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The Safari Club International Convention Is Looking For A
by Samuel Delfrac
http://www.frsafari.com
Are you on the hunt for a top-notch club that focuses on
preserving wildlife throughout the world and protecting
one's right to bear arms? It may sound like an oxymoron,
however the Safari Club International (SCI) does just this.
This complex assembly of individuals in agreement with this
view on hunting hosts an annual convention called
International Hunter Convention. This convention has been
around for 33 years. The 2005 convention, held in January
in Reno, attracted nearly 20,000 attendees and exhibits from
50 countries. Nearly 290 journalists from around the world
covered this high-power marketing and fundraising tool for
the hunting and firearms industries.
What makes this convention so important to SCI? Is it SCI's
way to merely sell hunting goods and related services? Not
entirely. SCI uses the funding from this program to help
support its legislative efforts and important wildlife-
environmental programs. 45 million members agree with this
initiative and belong to SCI where they can learn about
hunting issues and services such as guides, safaris and
taxidermy. Despite some people's contrary opinion, this
club and its convention are fine examples of the hunter's
high respect for wildlife and their environment. Some
programs that SCI supports and hosts wildlife conservation
education for adults and students. An example of this type
of program is a wilderness access initiative for handicap
and sight-impaired people.
The major source of fundraising for these programs comes
from SCI's annual Hunter Convention. According to SCI
President John Monson, "We once again have set records for
registration and auction income. This is important for the
future of hunting, as the SCI Convention funds our
year-round efforts to protect the freedom to hunt and to
promote wildlife conservation worldwide." Thanks to this
week long event, a whopping $11 million was successfully
raised.
The largest portion of the generated income is derived
from the annual SCI auction. The auction is nearly a
non-stop activity during the week. Day and night a
dedicated group of auctioneers and participants bid on
quality merchandise that is eagerly donated by sponsors
of this world-famous auction. Items range from clothing
and jewelry to fine original artwork that portrays wildlife
themes. A hunt to an exotic location with a well-known
guide service can bring $20,000 at auction. The firearm
auction is legendary. It is a status symbol among the elite
SCI members to be the purchaser of the finest firearm in
the auction. The top firearm may be a fine antique that
has documentation to prove its prior ownership by a
famous individual. Or the best firearm may be an ultra
custom new piece. It is not unusual for the most prized
pieces to bring tens of thousands of dollars each.
Plans are already underway for the 2006 convention.
"We are now looking into reorganizing the Convention floor
to allow for even more of the world's leading guides,
outfitters, shooting sports manufacturers, taxidermists and
wildlife artisans to attend next year's SCI Convention,"
said SCI Treasurer and Convention Chairman Ralph
Cunningham. If SCI~s record of success is any indicator,
the 2006 show will be bigger, better, and raise more
money than ever before for Safari Club International's
mission.
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