There’s something special about the final day of the Safari Club International (SCI) Convention. It’s equal parts celebration and reflection. You feel the momentum of the week and the weight of what this community stands for. You’re exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time.
Find my outfits for this finale day below.
Day 4 started with a women’s mix-and-mingle. These gatherings matter. I’m pleased every year to meet someone new. These events aren’t just social hours. They’re conversations about leadership, conservation, mentorship, and how we bring more women into the field with confidence and skill.
From there, it was rehearsal time.
As last year’s SCI & Bass Pro Shop/Cabela’s Young Hunter Award recipient, my daughter was preparing to stand on stage to present the 2026 winners. She worked through her remarks, introductions, and timing. She worked with SCI coordinators and leaders, and I was hugely impressed at how calm, focused, and ready she was.
Later that evening, in front of hundreds of SCI members, she delivered with a clear voice, strong presence, and confident Young Hunter leadership tone. She introduced the newest Young Hunter Award winners with poise and professionalism. It’s one thing to raise a young woman who loves the outdoors. It’s another to watch her step into leadership in front of an international audience and own it.
She knocked it out of the park.
And yes, I was one proud mom.
Western Business by Day
For the daytime events, I kept it polished but practical.
I wore my “Liquid Leather” jacket in Peacock, paired with a coral tee, jeans, and Sorel boots. The silver belly hat was the crowning piece that pulled it together and added that touch of Western formality. It’s a look that works well at this convention. A well-fitted hat is comfortable enough to move from booth to booth, and sharp enough for meetings and photos.
One of my favorite stops was visiting JoJo Tobey at her husband’s booth, Joshua Tobey Studios. Their bronze sculptures are remarkable. I’m honored to own pieces from both Josh and his late father. Their work captures wildlife with depth and movement in a way that feels alive. Sitting beneath the massive “Over the Moon” bunny bronze installation, celebrating artistry rooted in wildlife and representing conservation, and with a friend I admire, felt fitting for the final day.

Gala Evening
The final gala is always a highlight.
For the evening, I changed into a Vince Camuto Petite V-Neck cap-sleeve jumpsuit. Clean lines. Elegant. No fuss. I paired it with my custom elk ivory necklace, my silver belly hat, and Lucky Brand leather boots. Western, refined, and true to who I am.
But the outfit didn’t matter nearly as much as the moment.
Watching my daughter on that stage—confident, articulate, representing the next generation of conservation leaders—was the real highlight of the night.
Closing the Week
This convention isn’t just about banquets and booths. It’s about conservation. It’s about advocacy. It’s about mentorship. It’s about raising up the next generation to understand why wildlife, habitat, and responsible hunting matter, and raising the funds to protect that.
Week after week, event after event, I’m reminded why I stay involved.
Leadership isn’t loud. It’s steady. It’s showing up. It’s mentoring. It’s modeling.
And sometimes, it’s sitting in the audience, watching your daughter step into her calling.
Until next year, SCI! Now, I’m headed home, then to my chapter’s local events — CHEERS!
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