Bwanahile,
I can highly recommend Balla Balla Safaris, as reputable and 100% honest to a fault...You can't go wrong with Peter and Dene and gang...

Hello Peter,
Tell Dene and group I will see them at Dallas, I have the same booth... and all of your clan have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year..

Ray,

Thanks for the recommendation. Thusfar, my due diligence on Balla-Balla indicates nothing but a top-notch. Absent anything unforeseen, I am planning on booking a buff hunt with them at the Houston show. Thanks again.

I've been to the SCI shows in Vegas and Reno, but never to either of these. I may be in the Houston area the weekend of that show. Is the show similar in size? How does one get in? Must you belong to any particular group? Must you preregister or can you get tickets at the door? Thanks,

Conewago,



The Houston show is not nearly as large as the national SCI show. The Houston show is also smaller than the Dallas show. That said, it's still a nice show. (I'm a member of the Houston Safari Club so my opinion may be a little biased. ) The exhibit hall is open to the general public. Purchase of a day pass is required. They can be purchased at the door. I can't remember right now exactly how much they cost but I think it's only around $10.00 or so. It's not expensive. Here's some more info about the Houston show:



http://www.houstonsafari.org/convention.asp



Houston Safari Club 2005 Convention & Expo



January 13 � 16, 2005 Worldwide Hunting Expo



LOCATION

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

1601 Lake Robbins Drive � The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281.367.9797

1.800.228.9290

Attention: Reservations



(Tentative Schedule)

Thursday, January 13

6:00 p.m. � 10:00 p.m. Exhibitor Appreciation Casino Party



Friday, January 14

10:00 a.m. � 6:00 p.m. Registration/Exhibit Hall Open

10:00 a.m. � 2:00 p.m. Gazelle�s Lunch & Auction (separate tickets required)

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Dinner � Live & Silent Auctions



Saturday, January 15

9:00 a.m. � 5:00 p.m. Registration/Exhibit Hall Open

5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closes to the Public

5:15 p.m. � 10:00 p.m. Cocktails, Formal Banquet and Live Auction



Sunday, January 15

10:00 a.m. � 4:00 p.m. Registration/Exhibit Hall Open



The Exhibit Hall is open to the public.< !--color-->

(Purchase of a day pass is required.)



For more information:

http://www.houstonsafari.org/convention.asp

I you contact an Academy store nearby to the exhibit, they will send you free tickets. That's how I got in last year.