Safari Club International?

[1_pointer]

What is your opinion of this organization? Do you feel they are working for the good of the common sportsmen? Or do you feel that it's an 'elitist' club for rich hunters?

 

[Tom]

Safari Club International's active membership of hunter-conservationists spent nearly $440 million on hunting-related activities, supporting myriad conservation programs throughout the world while also bolstering rural economies dependent on wildlife-associated recreation. Directly, SCI's chapters spend more than $1.5 million on projects yearly, ranging in scope from desert bighorn sheep relocation and elk habitat restoration to mule deer population studies, grizzly bear recovery and mountain lion habitat-use surveys. Directing its efforts to the international scene, the SCI Conservation Committee allocated $260,000 for projects launched under its auspices. SCI wildlife biologists conducted scientific research on threatened species such as argali in Asia and jaguars in Mexico, implemented sustainable-use programs for wild elephants in Africa and initiated a new program focusing on European bears, both threatened and non-threatened. Also of note, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once again recognized SCI as an organization dedicated to sound wildlife conservation by approving a $63,000 grant to support elephant conservation and community development in Zimbabwe.
Representing the fifth time SCI has received a grant from the USFWS for elephant conservation, the money was made available through the African Elephant Conservation Act, which SCI successfully testified in favor of before the U.S. House of Representatives last year. Small matching grants make a big difference Although doled out in relatively small increments of between $500 and $2,500, the matching grant requests submitted to SCI by qualifying chapters represent twice their worth. With an annual cap of $100,000, the collective grants represent $200,000 of additional funding for chapters, which often use the money to help support the conservation and education programs of chronically under-funded state wildlife departments. Grants were approved that supported everything from mobile wildlife education trailers and anti-poaching equipment, to telemetry collars for black bear studies and facility upgrades for wildlife rehabilitation centers.



“To anyone for whom wild things are something more than a pleasant diversion, conservation constitutes one of the milestones in moral evolution.” —Aldo Leopold

To Safari Club International, conservation means more than just “sustainable use,” it means actively ensuring a healthy future for wildlife. SCI’s chapters, members and professional staff are meeting this mandate by supporting wildlife management programs, habitat restoration, outdoor education, legislative initiatives and scientific research locally and abroad.

from
http://www.safariclubfoundation.org/consrv.htm

 

[GilaMonster]

I've been an active member of SCI since 1984. This group consists of people of all walks of life in every country in the world. I drive a truck for a living, and don't have a bunch of cash laying around to dish out, but they don't treat me any different that they do a prince, congressman, or doctor. I've been honored to receive numerous awards from them, just the same as if I were a wealthy, politician. I see no differentiation from the administration on any issues. Over the last 19 years, I've seen SCI dedicate itself entirely to "Conservation of Wildlife" and "Protection of the Hunter". They are able to accomplish this task quite well because of the professional manner by which they always conduct themselves. Yes, many of the members are politicians, and royalty from many different countries, but that is a good thing, that I'm sure is an asset in the worldwide pursuit to protect our freedom to hunt. Fantastic organization from the ground up. In oreder to fight to protect your rights, there must be considerable funding. Thank god there is a stable membership of these "elitists" within the ranks along with us "good ol' boys".

 

[Nut]

My best friend Bill M is a member along with his wife. I hope to join soon. I see it as a plus for ALL hunters.

Besides it is my best chance to get a Africa hunt at a good price at an auction.

 

[1_pointer]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[BigHornyRam]

Until Safari Club distances themselves from the canned "high fence hunts", I will not be a member of their organization.

Paul

 

[dgibson]

Paul, could you elaborate? What's SCI's position on high-fenced hunting?

 

[Tom]

We'll see what Paul says but here's some info. from the SCI web page:

Our Hunter's Code of Ethics

Recognizing my responsibilities to wildlife, habitat and future generations, I pledge:
To conduct myself in the field so as to make a positive contribution to wildlife and ecosystems.
To improve my skills as a woodsman and marksman to ensure humane harvesting of wildlife.
To comply with all game laws, in the spirit of Fair Chase, and to influence meet companions accordingly.
To accept my responsibility to provide all possible assistance to game law enforcement officers.
To waste no opportunity to teach young people the full meaning of this code of ethics.
To reflect in word and behavior only credit upon the fraternity of sportsmen, and to demonstrate abiding respect for game, habitat and property where I am privileged to hunt.

Here's a link for the annual convention Jan.29-Feb.1 2003 in Reno, NV.
http://www.showsci.com/

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1">[ 01-29-2003 13:43: Message edited by: Tom ]</font>

 

[BigHornyRam]

SCI allows fenced hunt animals to be entered into their records. This to me means they support this kind of hunting. I personally will not. They also advertise in their magazine fenced hunt outfitters from the U. S. and overseas. True fair chase hunting is the only way to hunt in my opinion. So SCI is not for me, no matter what other good things they do for the sport of hunting.

Paul

 

[dgibson]

Thanks for the clarification.