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Safari Convention
 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.

Who is SCI and why do they need this convention? Safari
Club International is a bit like the NRA who aim to protect
the freedom to hunt nationally and internationally. SCI is
actively involved in legislative efforts and provides a safe
outlet for selling quality hunting items. SCI also informs
its approximately 45 million members around the world of
hunting-related services such as guides, safaris, and
taxidermy. What is SCI's real goal? SCI wants to get
the message across that when it comes to respecting wildlife
and the environment, hunters are actually one of the most
responsible and caring societies. As a result, SCI actively
develops and supports wildlife conservation and efforts to
educate students and adults about these issues. One such
unique program is wilderness access for handicaped and
blind people.

The annual International Hunter Convention is the major fund
raiser for SCI. "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," said John Monson,
SCI President. Raising nearly $11 million in a single
week-long event is a major financial achievement for any
organization.

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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