Day two at the Safari Club International (SCI) convention started early and stayed full.
- Board meeting.
- Region Representatives meeting (which I have the honor of chairing).
- Exhibitor visits are squeezed in between, and booked a few adventures to share in the future.
Of course, we’re going to talk about the outfit, but I also want to share some of what I think is special about SCI.
The Day 2 Look: Western Leadership with a Feminine Edge
Details matter — Professional. Intentional. Representing.
My Life Hunter Advocacy Society pin was placed on my left lapel — where pins belong.
My SCI name tag sat on the right — where name tags belong.
The hotel lighting wasn’t doing me any favors, so I grabbed a brighter photo later while in the exhibit hall. The picture happens to include an “iguana” from Bienvenue Outdoors. — Yes! I booked a tarpon and sea bass trip as a thank-you for the honor of a picture. HAHA! It’s all part of the joy found while walking the aisles at the SCI Convention.
Chairman of the SCI Region Representatives
Serving as the Chairman of the Region Representatives (RRs) is more than running a meeting. RRs aim to connect the chapters to the SCI Board of Directors and staff. We work to identify challenges, suggest membership events, facilitate successful banquets, and share ideas on how they can make a difference in their communities.
I facilitate discussion, keep reports focused, and push for practical solutions—not just conversations. And although we hear complaints, I encourage solutions. It’s about strengthening communication, encouraging accountability, and helping chapters learn from one another so the entire organization grows stronger together. We are leaders, but our positions are also hunting, wildlife and humanitarian service through SCI.
What Matters Most: The Work of SCI Chapters
Beyond the meetings and the exhibit floor, what stood out most was hearing from the RRs about what our chapters are doing on the ground in their communities. This is where SCI shines.
Michigan
- Michigan held its state chapters’ meeting at the convention, and all were represented.
- Fundraiser season is strong. One West Michigan Bowhunters event was their highest-grossing ever.
- They’ve launched a PAC called “First for Hunters Committee.” They’re also selling Michigan Governor’s tags (elk, black bear, turkey, deer) online.
- The MSU Hunting and Conservation Program continues to receive multi-year support, with chapters applying for and receiving matching SCIF grants.
- And Sportsmen Against Hunger remains a long-running success.
New Mexico & West Texas
- At the West Texas banquet, an item sold for $32,000. They had two available, and both bidders agreed to purchase. $64,000 raised from one auction item. Note: This also happened at the Friday night fundraiser during the SCI Convention. A trip that included a yacht-based southeastern mountain goat hunt with special guest, Donald Trump Jr., sold twice for an AMAZING $400,000. That’s a RECORD-BREAKING donation of $800,000 raised on ONE ITEM!
- New chapters are forming. San Angelo is active. Southern New Mexico is launching its first golf tournament and gala in June 2026.
Alabama
- Banquets. Pheasant shoots. Property leases to provide hunting opportunities.
- Their Sportsmen Against Hunger program is strong, with the chapter covering processing costs.
Louisiana
- Banquet season is underway.
- They played a key role in bringing back the Louisiana bear hunt and are rebuilding chapters while working across state lines.
Florida
- Florida held its state chapter meeting at the convention, and five were represented.
- They’re working on branding and strengthening their identity within their communities.
- They’re actively growing SCI membership and reaching more hunters in their state.
North Mid-West
- Growing membership.
- Strong banquet season.
Conservation is global.
Europe
- Encouraged to see how U.S. chapters serve their local communities.
- Organizing chapters in multiple countries.
Australia & New Zealand
- Facing anti-hunting and anti-gun pressures.
- Working directly with government leaders. Navigating travel challenges.
Special Guests
Gateway Chapter
Six disabled children hosted on hunts at Legends Ranch.
They sponsored a young lady, Makenzie. It has been life-changing for her — and deeply rewarding for the chapter.
That is humanitarian work in action.
Why This Matters
SCI chapters aren’t just hosting banquets, they are:
- Funding conservation programs
- Supporting university wildlife education
- Feeding families through Sportsmen Against Hunger
- Advocating legislatively
- Creating access to hunting
- Mentoring youth
- Serving disabled outdoorsmen and women
- Building international partnerships
It’s easy to see the glitz of the SCI Convention and chapter banquets, but the real story is what happens back home.
Day two reminded me why I serve. It’s because of all we do at SCI to protect, advocate for, and promote hunting worldwide.
Leadership isn’t just sitting at a board table. It’s listening. Encouraging. Challenging. Connecting chapters so they learn from one another.
And sometimes it’s doing it all in a silver blazer and cowboy hat.
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