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Safari Club International Convention
by Samuel Delfrac
http://www.frsafari.com
The Safari Club International (SCI) hosts an annual
International Hunter Convention that is an elaborate
gathering of like-minded individuals. Long held in Las
Vegas, the annual convention moved to Reno a few years
ago. The SCI convention is a high power marketing tool
for the hunting and firearms industries and in January,
2005 the 33rd convention attracted nearly 20,000
attendees and exhibitors from fifty countries. The event
was covered by 290 journalists from around the world.
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.
Where does SCI get most of its funding for these programs?
The annual hunter convention is a major source of financing
- the week long 2005 convention alone raised a gigantic $11
million. As SCI President John Monson so well expressed the
importance of this convention, "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."
The annual SCI auction generates the most income toward this
club's intentions. The auction lasts day and night for the
entire week. Items sold are donated by sponsors around the
world and bid on by auctioneers and participants. Some of
the items are clothing, jewelry and fine one-of-a-kind
wildlife artwork. Other items are more travel oriented and
bring in larger sums of money. For example, an exotic hunt
with a big name guide service can bring in $20,000. Another
category sold at the auction is the legendary sales of
firearms. Since this popular item represents an elite
status inside the club, many SCI members are the purchasers.
An example of a top firearm is a fine antique with
documentation of ownership by a famous person. Another
example of the best firearm is a highly customized new arm,
which can bring a price in the six-digit range.
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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