Day 3 at the Safari Club International (SCI) convention was full throttle. Advocacy. Education. Family. And yes—Denim and Diamonds.
We started at the “Denim and Diamonds”- themed SCI Sables Brunch (outfit-of-the-day recaps will be listed below). The room was packed, the energy high, and the purpose clear. I proudly raised my paddle for a couple of dream hunts—not just because they were bucket-list worthy, but because every bid supports wildlife education and protects our hunting heritage worldwide.
The brunch was a tremendous success. With 48 silent auction items and 27 live items, supporters showed up in a big way. From a Dream Adventure featuring a huntress and Diana Award winners, to a celebrity hunt with Jim and Serina Shockey, to the purses and pistols sweepstakes—bidding was fun, but focused.
SCI Foundation® Sables
SCI Foundation® Sables are leaders in wildlife education. Their mission is to further the understanding of our outdoor heritage and the positive role of hunting through strong conservation education programs. Right now, that matters!
After brunch, I hustled to the Safari Club International Hunter Action Fund (HAF) luncheon. Advocacy is the core of SCI’s mission. Threats to hunting freedoms are real and constant. The HAF is the only pro-hunting Super PAC dedicated to electing leaders who will defend our rights. At the luncheon, we heard from elected officials, bid on exclusive items, and invested directly in the future of hunting.
SCI Hunter Action
The Hunter Action Fund supports the global advocacy mission of Safari Club International by defending hunters’ rights at every level of government. With a focus that spans every continent and all huntable species, SCI works to ensure sustainable-use wildlife conservation continues to benefit wildlife, habitat, and hunters. SCI is the only organization with a dedicated Washington, D.C.–based advocacy team fighting for hunters on Capitol Hill, in state capitals, in courtrooms, and in parliaments around the world. Backed by more than 150 chapters and a global network of engaged members, this effort protects the freedom to hunt today—and safeguards that legacy for generations to come.
Later, I attended the SCI Awards seminar and then had one of my favorite roles of the week—sherpa for my daughter, who served as a featured panelist among past SCI Young Hunter Award (YHA) recipients. Watching her encourage other young hunters to get involved and apply for the YHA was a full-circle moment. This is how heritage continues. One generation calling the next forward.
SCI & Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Young Hunter Award
Established in 1987, the SCI & Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Young Hunter Award honors an exceptional SCI member between the ages of 15 and 25 who demonstrates leadership in conservation and hunting. Among other criteria, applicants must complete a detailed application, write a 500-word essay titled “How I Am a Role Model for Hunting.” Recipients are selected using a weighted scoring system: 30% conservation work and community service, 25% hunting and outdoor experience, 25% role model impact (including the essay), 10% SCI chapter recommendation, and 10% overall committee judgment. It’s a rigorous process designed to recognize young hunters who are actively shaping the future of our heritage.
Outfit of the Day
The Sables theme was “Denim and Diamonds,” so I leaned in with the denim, and I always have my most important diamonds.
- Bronze-coated denim ruched sleeve jacket
- Matching coated denim jeans
- Leopard print crewneck
- Silverbelly cowboy hat
- Wedge boots by Ariat (comfortable enough to run between events all day)
The outfit felt polished but practical. I again aimed to show up in a leadership role with a Western edge look.
Outfit of the Evening
Can you imagine, I was so busy visiting with friends that we never paused for pictures? I had to recreate the look to share here.
The day wrapped with the evening banquet, where SCI president’s awards were presented, outstanding chapters were recognized, and other leader awards were presented. It’s important to pause and honor the people doing the steady, often unseen work.
For the evening, I changed gears:
- Red suit – A pop of color keeps a gal going late into the evening.
- Silverbelly cowboy hat – Yep, my signature Western crown that always gives a clean, sharp look, and the color blends perfectly with my Spring color palette.
- Leopard print Chinese Laundry heels – You cannot imagine how comfortable these heels are!
- Custom elk ivory necklace – I’ll have to tell you more about this in a future post.
Day 3 reminded me of something important: conservation isn’t passive. It takes funding. It takes voices. It takes showing up in rooms where decisions are made. And sometimes, it takes raising your paddle.
If you’re looking for a full convention capsule, I’ve curated mine in my ShopMy, LTK, and Amazon Storefront. I would appreciate it if you would, if you desire, follow me on all of them. And, come back for the grand finale with a Day 4 recap!
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