear — we craft a legacy. The GameGuard crew has done an incredible job wesving the spirit of the Lone Star state into every stitch and seam, creating gear that every Texan can stand behind with pride. Whether you’re out wrangling cattle, casting lines into open water, or in pursuit of hooves and feathers, GameGuard is right there with you, sharing the true passions of our rugged lifestyle. As a 7th generation Texan I’m excited to amplify everything that this company stands for.”
What Stakeholders Can Expect
Effective immediately, customers, retail partners, and the broader outdoor community will continue to enjoy the same GameGuard products, team, and commitment to service. Near-term investments will focus on strengthened inventory management, enhanced retail support, digital engagement, and limited-edition releases. In the long term, GameGuard plans to broaden national access, accelerate technical innovation, and further invest in community and philanthropic causes.
“This is about operational lift, not loss of soul,” said Macaulay. “Our goal: Make GameGuard even more available, reliable, and exciting—without losing a bit of what makes it uniquely Southwest.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will GameGuard products or brand identity change?
No. Core identities—including camo patterns, logos, and brand values—are protected and will remain unchanged.
Who should retail partners or customers contact?
The existing GameGuard team remains in place and accessible via all current channels—now with additional support from Killara’s nationwide network.
Will there be relocation or restructuring?
GameGuard’s Texas headquarters and core team will remain vital to all operations. Expansion is planned, not extraction.
About Killara Outdoors
Killara Outdoors is an operator-led brand growth platform specializing in the scaling of authentic, founder-led outdoor lifestyle brands. Killara partners with passionate founders to unlock operational efficiencies, extend market reach, and protect cherished legacies for the long haul.
About GameGuard Outdoors
Founded in 2003, GameGuard Outdoors is the Southwest’s leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor apparel and gear. Renowned for its proprietary camouflage patterns and field-tested technical designs, GameGuard serves guides, outfitters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
Media Contact
Killara Outdoors
attn: Media
Address: 180 State Street, 201, Southlake, TX 76092
Email: media@killara.com
Website: https://killara.com