I would caution people on relaxing and letting it go - claiming victory. Remember this is about ruthless unemotional business with BIG money.

The very fact that this idea got as far as it did shows that there there is a very powerful agenda / lobby behind it.

Who is / are these people? Specific names and hard links to their vested interest. Who would have gained most from this initiative?? They need to be outed and embarrassed as untrustworty people in the hunting industry for all to see.

The outfitters and guides & exhibitors (high rollers) who put pressure on the EC of SCI should continue to do so until they scream and spit out the names.

Keep your foot on their throat and show no mercy until they are totally transparent.

If you do not do this, rest assured that this powerful lobby will be back in a different disguise.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Thank goodness!

This has to rate as one of the most hair brained ideas ever.

Make no mistake, we need SCI more than ever. If they truly become "First for Hunters", they will grow and be a force for hunters rights.

Absolutely correct Larry.

We DO need the POWER SCI can exert.

But, and this is a very big BUT.

Certainly NOT the SCI we have right now.

They have proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that they are incapable of running the show as a conservation organization demanding hunters rights.

That aim has been thrown out of the window years ago, replaced by the shoddy "mine is bigger than yours" at any cost holly grail.

Which did not just alienate so many hunters from all walks of life, but has lead to so many of those same "look what a great hunter I am" crown to going as far as breaking laws just achieve this despicable fame.

SCI needs to get back to being an organization that supports ALL hunters.

Don't give them any slack, show them they are not untouchable.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I would caution people on relaxing and letting it go - claiming victory. Remember this is about ruthless unemotional business with BIG money.

The very fact that this idea got as far as it did shows that there there is a very powerful agenda / lobby behind it.

Who is / are these people? Specific names and hard links to their vested interest. Who would have gained most from this initiative?? They need to be outed and embarrassed as untrustworty people in the hunting industry for all to see.

The outfitters and guides & exhibitors (high rollers) who put pressure on the EC of SCI should continue to do so until they scream and spit out the names.

Keep your foot on their throat and show no mercy until they are totally transparent.

If you do not do this, rest assured that this powerful lobby will be back in a different disguise.

You sir, are a very smart man!!!! Excellent advice!!

Sorry BrettAKSCI, the insiders fighting this program say is it NOT dead, it will be resurrected again next year!!

$645K is OUTRAGEOUS for any .org spending dues and donated money!! This is nonsense and shows lack of courage and financial reason to have passed something like this...yes, even with just a scan of the 100page doc....it should have been caught!!

Exhibitors must hang together and be forceful in getting a Bill of Rights. Further, I have recommended a rigorous qualifications process to try to eliminate the Bad Players from the Floor......these people suck in unsuspecting attendees as they feel confident if they meet at SCI!

Bruce Evanson VP and former convention director was in favor when I suggested this as part of a complaint on a Namibia Outfitter....EC and CEO did NOT embrace this!

Current President is doing such a good job he has just been elected for a second term. This is unusual.....

Keep Smiling!! Keep Watching!!

Here's the Latest...it says we will revisit income opportunities after a survey of all members-



On Tuesday, June 17, 2014 4:14 PM, "SCI, President" <President@safariclub.org> wrote:



Having trouble viewing the email? Click here to view online.

June 17, 2014
From: Craig Kauffman, Safari Club President and Your Executive Committee
To: All Safari Club International Board Members
My Fellow Hunters,
Hunters around the world have experienced an unprecedented increase of anti-hunting sentiments through government policies, restrictive laws, verbal assaults, and downright ignorance of our sport. It comes as no surprise to most of you that SCI is facing increasingly well-funded and well-organized opposition.
Just recently the U.S. government banned the importation of elephants from Zimbabwe and Tanzania; U.N. regulations will impact all hunters who travel on airplanes; SCI chapters are fighting HSUS in Michigan to protect their wolf hunt, and SCI is fighting CITES and the ESA to stop the African lion uplisting. Social media websites allow every anti-hunter with a computer to threaten any hunter. Quite simply, it takes revenues far beyond our current capabilities to effectively fight these increasing threats.
SCI's members, chapters, and convention exhibitors have long been SCI's #1 source of revenue for our mission of being First For Hunters. And in recent months, SCI has been exploring many options to expand our revenue streams and membership to tackle the many challenges that lay ahead of us.
Recently, a program branded as SCI Outdoors was initiated to achieve new revenue and new membership growth. SCI Outdoors was to officially launch in October 2014. It was designed to provide hunting, fishing, wing-shooting, and outdoor adventure booking and travel agency services, and eventually hunt tag-application services for members. SCI Outdoors was designed to "open the door" for new members by attending large non-endemic, non-hunting conventions within the U.S. for industries such as medical, dental, and construction professions. The attendees found there have similar professional profile, personal income, and leisure time to enjoy our sport and lifestyle. The intent was to attract to our Club new members, who in-turn would attend the annual SCI Hunters' Convention to visit with all convention exhibitors.
However after extensive communication from current SCI members, exhibitors, guides, and agents, we have reevaluated SCI Outdoors. SCI Outdoors is officially discontinued. We understand and recognize that SCI Outdoors could have caused unintended competition with current booking agents who attend the SCI Hunters' Convention who have been loyal to the organization. We realize that SCI members and chapters have long forged relationships with agents. SCI Outdoors was intended to better foster those relationships rather than compete with those existing friendships.
As a way forward, SCI must understand the needs and priorities of all SCI members. Beginning in July, Safari Club International will prepare a member-wide survey. The survey will focus on 1) How to grow membership and revenues, 2) How to prioritize SCI's mission of First for Hunters, 3) How to improve, identify, and evaluate membership benefits. We look forward to receiving your suggestions and creative thoughts for the future benefit of us all.
We are all committed to the future of our great organization and to the continued freedom of worldwide hunting. We want to see the organization grow, thrive, and succeed because SCI has the responsibility to be "First For All Hunters." We are the strongest, largest, and greatest organization protecting the freedom to hunt. The opposition to hunting is now as fierce as ever. Your personal commitment to Safari Club International is a demonstration of our great and collective strength.
Thank you for your contributions to SCI and we look forward to your participation in the upcoming membership-wide survey. If you have any questions, please contact nfreeman@safariclub.org so they can be addressed.
First For Hunters,
Craig Kauffman - President
Larry Higgins - President-Elect
Paul Babaz - Deputy President Elect
Alan Maki - Secretary
John McLaurin - Treasurer
Bruce Eavenson - Vice President
Eddie Grasser - Vice President
Veronica Kosich - Vice President
Laird Hamberlin - Vice President
Don Harter - Vice President
Sherry Maddox - Vice President
Steve Skold - Vice President
Kirt Fredericks - Alternate

I got this as well. Good for SCI. I am very happy about the survey.

Plenty of people can say what is wrong with the organization, but few will ever lift a finger to affect change.

I am happy about the survey. Maybe somebody will come up with a well though out constructive idea and not just hate mail.

Just wish they did this before SCIO. But maybe (and hopefully) this episode opened some eyes.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike70560:
Plenty of people can say what is wrong with the organization, but few will ever lift a finger to affect change.

I am happy about the survey. Maybe somebody will come up with a well though out constructive idea and not just hate mail.

Just wish they did this before SCIO. But maybe (and hopefully) this episode opened some eyes.

I agree Mike. Again signs of life. Sort of reminds me of "Young Frankenstein".

Jeff

I am not a SCI member .... BUT

The survey is all warm & fuzzy. The real issue is who will collate the information & analyse it? Who will see the data & results? Who will have the authority to act on the results?

Unless you have total transparency, the whole exercise will be a smoke screen.

Here is an opportunity for the chapters to flex their muscle and disband the exclusive elite club at the top. If the chapters can make sure that they have access to the survey data & results, there is some hope. Better still, the chapters should have ownership for each survey. then the National body does not own it and has to collect it from each chapter.

This will ensure more democratic transparency.

Just reminding everyone of my earlier post - keep the foot on the throat and make them scream. Don't take your foot off!

Naki:

I think you have to remember that a year ago, the possibility of a survey was virtually zero. This is a monumental step for SCI.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Naki:

I think you have to remember that a year ago, the possibility of a survey was virtually zero. This is a monumental step for SCI.

Just goes to prove that a kick up their collective rear ends does have some positive results

Imagine if we all followed the same path as their cheerleaders, those same nitwits would be laughing their heads off by now.

larry you are right in terms of current facts.

I am talking about the final solution for the future. This survey is meaningless if it is controlled by the National body. It will just be a smoke screen. If the initiative is truly for the hunters, it should be in the control of each chapter and transparent.

From what I have read here on AR, the chapters are run well and do a lot of good & have real credibility.

Just saying .....

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Naki:

I think you have to remember that a year ago, the possibility of a survey was virtually zero. This is a monumental step for SCI.

Naki- I think your comment that Chapters are run well...leading to... and carry weight with National is a big misconception!!
It is hit and miss on size and shape and quality of leaders in Chapters, and each has only the President going to National as a Board Member, ie 1 Vote. Good leaders often get crushed by jealousy and politics locally and do NOT continue into chairs at National. Simply not worth it!!
Chapters can and have been a big liability and problem for National in the past.
They do generate some income through annual fund raisers and send 30% to National....miniscule to 6 digits, again differential.
That said, Chapters are generally the breeding grounds for future Officers at National as they show themselves and walk through the chairs. Long and arduous process and AGAIN..good people often get crushed by politics!!
Remember, often Volunteer organizations is where people who DON'T have power and prestige get it....successful people already have it and avoid the hassle and politics. Only those (good ones) with a hard shell and will to make change will do it...and they are few and far between...off making more money and hunting!!
Cheers,