So which of the big 3 safari conventions would be everyones choice. Each has its own pros &cons I suppose, from distance to travel to them (I live in western washington state). Easy to drive to reno, but would ahve to fly to Dallas or Houston. The SCI one in Reno has high priced admission versus leaser cost to get into Dallas/houston ones. PLus now SCI wants spouses to be dues paying members also. Do I have to be a memeber of the Dallas or Houston one to attend those convemntions. Trying to get the wife to come along too. Im sure each AR member has their own opion here, but I want to reach as wide a variety of outfittters/PH's as posisbel in addition to those who exhibit at local outdoor shows here in washington state. I have done 1 African hunt already back in 2003 and want to try another for some differnet animals, specifically Eland/waterbuck/klipspringer/lepoard/ maybe giraffe ( tho what to do with that trophy?) another gemsbok and warthog to list a few.
Thanks,
Willi

as far as i'm concerned SCI's egomaniacs just slit their own throats. The very idea of not being able to bring my wife, who accompanies me on the trips, into their midst without having her be a member is appaling. In fact when this years membership runs out- its out of sci for me (after over 30 years)

quote:

Originally posted by bisonhunter1:
... Do I have to be a memeber of the Dallas or Houston one to attend those convemntions. Trying to get the wife to come along too. ...

I'm a member of the Houston Safari Club. The Houston show is open to the public. I think the day pass door fee is $10 if I remember correctly. Regardless, it's not expensive.

I've never been to the Dallas show but friends tell me it's about 3 or 4 times larger than the Houston show. Houston is a nice show, but if I was coming from out of state I think I'd choose the Dallas show over Houston if I could only attend one.

BTW: the Houston and Dallas shows are usually on consecutive weekends. If you have some time, you could go to the Dallas show, enjoy a few days of vacation time in Dallas, and then go to the Houston show on the following weekend. Then fly home from Houston. Just a thought.

Dallas Safari Club 2007 Convention
January 11-14, 2007
http://www.biggame.org/Convention/index.html

Houston Safari Club 2007 Convention
January 19–21, 2007
http://www.houstonsafariclub.org/convention.asp

My two cents....
-Bob F.

I am fairly certain the the Dallas show is open to the public. It is a great show and growing every year. This year it will be before the SCI show. Starts on Jan11...

Dallas is open to the public and it is getting bigger each year. We have quite a ways to go to reach SCI proportions, but each year, it gets bigger and better.

Have never been to the SCI convention, but went to both the Dallas and Houston shows this year. Dallas is significantly bigger -- by a considerable margin. As a Houstonian, as much as I hate to admit it, if you can only go to one show in Texas, Dallas would be it. Give the Houston show another couple of years and I am sure that we can turn that situation around though.

Mike

With all the resources availible (here for example!) I wonder out loud- Why go to the shows? The internet is a wonderful tool. Many good honest agents are availible by phone or internet. References can be checked in detail. The big shows are a meat market. Put yourself in in the agent or operators shoes. Honestly, on day three of the SCI show, what kind of service are you getting? These folks are dead on their feet and looking for the door. Hell, for that matter once you have narrowed your field, what's wrong with picking up the phone early one morning and calling your guy?

To expand on the above. Picture yourself on the floor at Dallas or Reno. It's the second day. You just spoke to goober head number 87. It isn't noon yet. Is number 88 going to get any kind of interpersonal contact going? You are better off working with a good agent or going direct.

Crane...while the internet is a wonderful tool it makes me wonder if you have ever attended a convention in Reno, Dallas or Houston?
There is a feeling of being among a pee pot load of your own, making new friends, seeing things under one roof that you would have to search hours for on the net just to find etc,. etc, Hell it is worth the expense just to get see folks (such as all the AR guys and gals) that attend and catch up on their lives. I have a booth at two and sometimes all three and while I come away dog tire you would have to shoot me in both feet and steal all my Crown Royal to keep me from being there. After all...I am goober head #88 on your list if you attend.
"Gourdhead on" and stay home and miss a damn good time with damn good folks.
The rest of you...Welcome to Dallas and the Lone Star State of Texas! We are proud to have you among us.

The Dallas show runs Friday-Sunday. IMO, you have a much better chance in Dallas of being able to talk directly with the outfitters you're interested in pursuing. Do a quick once-through (it'll take you part of a day, but not the whole day) then go back and go one-on-one with the ones that most interest you. Much more individual attention that way. Keep in mind that Saturday is the most heavily attended day. If I were doing this, I'd come in on Friday morning, do a quick run of the show, then start talking seriously to the outfitters that caught your eye.

DSC does not require membership to attend the show, and weekend passes are available. The fact that we're before SCI is also a benefit for booking trips. There are several hotels nearby. Also, who knows, we might have another AR Group get-together this year!

Just don't forget to check out the Silent Auction area (since I'm the Chairman of that area ). There were several African safaris in this area last year, and there will probably be more this year. And be sure to say 'hi' when you come by!

Well so far it looks like Dallas has a lot of positives going for it. Yes, the internet is a great tool, but I sure like "face" time with somebody thats liable to get a large chunk of my $$ for a hunting trip. Thanks to all those that responded so far. One question about the Dallas show ( maybe more later), how far away is the DFW airport from the conventions hotel? Avoiding a rental car would be a nice thing, hey thats part of another trophy fee, lol! I also like that these are both open to the public. Thanks again to all for the info.

I haven't made the trip to Dallas or Houston, but since the folks I see are at SCI I don't notice the lack. Also I always go to the gun show and knife show in Reno concurrent with SCI (Firearms Engravers and Gunmakers Guild Show and Bladesmiths; both held in the Silver Legacy Hotel). SCI will have well over 1,000 exhibitors, 20,000+ attendees and a flock of seminars too.

For those wanting to fly to SCI, check out flying into Sacramento and then driving over the Sierra to Reno.

jim

crane,

I don't really disagree with you but I think I look at the shows differently and not just because I'm an agent.

From the clients point of view I think the shows give you the opportunity to visit with the people you may have already narrowed down your choices to if you are seriously considering a hunt. For me that face time is important and details always come up that might not over the net or phone.

I went to the Reno show last year with a client and he had a whole new outlook on the whole process after. He got to visit with his PH and now is very confident that his first safari will be what he expected.

When I hear a guy say I'm going to the show to buy a hunt I sort of cringe because the guy may very well be looking at it like trying to get the best deal on a Chevy accept the Chevy actually is not there on the lot. Buying a hunt from the guy with the best sounding deal can be folly and land you in some God awful situation. Do your research before hand.

As an agent I really like putting a face on the people I represent. It is much easier to feel confident that you've directed people to the best possible adventure for them when you meet them in person.

As for the original question Willi just bite the bullet and come to Reno. You'll love it. It is the whole enchilada.

Mark

I've never been to Reno but for last two years have gone to Dallas and am now a DSC member. We have a great time and even have an AR member get together in the evening. I think there was about 50 of us at the hotel meeting room last year. There were 700 exhibitors at the show last year and there's time to visit with them if you so desire.

Most hotels in the area have shuttle service to and from the DFW Airport.

John

I usually go to both the Reno and the Dallas shows every year. To be honest, If it wasn't for the Custom Gunmakers Guild show as well as the Knifemakers Guild shows, I probably would not go to Reno. I hate extortion and that is what SCI does to me every show. If you take all of the Gee-Gaw out of the Reno show ( jewelers, smokers, tent makers, furnature,etc- you know what I mean) The two shows are not that far apart in overall size. Most of the big names in the safari business will be represented at both.
Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Reno, but things are more personal and friendly in Dallas. It has a huge airport system unlike the little one in Reno. It is more centrally located and easier to get into and out of than almost any other location I have been through.

Dallas is the show to attend for the first timer. Lots of outfitters to talk to and still in a friendly uncrowded atmosphere. Became a DSC member a few years back and am very satisfied. My wife, when she comes along, just loves the other friendly women and the atmosphere. Also, the weather is usually good for flying in Jan to Dallas, unlike some of the years in Reno.

The SCI management is making a mistake in making it difficult to take your wife to the conventions, IMHO and I am a lifer.

Dak

bisonhunter1,

Regardless of whether you attend the Dallas or Houston show, you and your wife will receive a warm welcome. The people are friendly and I think you'll have a great time. So, make your plans and come on down to Texas for a visit! As Tom Bodet says, "We'll keep the light on for ya."

-Bob F.

One of the advantages of Dallas over Reno (at least this year and most others) is that DSC comes first and bookings aren't already taken for the period you wish.

While there are always naysayers, the AR gatherings in the evenings have always been great and I've made many lifetime friends there. In fact, the folks I've met at them are some of the best people I know and have a wealth of knowledge that doesn't always translate into internet messages. Rusty and Mac or Tony will come running over to where I am and, with crazed eyes and drooling mouth, drag me over to Champlins or BassPro to see a double... Harry always will sell the same TuffPac three or four times... and you can look a PH in the eye and learn something about his character... Rumors about Zimbabwe are confirmed or debunked... It's really worthwhile.

BTW, more and more AR members bring wives and/or girlfriends every year. Maybe both?

It's a really fun time in Dallas... Come on!

Being a life member of SCI, Dallas is sounding more and more inviting all of the time.

quote:

Originally posted by bisonhunter1:
Well so far it looks like Dallas has a lot of positives going for it. Yes, the internet is a great tool, but I sure like "face" time with somebody thats liable to get a large chunk of my $$ for a hunting trip. Thanks to all those that responded so far. One question about the Dallas show ( maybe more later), how far away is the DFW airport from the conventions hotel? Avoiding a rental car would be a nice thing, hey thats part of another trophy fee, lol! I also like that these are both open to the public. Thanks again to all for the info.

I flew to Dallas from California in 05 and found that even after three days each of the individuals I spoke with gave me individual attention and I never felt slighted in the least. I even went back to booths to speak with those that knew I was not booking with them and found them very gracious and honest individuals willing to share information I was seeking. The smaller size of Dallas compared to Reno in no way limits the quality.
The taxi from the airpost to the convention on my first day was $17. I rented a car for the next two days and evenings and spent another $50 but the mobility was worth it since all the rooms were booked by the time I made my decision to go anyway. The car also gave me the chance to visit the plaza and the Kennedy shrine. I missed '06. I feel by booking early you can still get closer rooms. I stayed less than 15 minutes away. Personally don't need the amenities of the conventioneers hotel but I did eat breakfast
there a couple of times and met and talked with others as well. With my wife it might have been a different story as walking back and forth would have been necessary for me.
I also attended the Sacramento show which is about three weeks after Dallas and did see some of the same outfitters represented there and as JudgeG points out they were indeed filling their calendars rapidly so if time and location are important to you Dallas would be better.
Dallas will also allow you to attend the AR get togethers after the show and that unto itself is worth the efforts.
Frank

Bisonhunter

There is no big 3. There is SCI as the Big 1, Dallas as the Medium 2 and Houston as the Small 3.

The Puget Sound/RMEF/FNAWS show in Bellevue is as big or bigger than Houston.

SCI is New York City and Dallas is Los Angeles. Both cities but there is only one Big Apple.

Take your pick.

BH1,

I have attended the Dallas show and come from NE Pennsylvania for the last two years...Fun yes, things to do, see, many people to talk too...
Then the get togethers... outstanding AR members, friendships, meeting someone you have talked to for ayear or so and now meet and greet and make lasting friends...Meet some fellow hunters who have hunted with Ph's you may be interested in...
Then some homemade ethnic food kielbosi, and homemade horsradish, homemade bread...

There will be about 10 or more of us coming off safaris this year..A ton of first hind information....

My wife attended with me last year and had a super time...She really enjoyed the artwork and meeting my friends....

Mike

We'll be there again this year. Unless of course if somebody sends me to play in the sand....jorge

quote:

Originally posted by lb404:
If you take all of the Gee-Gaw out of the Reno show ( jewelers, smokers, tent makers, furnature,etc- you know what I mean) The two shows are not that far apart in overall size.

I agree, if you removed all the non-hunting exhibitors from the Reno show, it would be a much smaller show. You spend a lot of time walking past watches, jewelry, cigars, wine, clothing, log cabins, beef jerky, and such. I keep getting the idea it is a lot about making money.

quote:

Originally posted by RBHunt:

quote:

Originally posted by lb404:
If you take all of the Gee-Gaw out of the Reno show ( jewelers, smokers, tent makers, furnature,etc- you know what I mean) The two shows are not that far apart in overall size.

I agree, if you removed all the non-hunting exhibitors from the Reno show, it would be a much smaller show. You spend a lot of time walking past watches, jewelry, cigars, wine, clothing, log cabins, beef jerky, and such. I keep getting the idea it is a lot about making money.

No, it's all about making money. I don't understand why anyone would ever think anything different.

Do any of you guys actually think that these Conventions are just Public Service Announcements? Free shopping malls for G&Os and clients put on and paid for just because someone wants to be nice?

Willi,

I've been to Reno and Dallas. I guess it depends on what you'd like to accomplish. If looking for a safari, do your homework first and then see at which show the outfits you'd like to hunt with will have booths. There is nothing like meeting face to face with your outfitter or PH. I went to Dallas one year ready to book, but changed my mind once I met the PH.

While Reno is much larger, it is not near as personal. One of the greatest things about Dallas is meeting with fellow AR members at all the different social gatherings as well as on the floor of the show. There are some great guys that hang out here.

Overall, I like Dallas better, but Reno was truely impressive! It is worth going to both.

The SCI show is a blast. Lots of fun. Lots to learn and most if not all of the best, brightest and most successful are there.

I have met and discussed cabbages and kings with the likes of Robin Hurt, Fred Wells, Butch Searcy, David Wilkins, John Ormiston, John DuPlooy, Gerard Pasanisi, Frederic Blochet, Bert and Brigitte Klineburger, Pedro de Sa e Mello, David Miller, John Bolliger, Luke Samaras, Brian Pearce, Norman Schwartzkopf, Lloyd Pendleton and a host of others too numerous to mention, many of them lesser known but all incredibly knowledgeable, and I am the richer for it.

Despite its many, many faults, the SCI has my support, albeit a support that is provisional and contingent in nature. It's kind of like what Winston Churchill said about democracy. It is the worst form of government except for all others.

Like other posters and commentators, I am concerned that money surpasses principle in the pantheon of SCI's values, but SCI is still the best thing going for the hunters of the world.

I haven't been to any of the shows you referred to but in January I was driving to the show in Chicago when an outfitter called me in response to an email I had sent him previously. We had a good conversation. At the show I visited the booths of several safari companies but no-one could help me with my specific requirements. The one booth was empty when I got there and when I returned later I found a PH - still hung over from the previous night's party. I ended up booking with the guy that had phoned me and have never regretted my decision as I had an excellent hunt bagging 9 species (including giraffe and waterbuck) in 6 days of hunting. We saw some klipspringer but they weren't on my list so we let them pass.

There's a report on this forum of my hunt with Chris Troskie Safaris.

What I'm getting at is that I really enjoyed the show and am going to Reno next year to check it out but I've already booked with the same outfitter for next year and don't plan on booking a hunt at the show. I agree with another poster on this thread that you could find good outfitters without going to shows.

I had a great time in Dallas this year and will definately be back next year.

I have not been to SCI. I have been to Dallas and Houston. My favorite is Dallas, just because I get to see and be with a lot of the great folks from AR and the Double Rifle Shooters Society (DRSS). Our visits and get togethers become more special every year!

Since I live just outside of Houston, the HSC convention is a pleasant drive from my place.
I know that Bob and the guys at HSC work hard to put on a good show and they have improved it a great deal!

I always use the conventions to conduct a little business. I will check out a new outfitter or two, and or do some shopping for a specific item or hunt. It dosnt matter wether it is Dallas or Reno, the real reason I go is my mental health. It allows me to be among those of like mind. I get to catch up with many of my friends from all over the world that I dont get to see any other time. We get to talk hunting, swap lies and drink too much. We catch up on family life and maybe even make a little money in the process. Usually we get introduced to new people who soon become fast friends as well. We often come up with a plan for a group of us from different countries to hunt together informally the next year at whatever location seems best over a few days discussions and drinks. I would not trade the comraderie for anything. That is the real reason I go. Not to mention being like a little kid in a candy store, drooling over all the goodies available. Perchance to dream....
I have never attended Houston so cant speak from experience but have heard nothing but good from those who have attended. It dosnt matter where you go as long as you do.

You guys have me convinced!! As a Life Member of SCI I will not miss attending the Convention in Reno. But, I am going to give Dallas a go as well. I have the "time" and as some have mentioned here, what better place to spend "time" than among those folks who share the same passions?? Does anyone have the Dallas Show contact numbers or web address? The only thing better than attending both shows would be off hunting in Africa somewhere and you can't do that 24/7 can you?

Larry Sellers

I attend the SCI shows (and moderate a seminar) because I enjoy getting together with old friends from all over the globe. Although many of them also go to the Dallas and Houston shows, a larger number do not.

That said, as I get older and in poorer health, just getting around the Reno convention center is getting tougher and tougher for me. I've been thinking about renting one of those old-folks' carts, just so I can get around to see all the 1,100 - plus booths.

Bill Quimby

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
... Does anyone have the Dallas Show contact numbers or web address? ...

Dallas Safari Club 2007 Convention
January 11-14, 2007
http://www.biggame.org/Convention/index.html

Thanks BF, I'll check it out today and get things started. How about hotels within walking distance? Thanks

Larry Sellers

quote:

Originally posted by BFaucett:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
... Does anyone have the Dallas Show contact numbers or web address? ...

Dallas Safari Club 2007 Convention
January 11-14, 2007
http://www.biggame.org/Convention/index.html

I have attended both Dallas and SCI, but have never been to Houston. I love the DSC show, and will return often.
SCI is a show worth seeing, at least once, but the atmosphere is decidedly different. Fundamentally, there are a lot of people at SCI shows that are there to be seen, noticed (show-off), etc., and I have no interest in this type of Hollywood atmophere, but some clearly do. After a day at SCI with its lack of personal atmosphere, and you can begin to wonder why you would spend money there. Yes, there are great people manning many of the booths, and I have become acquainted with some quality folks at SCI. While a smaller show, I have become acquainted with many more good people at DSC.

It is probably fair to label DSC as a "working man's" show, where all are made to feel welcome. This is clearly not the case at SCI and it is quite evident. I was unaware of SCI's plan to require membership for spouses this year, but just another example of their overall attitude. I won't go to SCI this year, but do plan to be in Dallas.

Bill

I've never been to DSC, but with the ACGG show sharing the same weekend as SCI in Reno, if I have to choose, I'll make it Reno.

Intersting question...I have been going to SCI for 30 years...missed it this year due to a business commitment...bad decision!!
I wouldn't miss it because it is the place you can go and see and meet all of the top professionals in the business...that said, you also have to take the bad with the good...and there is getting to be a BIG contingent of those!! If you have the expereince to sort this out, OK, if not go with someone with the expereince...or be VERY WARY!!...check out the deal with solid references BEFORE any money changes hands!! Nice thing about RENO, there are all kinds of Airline packages where you can get room and air for about the price of the airline ticket...so the entry fee doesn't take as big a bite!!
SCI is desperately trying to meet the hurdle of 50-60,000 members to attain the level of membership like RMEF, etc that gets the advertising $$'s from Budweiser, Chevrolet...on and on...it is a BIG MONEY ploy!! Hense the new membership requirements for invitees, spousue/SO and all exhibitors...my guess it it will backfire on them?? Like higher taxes, the inflow goes DOWN!! HUMMMMMMMMMMM??!!
So, my response is what are you going for?? To meet old friends and outfitters?? If so, this is the place. If you are going to book a good hunt...once SCI'd, outfitters go for the moon on pricing and you see $9000 deer hunts and $100,000 safaris...if you go elsewhere they are not all priced that way!! I know many GOOD outfitters that are no longer going to SCI because of the "clientle" and the horrendous cost to exhibitors!!...remember, guys, these costs get passed on to YOU in the end!! If you are looking for good hunts at honest prices, go to Dallas, RMEF, FNAWS and local shows...none of which you have to be a member to attend...and the outfitters price hunts for mere mortals that work hard for our huntin money!!
That's the way I see it!!

quote:

After a day at SCI with its lack of personal atmosphere, and you can begin to wonder why you would spend money there. Yes, there are great people manning many of the booths, and I have become acquainted with some quality folks at SCI. While a smaller show, I have become acquainted with many more good people at DSC.

It is probably fair to label DSC as a "working man's" show, where all are made to feel welcome. This is clearly not the case at SCI and it is quite evident. I was unaware of SCI's plan to require membership for spouses this year, but just another example of their overall attitude. I won't go to SCI this year, but do plan to be in Dallas.

Bill

I'm a life member of DSC. I'm also on the board of directors. I believe one of the reasons for the atmosphere at our convention is the structure of our organization. We have only 6 (very hard working) employees. During the convention, we'll have upwards of 200 volunteers handling everything from registration to unloading and loading exhibitors to delivering coffee each morning to our exhibitors.

We have in our organization people from all walks of life - a cross section of our hunting public. When it's "showtime", we all roll up our sleeves and together get to work. Many of us take convention week off from our jobs to be part of what is a growing source of pride for us. Our volunteers know exactly from where our convention success comes -our exhibitors and our guests. We never fail to say "thank you" to our exhbitors and to as many guests as possible. We are sincere in our hospitality and in our thanks.

With respect to wives, we welcome them whole-heartedly with no strings attached (as almost 50% of our membership is women). You may want to let your wives/girlfriends know that we have a luncheon just for them that is held on the Friday of the convention. Just call our main number (972-980-9800) and ask about the "ladies luncheon".

So when you're in Dallas at the convention, know that the DSC personnel that you see, are there by choice. Though we are tired by the end of the 3rd day, we are still having fun and are looking forward to the next convention. Happy hunting!

Caretaker:

I'm one of the fellows who really appreciates how hard the volunteers work at the DSC show. I've always felt welcome. In fact, some, who also post here on AR, have left their hard work on the floor, silent auction or whatever, and have driven me to get supplies for the AR parties... and that's even though they had commitments that wouldn't allow them to attend! Great folks, for sure!

Attending the well run show where I always see lots of friends and book a hunt or two is one of the highlights of my year and I thank you all for the hard and efficient work.

Please pass along my thanks and that of the others here who like the DSC to your fellow directors and members.

As an aside, I'm always impressed that so many men my age (60) bring their buxom young "nieces" to visit Dallas???? I haven't seen a leopard skin halter top yet, but I'm hoping for a sighting this January.