The partnership’s goals include joint marketing campaigns and educational initiatives to elevate brand recognition and communicate a unified message on hunting and conservation ethics. SCI and PGOAZ will also feature each other in their respective magazines, newsletters, and websites, with logo placements to reinforce this alliance in both organizations’ public profiles.

To strengthen internal collaboration, SCI and PGOAZ will share resources, provide in-service training opportunities for staff development, and offer expertise to support each other’s goals. The partnership also includes initiatives to increase hunting and conservation awareness and engage in policy advocacy where necessary to protect lawful hunting practices and support scientific understanding.

An annual meeting each January between SCI and PGOAZ will provide a dedicated forum for reviewing progress and setting strategic priorities for the year ahead.

“This partnership provides exceptional business, marketing, and membership advantages to both SCI and PGOAZ,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “By combining resources and amplifying our reach, we are not only strengthening our brands but also maximizing our ability to promote ethical hunting and conservation to an even broader audience worldwide.”

“Our partnership with PGOAZ enhances the mission and impact of both organizations,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “SCI and PGOAZ will jointly amplify each other’s conservation efforts, expand hunter advocacy, and further demonstrate the integral role of ethical hunting in supporting wildlife conservation and communities in the U.S. and around the world.”

“PGOAZ is committed to preserving the integrity of, and respect for, our shared hunting heritage,” said PGOAZ chairperson Sylvia van Staden. “We look forward to joining SCI in this strategic partnership, which will elevate and strengthen our advocacy of sustainable hunting as a highly effective conservation tool.”

Background

For over 50 years, SCI has led the fight to defend the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. Based in Washington, D.C., SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a comprehensive national and international advocacy team that represents hunters in U.S. state legislatures, Congress, and on the global stage. SCI’s political and legal advocacy includes supporting pro-hunting legislation, opposing trophy import bans, and leading legal cases defending hunters’ rights, all powered by SCI’s vast grassroots network, political action committees, and international chapter network.

Founded as a non-political, non-racial organization, PGOAZ represents Zambia’s ethical and professional hunting guides and outfitters. PGOAZ is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, supporting ethical hunting practices, and advocating for the conservation of Zambia’s rich flora and fauna to ensure sustainable hunting for generations to come.

The post SCI and Professional Guides & Outfitters Association of Zambia Announce Partnership for Conservation, Ethical Hunting appeared first on Safari Club.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits are crucial for individuals involved in the import or export of wildlife, ensuring compliance with international wildlife trade regulations. Adventure Permits International navigates the intricacies of CITES permits for hunters with a focus on personalized service and compliance with international standards, ensuring a seamless experience for clients looking to transport trophies and other wildlife-related items across borders.

“Adventure Permits International has earned a reputation for providing efficient, reliable, and knowledgeable services to assist in securing these permits,” said John McLaurin, President of Safari Club International. “I look forward to a productive partnership between our two organizations, which will only enhance SCI members’ experience with all wildlife import and export-related matters when traveling abroad.”

“SCI is excited to partner with Adventure Permits International to ensure our members and supporters have access to a trusted service provider for their CITES permit needs,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO offari Club International.“Their expertise will help streamline the process, allowing our community to focus on wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting efforts.”

“We are honored to be named SCI’s preferred CITES permit provider,” said Jerad Dabney, Founder at Adventure Permits International. “API is dedicated to providing top-tier service, and this partnership further strengthens our commitment to the hunting and conservation communities worldwide.”

About Safari Club International:
Safari Club International (SCI) is a global leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s members are dedicated to protecting the future of wildlife through responsible management, sustainable use, and public education on the role of hunters in conservation.

About Adventure Permits International:
Adventure Permits International specializes in obtaining CITES permits and other necessary legal documentation for the international transportation of wildlife. The company offers hassle-free solutions for hunters, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Attendees representing SCI, including Treasurer Joe Pedersen, Federal Liaison Nick Uberti, and Digital Marketing Specialist Chris LaCivita Jr., facilitated the important discussion during the fishing trip with Senator Vance about the future of conservation, the role of hunting and fishing in public policy, and the significance of sportsmen and women’s involvement in this critical election year.

At the heart of the conversation with Senator Vance on the water and during the interview was a crucial issue on the ballot this year: protecting the rights of sportsmen and women. Senator Vance stressed the need for hunters and anglers to understand the stakes in this election and emphasized how former President Donald Trump expanded hunting and fishing access during his presidency. Senator Vance alsowarned that current Democratic leadership, specifically Vice President Kamala Harris, rolled back those gains.

“People who hunt and fish care the most about conservation – they care about the balance more than people who never spend any real time in the environment,” said Senator Vance. “We want to create the kind of administration that listens to the people most connected to these wildlife management problems and has a pragmatic approach.” 

“I would like to thank Senator Vance for his time and for advocating for pro-hunting, pro-conservation policies in our nation” said SCI Treasurer Joe Pedersen. “Michigan’s 660,000 hunters will play an important role in deciding which candidate wins this November, so make sure to remind your hunting, fishing, and shooting friends to vote or even go together to the polls.” 

“Senator Vance is a steadfast partner of the outdoor sporting community, and we are grateful that he took time out of a busy election season to discuss the issues most important to sportsmen and women across the country,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Make no mistake – the right to hunt and fish is on the ballot this year. Sportsmen and women will make the difference in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia. We need every hunter and angler to vote on or before November 5th to protect the freedoms we hold dear.”

“SCI has an incredible history of promoting the interests of American sportsmen and women, and we’re so grateful for their sponsorship of the Ruthless variety program with Senator Vance,” said John Ashbrook, co-host of the Ruthless Podcast.

Links:

Ruthless Competition, JD Vance Goes Fishing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDalucFrvLg&t=1s

EXCLUSIVE: JD Vance FIRST Post-Debate Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3Z6tqVrNw

Background:

For more than 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has led efforts to defend the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. With a global network of more than 150 chapters, SCI advocates for sportsmen’s rights and sustainable-use wildlife conservation at the national, state, and local levels. SCI’s “Hunters’ Embassy” headquarters in Washington, D.C. serves as a hub for its legislative, legal, and advocacy operations, ensuring the freedom to hunt remains protected for future generations.

For more information, visit www.safariclub.org.

The post Safari Club International Sponsors ‘Ruthless Podcast’ Fishing Outing and Interview with J.D. Vance appeared first on Safari Club.

As threats against science-backed conservation and the right to hunt and fish become more severe and global than ever before, Sporting Conservation International will allow affiliate organizations aligned with this critical mission to coalesce under a single corporate entity. In doing so, Sporting Conservation International will be a global powerhouse for advocacy and wildlife conservation, creating a cohesive outdoor sporting community that is better equipped and more resourceful than our opponents.

Sporting Conservation International’s member and affiliated organizations boast an audience of millions of individuals among Safari Club International, Safari Club International Foundation, Texas Trophy Hunters Association, Cinegética, and other aligned entities and companies operating in the U.S. and internationally. Moving forward, any entities that are similarly focused on hunting, angling, shooting sports, conservation, or the outdoor lifestyle are also eligible to become part of Sporting Conservation International. 

Organizations that become part of Sporting Conservation International will retain their brand identity while securing significant operational cost savings and access to additional marketing and sales opportunities at other affiliate organizations’ dozens of conventions and events. For example, one of the first affiliate organizations saved $180,000 in printing and publication costs during its first year after acquisition. 

Importantly, members of Safari Club International will see no changes to the facets of the organization they know and love. For example, Safari Club International’s infrastructure, including the national organization’s relationship with its local chapters and members, will remain unchanged. They will still be part of Safari Club International and enjoy the same autonomy in operations as in the past. Moreover, Safari Club International’s Annual Hunters’ Convention and Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market will remain under the direct control of Safari Club International and will be unchanged by the formation of Sporting Conservation International. 

“United we stand, and divided we fall,” said Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “The formation of Sporting Conservation International is a landmark development for the hunting, shooting, angling, and outdoor life advocacy community. As we converge and build under this new banner, I am thrilled about the victories that lie ahead in the battle to safeguard our rights and ensure responsible wildlife and habitat conservation in the U.S. and around the world.” 

Background:

Sporting Conservation International’s headquarters is co-located with Safari Club International’s office in San Antonio, Texas. Sporting Conservation International is an LLC incorporated in Texas.

For more information, please visit www.sportingconservation.com. 

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This agreement marks a momentous step by SCI and Cinegética to join forces as hosts of the preeminent hunting events on both sides of the Atlantic: SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention and Ultimate Sportsman’s Market, dubbed the “Super Bowl of the Hunting World,” and Cinegética’s premier hunting and conservation convention.

SCI’s 53^rd Annual Hunters’ Convention and Ultimate Sportsman’s Market will take place from January 22 – 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Cinegética will hold its 2025 convention from March 20 – 23, 2025, in Ifema (Madrid), Spain.

The SCI–Cinegética partnership is the product of discussions that began more than five years ago. As a result, SCI and Cinegética are joining forces to promote conservation, the hunting lifestyle, and the many additional benefits generated by hunting activities. Both organizations recognized that societal understanding of hunting’s contributions to the conservation of wildlife habitats has rapidly declined, resulting in detrimental short-, medium-, and long-term consequences for responsible management and maintenance of ecosystems and habitats of countless species. 

“SCI intends to enhance the incredible success of Cinegética’s fair by increasing the number of exhibitors who participate, contributing to the work of those who made Cinegética what it is today, and adding to the proficiencies of SCI staff,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “This transatlantic agreement will benefit hunting, hunters, environmental protection, conservation, and the defense of hunting rights.”

“Cinegética and SCI are proud of this agreement. It is an honor to work together with SCI, the largest hunting organization on the planet, in the defense of what hunters believe and promote, and the development of environmental conservation projects worldwide,” noted Cega Multimedia’s Marco Quintas. “This agreement will also serve to increase awareness of the importance of hunting in modern and globalized societies.”

Background

For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

The post Safari Club International, Cinegética Finalize Partnership Agreement appeared first on Safari Club.

The relocation of SCI’s business and member services office – which was previously located in Tucson, Arizona – represents a turning point in the organization’s history that will only improve its ability to advocate on behalf of hunters in the U.S. and around the globe.

SCI’s presence in San Antonio also represents a new era for the organization, as it assumes a more central geographic location for its stakeholders and membership while simultaneously allowing for even closer collaboration with the advocacy staff who work from SCI’s “Hunters’ Embassy” in Washington, D.C., home to the Armand & Mary Brachman Advocacy Center.

SCI’s office is fully operational with the start of the fiscal year on Monday, July 1. SCI and Texas Trophy Hunters Association (TTHA), which is a subsidiary of SCI, will work collaboratively from this location.

“This move to San Antonio is much more than simply a geographic relocation of operations,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “It is a necessary part of long-term strategic planning that will keep SCI at the forefront of protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable use of wildlife conservation worldwide.”

“Texas is the perfect place for SCI’s new business and member services office,” noted SCI and SCIF CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “We are excited to launch this endeavor in the Lone Star State and look forward to a productive future in a pro-hunting political environment that will contribute to our organization’s growth and its wide-ranging advocacy activities for years to come.”

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As every year hunters from Europe, United States and especially Italy gathered together in the wonderful city of Bologna for the 37^th convention organized by the Italian chapter. It was a very nice and worthy long weekend with meetings, a very competitive shooting competition, gala dinners with auction and a very nice jump into the past of the millennial University city of Bologna. 

An informal welcome dinner brought us through the corridors of the Palazzo Buoncompagni. This place is well-known, as Pope Gregory XIII lived here to whom we owe the reform of the “Gregorian Calendar”, replacing the “Julian Calendar” attributed to Julius Caesar. The next morning most participants went to the shooting competition near the city, while guests and their spouses had the opportunity to visit and company the city center and the architectural treasures of the 15th century.

The core business started in the afternoon when the European committee gathered together in a regular meeting. It was an honor to have our president John McLaurin present, as well as our CEO Laird Hamberlin. We were able to show to our leaders our commitment as committee and growing strength in the European continent. We had a very dense agenda to tackle and we shared information on our conservation projects in Portugal and Switzerland. As president of the committee, I am very happy to see that the number of chapters is growing with the recently established chapter of BENELUX, the reshuffled chapter of the United Kingdom, and plans to set up chapters in Finland, France and the Middle East. Also some chapters renewed their leadership as the royal Nordic, Hungary, and Kingdom of Denmark, welcoming the new presidents in our committee for the first time. I am glad to see that the committee is united and that we have lots of ideas to implement in the next future for which our self-sufficiency is crucial to deliver to the members of the SCI a real success story.

Two excellent and very well-attended gala dinners on Friday and Saturday enlivened the hot evenings. A record-breaking amount was collected by the auction and raffle. Also the Carlo Caldesi Award by Holland and Holland 2024, the Trophy Beretta Holding overall 2024 as the Italian chapter award was handed over to where very well merited and devoted hunters. I am personally very thankful to the Italian chapter for having me awarded with their chapter award. This is for me an honor and a joy which I share with the new generations of hunters to come and with all those who accompanied me in worldwide adventures. 

Finally, I would like to thank Tizianno Terzi and his team for their commitment, work and time they dedicate to the SCI chapter and our worldwide network. It is amazing and an example for other chapters how they manage conservation, hunting, advocacy, helping the poorest worldwide, and so many other things to defend our devotion to hunt. Next year the chapter will celebrate it’s 40th anniversary, this will be a milestone of a chapter and I only hope that many friends from all over the world will accompany us during the 2025 convention. See you next year!

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From May 9 – May 11, SCI Board Members participated in a productive Lobby Day and attended the Board of Directors Reception at The Hunters’ Embassy on Capitol Hill, where they could thank their representatives for supporting hunting rights and brief them on hunting issues in their states. There was also a President’s Dinner on Friday night, which featured remarks by Chris LaCivita, senior advisor to President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, on the importance of this year’s election to SCI’s policy priorities.

As SCI enters its 53^rd year of being “FIRST FOR HUNTERS,” the organization continues to monitor and lobby on behalf of sportsmen worldwide at every level of government. This Lobby Day, more than 80 SCI Board Members met with 106 Congressional offices on Lobby Day. These meetings proved effective, once again, at educating lawmakers on the issues, and we are immensely grateful for their support.

“This year’s Board of Director’s Meeting was a reflection of the critical role SCI’s staff and membership play in moving the needle on pro-conservation and hunting policies,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “I want to thank all who were able to join us in our nation’s capital and our allies in Congress committed to protecting wildlife and hunters’ rights. We cannot win these battles without you, and for that, we are grateful.”

During SCI’s May Board Meeting, our leadership confirmed that the issues below are critical to protecting the freedom to hunt and continuing proven sustainable-use conservation policies here and around the world:

• Supporting a No-Net-Loss policy to maintain or increase hunting and fishing access nationwide, encompassing physical, economic, and informational access to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources.
• Reform of the Endangered Species Act to better incorporate the vital role of state wildlife management and conservation as well as to allow for better implementation and recognition of successful international conservation efforts.
• Sustainable conservation funding generated by proven strategies like the Pittman-Robertson model.

In addition, SCI Board Members lobbied in support of the following legislative priorities in the 118^th Congress:

• H.R. 7408: The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act, introduced by House Resources Chair and former SCI Federal Legislator of the Year Bruce Westerman, would modernize the Endangered Species Act to promote recovery of listed species and invest in state-led wildlife management, empowering states to control management policy for the wildlife within their borders.
• H.R. 764: The Trust the Science Act requires reissuance of regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act, completing over 20 years of bipartisan efforts to delist recovery wolves. This bill has passed the House, and we encourage the Senate to take up and pass H.R. 764 as soon as possible.
• H.R. 615/S. 1185: The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act would prohibit the banning of lead ammunition on public lands without sufficient scientific justification. This bill protects hunter choice and recognizes the lack of scientific evidence to support a broad ban or phaseout of lead ammunition and tackle. This bill has passed the House, and we encourage the Senate to take up and pass S. 1185 as soon as possible.
• H.R. 6727/S. 618: The US Foundation for International Conservation Act would establish the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, a public/private funded effort to drive $1 billion towards international conservation over the next five years. The funds are to be directed to nations who, among other stability requirements, direct the money towards improvement efforts such as sustainable use hunting conservation.
• H.R. 6492/S. 873: The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act works to make it easier for disabled hunters to go afield, improve and build public shooting ranges, and reduce barriers for America’s hunters to access public land. This bill has passed the House, and we encourage the Senate to take up and pass its Senate companion, S.873, the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA).

Lastly, May’s Board Meeting solidified a 5 percent increase in the size of SCI’s chapter network this year. This was celebrated as the board voted to incorporate three brand new chapters:

1. The SCI Coastal Empire Chapter: A regional chapter in the Savannah, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina area with Mr. Tom Potere as the inaugural President.
2. The SCI Mid-South Chapter: A new chapter representing the Memphis, Tennessee area with Mr. Brent Marcum as the inaugural President.
3. The SCI Lubbock Sportsman’s Club: A chapter based out of Lubbock, Texas with Mr. Roger Key as the inaugural President.

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The winner initially drawn declined the opportunity, and Michael is thrilled to have won. He is a seasoned hunter who has taken game in North America and Africa. Michael renewed his SCI membership when he saw this opportunity, as the chance to win this once in a lifetime hunt was offered by joining, upgrading, or gifting an SCI membership.

SCI memberships support SCI’s mission of defending the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable-use wildlife conservation worldwide. Additionally, it means joining a community of like-minded hunters and engaging at the local level. To join SCI, click here.

Thank you again to Chris Dorsey and John Scurr and congratulations to Michael and good luck on the hunt! 

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Women Go Hunting is giving away 15 Prois Allta All Seasons jacket valued at $189 and donated by Prois Hunting CEO Kirstie Pike. And the woman with the most entries will win a high-quality felt field hat by Greely Hat Works valued at $499, donated by AnnaV Outdoors. 

All you have to do is submit a photo entry of any animal you have hunted, even birds, along with a $35 entry fee to SCI’s Hunting Awards Program. Your animals will count towards several Hunting Award Levels and be entered in the 100 Woman Challenge contest. You do not need to measure or score your animals to enter, and they don’t have to meet any Record Book minimums. The awards program and the 100 Woman Challenge is about celebrating your hunting accomplishments and your contributions to sustainable use conservation.

Winners will be announced at the SCI Convention in Nashville at the Women Go Hunting Mix & Mingle event on Saturday, February 3, 2024. 

Enter today; it takes minutes. But you’ll have to hurry because the 100 Woman Challenge ends on December 31, 2023! 

To enter, simply go to safariclub.org/womengohunting/ and download the entry form and instructions. Or contact Barbara Crown at bcrown@SCIFirstForHunters.org. 

Read all about the 100 Woman Challenge and requirements to win at https://safariclub.org/women-go-hunting-sci-urges-women-to-participate-in-hunting-awards-programs-through-the-100-woman-challenge/

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