Just received this, this afternoon from SCI. Looks like changes are in the making for SCI.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


W. Laird Hamberlin Named SCI CEO
W. Laird Hamberlin, longtime member of Safari Club International, has been named SCI's Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. He succeeds Richard M. Parsons, who will serve as his deputy during a transition period.

A businessman known for helping big companies grow and prosper, Hamberlin has been a member of SCI for more than 30 years and has served in numerous volunteer positions at the chapter, regional and international levels. He served on three separate Executive Committees, most recently as a Vice President from 2013 through 2015.

"We are in an unprecedented period of attacks on hunting, particularly international hunting that has been SCI's brand for many years," Hamberlin said. "Hunting here in the U.S. is also under attack and is a right that we will help to preserve. SCI has always been the leading organization defending the rights of all hunters around the world through conservation, science-based data and sustainability. The increased challenges of today call for bold moves to make sure that SCI is properly structured and funded to take that leadership role to the next level. I'm extremely excited about our future in leading the way."

"SCI is happy to welcome Laird aboard as our new CEO," said SCI President Paul Babaz. "He has been a valuable part of the volunteer leadership team and now will be able to use his extraordinary talents to help guide and grow the business side of the organization in order to protect and support the right to hunt."


Safari Club International - First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.SafariClub.org, or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.
International Headquarters Washington, District of Columbia · Tucson, Arizona · Ottawa, Canada
www.SafariClub.org

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I have known Laird for years. We went to the same university. We have hunted together several times. He was at our dinner party in Reno this year with his wife Katie.

He is a good guy with a strong business background . I am happy for him and SCI to have him. I think he will make a difference.

quote:

I think he will make a difference.

I certainly hope you are right Larry.

How many times have we heard this each time SCI has a change??

Meet the new boss.

Same as the old boss.

Rick Parsons didn't last that long. He should have stayed put with the SCI Legal Department. Maybe they are serious about making some changes. Could it have been the Reno convention that finally got their attention? Or, perhaps the Outfitters that have said that they won't return to Reno next year? Or, perhaps financial, attendance, organization, membership and/or other issues? Or a combination of all of the above? Better to wake up now and right the ship before it's too late. The idea that they stated that it's the anti hunting community is just, in my opinion, a media distraction, as evidenced by the great success of the DSC organization and its annual convention. We can only hope that serious change will now occur with SCI. I believe that we all wish them success, not failure.

Please do not compare SCI with DSC!

One has long proven to us as being run by a succession of deranged idiots!

The other is run by hunters, for hunters.

Chalk and cheese does not even come close!

One thing is certain. The business aspect of running SCI will be much improved. As for the other things, time will tell.

Birds of a feather.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I have known Laird for years. We went to the same university. We have hunted together several times. He was at our dinner party in Reno this year with his wife Katie.

He is a good guy with a strong business background . I am happy for him and SCI to have him. I think he will make a difference.

Thats a good thing Larry and coming from you I will remain optimistic for both Laird and for SCI.

While certain aspects of SCI may not suit us all, which is the same in all larger entities really, improvements in SCI helps us all as hunters.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

I think he will make a difference.

I certainly hope you are right Larry.

How many times have we heard this each time SCI has a change??

How many times?? Only every time they get a new president or CEO.This “ change” mantra has been sung forever with nothing coming of it.

Although I dropped my membership at SCI a few years ago I still wish them to survive.
I will certainly reup if they do actually change for the better.
But my pride is in DSC & it's people.

Gentlemen:

Time will tell about this change. I can tell you that Laird is a businessman. He will absolutely want to run SCI as a business and improve the business side of SCI.

I can't help but think the convention has something to do with this. I think the convention had to be an eye opening event for the powers that be.

I will state this to everyone. Laird has personally told me that he is going to call on me to help. I don't know what that means exactly. I have already given few recommendations for next year which I have reason to believe are being given serious consideration.

I know an awful lot of people detest SCI . That is fine. However, I hope those same people realize that should SCI fail, it is bad for all of us.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Gentlemen:

Time will tell about this change. I can tell you that Laird is a businessman. He will absolutely want to run SCI as a business and improve the business side of SCI.

I can't help but think the convention has something to do with this. I think the convention had to be an eye opening event for the powers that be.

I will state this to everyone. Laird has personally told me that he is going to call on me to help. I don't know what that means exactly. I have already given few recommendations for next year which I have reason to believe are being given serious consideration.

I know an awful lot of people detest SCI . That is fine. However, I hope those same people realize that should SCI fail, it is bad for all of us.

Larry,

I have always voiced my objections to all the silly thing SCI seem to champion.

My objections and calling them out on them is not because I want them to fail.

As far as I can see, they have actually failed us as hunters, and decided to go the wrong way.

I doubt that any of us - members as I am or not - who do not wish to see SCI being an organization with great success in defending our sport.

How long have we been hearing that changes are coming from SCI??

Have we seen an signs of these changes??

quote:

I hope those same people realize that should SCI fail, it is bad for all of us.

I am not so sure about that.

Saeed:

I agree with you.

As I said, time will tell. I think this convention may have been an eye opening experience for them.

Well, a different business model may, or may not, result in a "positive" change for the membership. What kind of "change" is envisioned? The gentleman has 30 years with SCI, having worked at the chapter, regional, and international level. 30 years.

What, exactly, is new, different, or innovative about the gentleman's vision going forward?
Boards of directors wishing to make significant changes or take their organization(s) in new directions rarely make such appointments. It doesn't take 30 years to recognize innovative, dynamic, agents-of-change.

I hope you are right, Larry, and this works out for the benefit of the membership at large and for the future of hunting. I want him to succeed, but "success", "change" and "positive" are contextual.

quote:

I think this convention may have been an eye opening experience for them.

The actual outcome in Reno this year, likely and finally, scared the shizz out of them. It was highly unusual to let Rick Parsons go, after only CEO'ng a couple of years, so something serious is finally happening. We all hope for the best. Glad to see that Larry Shores will be called upon to assist in changes and moving forward.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:

quote:

I think this convention may have been an eye opening experience for them.

The actual outcome in Reno this year, likely and finally, scared the shizz out of them. It was highly unusual to let Rick Parsons go, after only CEO'ng a couple of years, so something serious is finally happening. We all hope for the best. Glad to see that Larry Shores will be called upon to assist in changes and moving forward.

I don't really know what that means. It may mean that they solicit a major contribution. Again, time will tell.

I do know that a lot of hell has been raised with SCI. Maybe this is the time things will change. Maybe it isn't. Time will tell.

SCI needs someone who will finally say enough is enough of all the old bullshit.

First step is they have to be more transparent about what they do.

Hiding behind "it is all in the annual report" is not going to cut it.

Every time there is a serious problem - lions for instance - they drag their feet, collect a lot of money, and no one knows where it all goes.

They refuse to answer any questions.

They should start listening to their members, instead of behaving like a political party following an agenda blindly!

And does anyone think that someone who's worked and progressed through the system for 30 years represents meaningful "change"? Come on, guys. This is silly.

That is a very valid point.

SCI needs DRASTIC change, not trying to get things to work with masking tape!

I too think it is very unlikely that we will see any meaningful change.

Our hopes have been proven wrong so ,any times in the past, we might be having a repeat of this again.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
That is a very valid point.

SCI needs DRASTIC change, not trying to get things to work with masking tape!

I too think it is very unlikely that we will see any meaningful change.

Our hopes have been proven wrong so ,any times in the past, we might be having a repeat of this again.

I agree, it takes duct tape to fix things properly.

I still love SCI, with all its warts.

I feel like the husband in an old married couple that hates each other.

Until some outsider lobs an insult their way.

Then it’s back to ‘til death do us part!

Gentlemen, I have been a member of SCI almost since it's beginning, and have almost all of the years magazines from them till today.

Having said that, let me also say that I too, disagree with how the club changed over all those years. A change that I must admit, was not for the better!

The DSC is a far better group of hunters who certainly do not pander to the rich and famous, and treat the local deer hunter the same as those who hunt Africa on a yearly basis.

Saeed could be on the SCI board and could most likely register world record trophies every year, if he wanted to. IMO, he doesn't because he sees the powers that be, to be snobs, and "LOOK AT ME" types that couldn't care less about the average hunter.
I love hunting, any type of hunting, from bow and arrow to big bore double rifles. for everything from dove hunting on a ranch stock tank to a cape buffalo in the thick jess of Africa, bush plane into the outback of Alaska or Canada for bear and caribou or moose.

At DCS conventions when you walk in to the tune of $50 instead of a couple hundred to get in the door at SCI, then be treated like a homeless bum from the back ally, it make me wonder why I have been a member of SCI all these years.


I truly hope the SCI change will come about with this new guy, but also like Saeed, I will not hold my breath till I see it!

……………………………………………………….

I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

quote:

Originally posted by df06:
I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

Do not hold your breath.

Nothing is going to change at SCI.

Keep going to DSC, and enjoy your time at a convention where one is treated as a friend, rather than a cash cow!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by df06:
I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

quote:

Do not hold your breath.

Nothing is going to change at SCI.

Keep going to DSC, and enjoy your time at a convention where one is treated as a friend, rather than a cash cow!

I am afraid that I must agree with Saeed. From the above quoted press release: "He has been a valuable part of the volunteer leadership team and now will be able to use his extraordinary talents to help guide and grow the business side of the organization in order to protect and support the right to hunt."

He is an insider with business expertise. The problem with SCI is not that it doesn't make enough money from the convention and other forms of fund raising. It is the culture of the organization, as Saeed has so eloguently stated on numerous occasions, that is the core problem. The whole "Inner Circle" concept of people giving themselves awards that in effect denigrate the hunt itself by making it not much more than a condition precedent to getting an award is the problem many of us have with SCI. It is an organizational culture problem; not fiscal. The SCI awards culture acts against it's stated mission of "to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide." (from the SCI Website) Anti-hunters use the SCI mindset to illustrate the (in their minds) immoral motives of hunters in their propaganda. If we are losing this war, and I am not as sure as some others on here that we are, then the SCI culture is in part to blame.

The decision to appoint a new CEO is obviously a reaction to this last disastrous convention in Reno. Revenues are down and it is time to turn around the organization (to increase revenue). If SCI was a business this would be the prudent thing to do. It is not a business, however. It is a 501(c)4 tax exempt organization. It has a charitable purpose and mission but does not have shareholders who demand earnings and/or growth.

Saeed is right to be pessimistic about this change. It is nothing more than an organizational commitment to revitalizing the current culture.

Saeed I am an outsider as far as SCI is concerned Went to convention and enjoyed it . I hear attendance is down and several of the outfitters were complaining . But what specific changes does SCI need to do to get on track .

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by df06:
I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

Do not hold your breath.

Nothing is going to change at SCI.

Keep going to DSC, and enjoy your time at a convention where one is treated as a friend, rather than a cash cow!

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by df06:
I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

quote:

Do not hold your breath.

Nothing is going to change at SCI.

Keep going to DSC, and enjoy your time at a convention where one is treated as a friend, rather than a cash cow!

I am afraid that I must agree with Saeed. From the above quoted press release: "He has been a valuable part of the volunteer leadership team and now will be able to use his extraordinary talents to help guide and grow the business side of the organization in order to protect and support the right to hunt."

He is an insider with business expertise. The problem with SCI is not that it doesn't make enough money from the convention and other forms of fund raising. It is the culture of the organization, as Saeed has so eloguently stated on numerous occasions, that is the core problem. The whole "Inner Circle" concept of people giving themselves awards that in effect denigrate the hunt itself by making it not much more than a condition precedent to getting an award is the problem many of us have with SCI. It is an organizational culture problem; not fiscal. The SCI awards culture acts against it's stated mission of "to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide." (from the SCI Website) Anti-hunters use the SCI mindset to illustrate the (in their minds) immoral motives of hunters in their propaganda. If we are losing this war, and I am not as sure as some others on here that we are, then the SCI culture is in part to blame.

The decision to appoint a new CEO is obviously a reaction to this last disastrous convention in Reno. Revenues are down and it is time to turn around the organization (to increase revenue). If SCI was a business this would be the prudent thing to do. It is not a business, however. It is a 501(c)4 tax exempt organization. It has a charitable purpose and mission but does not have shareholders who demand earnings and/or growth.

Saeed is right to be pessimistic about this change. It is nothing more than an organizational commitment to revitalizing the current culture.

Let me correct a couple of things and agree with a couple of things.

Personally, I HATE the awards. SCI doesn't give the awards. The members apply for them and pay for them.

As far as the change in CEO, that has been planned for quite some time. Rick Parsons appointment was temporary in nature, it was planned that way. I have little doubt that the decision to put a put a business person in place as CEO was affected by the convention this year.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by df06:
I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

quote:

Do not hold your breath.

Nothing is going to change at SCI.

Keep going to DSC, and enjoy your time at a convention where one is treated as a friend, rather than a cash cow!

I am afraid that I must agree with Saeed. From the above quoted press release: "He has been a valuable part of the volunteer leadership team and now will be able to use his extraordinary talents to help guide and grow the business side of the organization in order to protect and support the right to hunt."

He is an insider with business expertise. The problem with SCI is not that it doesn't make enough money from the convention and other forms of fund raising. It is the culture of the organization, as Saeed has so eloguently stated on numerous occasions, that is the core problem. The whole "Inner Circle" concept of people giving themselves awards that in effect denigrate the hunt itself by making it not much more than a condition precedent to getting an award is the problem many of us have with SCI. It is an organizational culture problem; not fiscal. The SCI awards culture acts against it's stated mission of "to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide." (from the SCI Website) Anti-hunters use the SCI mindset to illustrate the (in their minds) immoral motives of hunters in their propaganda. If we are losing this war, and I am not as sure as some others on here that we are, then the SCI culture is in part to blame.

The decision to appoint a new CEO is obviously a reaction to this last disastrous convention in Reno. Revenues are down and it is time to turn around the organization (to increase revenue). If SCI was a business this would be the prudent thing to do. It is not a business, however. It is a 501(c)4 tax exempt organization. It has a charitable purpose and mission but does not have shareholders who demand earnings and/or growth.

Saeed is right to be pessimistic about this change. It is nothing more than an organizational commitment to revitalizing the current culture.

Let me correct a couple of things and agree with a couple of things.

Personally, I HATE the awards. SCI doesn't give the awards. The members apply for them and pay for them.

As far as the change in CEO, that has been planned for quite some time. Rick Parsons appointment was temporary in nature, it was planned that way. I have little doubt that the decision to put a put a business person in place as CEO was affected by the convention this year.

The awards are given under the auspices of SCI and the public perception is that SCI sponsors the awards. Perception is everything in a political war like the one we hunters are in now. The fact that people apply and pay their own awards makes it even more specious. Awards are meant to be given to others for services that are valuable and appreciated. I think that there is just something wrong with a person giving himself an award. None of this helps support the SCI mission and may, in fact, actually work against it.

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by df06:
I’ve been to the DSC meeting in Dallas several times, and enjoyed it immensely. Met with my PH and booked African and Alaskan hunts there.
I’ve been told to skip SCI. I have done so and just received confirmation that I made he right decision.

quote:

Do not hold your breath.

Nothing is going to change at SCI.

Keep going to DSC, and enjoy your time at a convention where one is treated as a friend, rather than a cash cow!

I am afraid that I must agree with Saeed. From the above quoted press release: "He has been a valuable part of the volunteer leadership team and now will be able to use his extraordinary talents to help guide and grow the business side of the organization in order to protect and support the right to hunt."

He is an insider with business expertise. The problem with SCI is not that it doesn't make enough money from the convention and other forms of fund raising. It is the culture of the organization, as Saeed has so eloguently stated on numerous occasions, that is the core problem. The whole "Inner Circle" concept of people giving themselves awards that in effect denigrate the hunt itself by making it not much more than a condition precedent to getting an award is the problem many of us have with SCI. It is an organizational culture problem; not fiscal. The SCI awards culture acts against it's stated mission of "to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide." (from the SCI Website) Anti-hunters use the SCI mindset to illustrate the (in their minds) immoral motives of hunters in their propaganda. If we are losing this war, and I am not as sure as some others on here that we are, then the SCI culture is in part to blame.

The decision to appoint a new CEO is obviously a reaction to this last disastrous convention in Reno. Revenues are down and it is time to turn around the organization (to increase revenue). If SCI was a business this would be the prudent thing to do. It is not a business, however. It is a 501(c)4 tax exempt organization. It has a charitable purpose and mission but does not have shareholders who demand earnings and/or growth.

Saeed is right to be pessimistic about this change. It is nothing more than an organizational commitment to revitalizing the current culture.

Let me correct a couple of things and agree with a couple of things.

Personally, I HATE the awards. SCI doesn't give the awards. The members apply for them and pay for them.

As far as the change in CEO, that has been planned for quite some time. Rick Parsons appointment was temporary in nature, it was planned that way. I have little doubt that the decision to put a put a business person in place as CEO was affected by the convention this year.

The awards are given under the auspices of SCI and the public perception is that SCI sponsors the awards. Perception is everything in a political war like the one we hunters are in now. The fact that people apply and pay their own awards makes it even more specious. Awards are meant to be given to others for services that are valuable and appreciated. I think that there is just something wrong with a person giving himself an award. None of this helps support the SCI mission and may, in fact, actually work against it.

The only thing you said that I disagree with is the use of the word "may." This absolutely works against hunting. As I said earlier, I hate the awards.

This has caused me to think. Some of us are apprehensive of the SCI Awards program to say the least. SCI uses the funds from the Awards as a money making scheme.

Some of us by voicing our disfavor of the awards program do so to put public pressure on SCI to stop this practice.

However, as Drongo and LarryShores has pointed out, it is the members who are ponying up to pay for these awards. Maybe the pressure should be from and on SCI members to abandon this practice. If rank and file would refused to pay for the awards the awards program would go away. Supply and demand. The higher ups at SCI are not going to discontinue a major revenue source. However, if the demand is not there. SCI would cut a program that does not generate revenue that the members reject.

I am told that this program generates a large portion of the bottom line. In plain English, it is immensely profitable.

Face it, things like governmental affairs are incredibly expensive. It takes an immense amount of money to monitor developments in Congress, all 50 states, plus every city, county, etc. out there not to mention overseas. They have to get the money from somewhere.

Given the fact that they just announced a new awards category for birds, my guess is that there isn't a real good chance of this going away. To each his own I suppose. For me personally, there isn't a chance in hell that I would purchase one of these awards even though I am fairly confident that I qualify for quite a few.

They have done awards for birds and mammals. I bet they can raise even more if they establish inner circles for reptiles and amphibians....

Jdollar, along those lines how about a calendar featuring some of the trophy wives and "nieces" of members? Anyone that has gone to a convention knows what I mean!

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I am told that this program generates a large portion of the bottom line. In plain English, it is immensely profitable.

Face it, things like governmental affairs are incredibly expensive. It takes an immense amount of money to monitor developments in Congress, all 50 states, plus every city, county, etc. out there not to mention overseas. They have to get the money from somewhere.

Given the fact that they just announced a new awards category for birds, my guess is that there isn't a real good chance of this going away. To each his own I suppose. For me personally, there isn't a chance in hell that I would purchase one of these awards even though I am fairly confident that I qualify for quite a few.

I am sure there are lots of good, decent things SCI could do that will generate good money.

Bottom line SCI management have become clueless of what most of their members really want to be associated with.

This is like saying whoring generates good money.

I bet not many of us here would wish members of our family getting involved in it.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I am told that this program generates a large portion of the bottom line. In plain English, it is immensely profitable.

Face it, things like governmental affairs are incredibly expensive. It takes an immense amount of money to monitor developments in Congress, all 50 states, plus every city, county, etc. out there not to mention overseas. They have to get the money from somewhere.

Given the fact that they just announced a new awards category for birds, my guess is that there isn't a real good chance of this going away. To each his own I suppose. For me personally, there isn't a chance in hell that I would purchase one of these awards even though I am fairly confident that I qualify for quite a few.

I am sure there are lots of good, decent things SCI could do that will generate good money.

Bottom line SCI management have become clueless of what most of their members really want to be associated with.

This is like saying whoring generates good money.

I bet not many of us here would wish members of our family getting involved in it.

That may or may not be a fair analogy, but instead of complaining why don't we come up with constructive ideas?
Outside of the Convention and basic local chapter activities....what other positive image revenue ideas could we come up with?
Could we get some key States to donate say ONE extra coveted permit (like a Governors Tag) to be auctioned and go towards SCI Conservation Activities?
How about they identify and promote specific projects and activities that would raise awareness and money at the same time through member donations and crowd funding? Raise money for very positive activities and share mission on all forms of Social Media (and Traditional Media)
Show the public we raise money to protect Rhinos...Elephants...drill boreholes...build schools...take care of Children....greatly improve public relations and perceptions.
Use Meta Data to plant positive stories all over peoples News feeds...profile the type of people we want to influence (people that CAN be influenced)
Use our collective expertise from Private Industry to help them crawl out of the past with stale ideology.

What I find odd is SCIs members are more affluent. They are willing to pay for these awards. We preach about how we care and are the red line between animals and habbitat slipping into the ethos.

Yet, to raise revenue members have to pay for trinkets like we you were a child buying cereal to get the toy.

I would think members would be willing to make up the lost revenue in donations to cause. They would spend, and are spending, the money any way on the awards.

I refuse to think SCI members are so shallow they will only pay for awards and not provide those funds without a shiny object.

I like the governor tag idea. However, any state participating will want a cut of the take.

They could do rifle auctions. I know when USRAs were getting geared up to open the custom shop and launch the Classic line. The USRA custom shop auctioned some controlled round feed new Model 70s. They brought well into 6 figures.

They could host real, pro inventional shooting competitions taking a cut of the purse/entry free.

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
What I find odd is SCIs members are more affluent. They are willing to pay for these awards. We preach about how we care and are the red line between animals and habbitat slipping into the ethos.

Yet, to raise revenue members have to pay for trinkets like we you were a child buying cereal to get the toy.

I would think members would be willing to make up the lost revenue in donations to cause. They would spend, and are spending, the money any way on the awards.

I refuse to think SCI members are so shallow they will only pay for awards and not provide those funds without a shiny object.

I like the governor tag idea. However, any state participating will want a cut of the take.

They could do rifle auctions. I know when USRAs were getting geared up to open the custom shop and launch the Classic line. The USRA custom shop auctioned some controlled round feed new Model 70s. They brought well into 6 figures.

They could host real, pro inventional shooting competitions taking a cut of the purse/entry free.

The "awards" might have started on as a good cause.

But, I can assure you they have become a stupid MINE IS BIGGER than yours race.

A whole industry has sprung up in South Africa by criminals who capture animals and transport them, and sell them, as wild animals so some classless, non hunter can have his name in a record book.

They have made it into a competition, and that is where everything has fallen apart.

All one has to do is search the names of the "professional" hunters who have provided an incredible number of record book entries.

We all know a good trophy does not come every day.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:



........The "awards" might have started on as a good cause.

But, I can assure you they have become a stupid MINE IS BIGGER than yours race.....

....They have made it into a competition, and that is where everything has fallen apart.

....

Rowland Ward and their 'records' predate SCI by almost 100 years.

Save the idle rich, a competitive spirit is what drives most of those professionally that also enjoy international hunting. It is a bit disingenuous to think that personality type can check their ego at the door on a dime.

The awards are a bit silly, but they are what, sadly, pays the bills.

The fix is not gonna be overnight.

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:



........The "awards" might have started on as a good cause.

But, I can assure you they have become a stupid MINE IS BIGGER than yours race.....

....They have made it into a competition, and that is where everything has fallen apart.

....

Rowland Ward and their 'records' predate SCI by almost 100 years.

Save the idle rich, a competitive spirit is what drives most of those professionally that also enjoy international hunting. It is a bit disingenuous to think that personality type can check their ego at the door on a dime.

The awards are a bit silly, but they are what, sadly, pays the bills.

The fix is not gonna be overnight.

The way SCI has been run so far, it will be generations before we are likely to see any positive change.

As far as I can remember, each time they have a new president, hope is raised.

In reality, nothing happens.

I am not sure anyone in charge really wants to change anything.