Some musings on the Reno convention.

31 January 2005, 19:21

Here are a few impressions/opinions of different things seen and heard at SCI-Reno:

To my surprise, many of the Dangerous Game PH/Outfitters I talked to had way too high of an opinion of themselves. Some were downright rude if they thought you were not going to book with them. This was especially true of PHs from Zimbabwe. The Tanzania/Botswana folks were mostly very friendly, albeit expensive! (when all costs were considered). Exceptions were Jumbo Moore (with whom I booked a safari), who was as jolly and genuine as anyone I ever met, and Rob and Barry Styles of Buffalo Range Safaris, with whom I would have booked had they had an opening. In fact, I have it in my mental notes to someday do a safari with them -- They are delightful folks, who were friendly to me even AFTER they knew I had booked with Jumbo (they are best mates).

Granite Mountain likes their actions -- alot! I could go on a couple of safaris and still have enough left over to buy a CZ to shoot elephant with for just the cost of one barrelled action. (Maybe a slight exageration.)

Butch Searcy is a really nice guy, who builds a very nice rifle.

The fresh-squeezed lemonade they sell at the show is to die for!

There are too many really Bad pieces of art priced over $15,000. Unfortunately, the really good pieces of art I wanted were similarly priced.

There are more trophy wives (girlfriends?) than trophy mounts. (or maybe those WERE trophy mounts)

I would be happy to share a campfire with any of the 30 AR members who gathered at the Barns Booth.

GAH

31 January 2005, 19:35

500grains

My impression:

1. SCI can do us all a favor by skipping the art, jewelry and fur coats. (And by banning Out of Africa). It would be a better show if it could be fit into one exhibition hall, and I think this could be accomplished by eliminating the fluff.

2. Nice actions to be found from Granite Mountain and Waffenfabrik Hein.

3. Prototype .550 Magnum shown at the Waffenfabrik Hein booth, with gunsmith Mike Scherz willing to serve all interested customers.

4. Some fine doubles at decent prices at the Jeffery booth.

5. As always, Ryan Breeding had fantastic big bore bolt guns to show.

6. An interesting action development was shown at the Searcy booth. I don't really understand it, but it was something like a double sear boxlock action that CANNOT be fired unless the trigger is being pulled. Forgive my poor explanation of the concept.

31 January 2005, 20:02

carmelolisciotto

GAHunter

Yeah we were calling it the 80/20 club!

I've never seen so many 80 year old men with 20 year old wives!

31 January 2005, 20:11

AfricanHunter

quote:
Originally posted by carmelolisciotto:
GAHunter

Yeah we were calling it the 80/20 club!

I've never seen so many 80 year old men with 20 year old wives!

Next thing you know they'll be giving their ages by generation count!

31 January 2005, 20:32

Will

You guys complaining or just envious?

-------------------------------
Will / Once you've been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun.
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and, God Bless John Wayne. NRA Benefactor, GOA, NAGR
_________________________

"Elephant and Elephant Guns" $99 shipped.
“Hunting Africa's Dangerous Game" $20 shipped.

red.dirt.elephant@gmail.com
_________________________

If anything be of note, let it be he was once an elephant hunter, hoping to wind up where elephant hunters go.

31 January 2005, 20:35

carmelolisciotto

PURE ENVY!!!

I wish I had the money to book the hunts these guys were booking!

As for the 20 year olds? Well.... Im doing good with my wife right now.
Maybe after I get a buff I'll look for a trophy girlfriend

31 January 2005, 21:14

TerryR

And there I was thinking how nice it was that so many men brought their daughters with them.

31 January 2005, 21:30

mark65x55

So have you got any "trophy" photos?

31 January 2005, 23:40

BFaucett

-Bob F.

01 February 2005, 00:07

Frans Diepstraten

quote:
Originally posted by 500grains:
1. SCI can do us all a favor by skipping the art, jewelry and fur coats.

I'm not into fur coats and jewelry, but I love the art. I don't ask for the prices, but the show is one of the places where they bring some of the best together (and some lesser gods), for the average guy to enjoy. It is the annual membership convention, and not everybody is looking for a hunt. I don't bowhunt, so maybe they should close the archery pavillion. Or maybe not. I like the diversity.

Frans

01 February 2005, 00:36

carmelolisciotto

Frans

I like the diversity as well, there was an equal share of blondes and brunettes

01 February 2005, 00:42

Dr.C

I would agree with Frans. The fur coats, art, etc. gives my wife something to enjoy at the show. A happy means more hunting trips!

01 February 2005, 00:46

500grains

quote:
Originally posted by Dr.C:
The fur coats, art, etc. gives my wife something to enjoy at the show. A happy [wife] means more hunting trips!

In a marriage with the authority properly structured, the husband gets as much hunting as he wants.

01 February 2005, 01:28

Atkinson

80 Year old men with 20 year old "wives", I think not, remember what happens in Reno, stays in Reno...Anyway that is kinda like a dog chasing cars, if they caught one they wouldn't know nor remember what to do with it! At that age a good dump is about as exciting as sex!

01 February 2005, 02:03

mark65x55

Man Ray, if a good dump is all I got to look foreward to then just gut shoot me now

01 February 2005, 02:11

Jeff Alexander

quote:
Originally posted by GAHUNTER:

Exceptions were Jumbo Moore (with whom I booked a safari), who was as jolly and genuine as anyone I ever met, and Rob and Barry Styles of Buffalo Range Safaris, with whom I would have booked had they had an opening. In fact, I have it in my mental notes to someday do a safari with them -- They are delightful folks, who were friendly to me even AFTER they knew I had booked with Jumbo (they are best mates).

There are more trophy wives (girlfriends?) than trophy mounts. (or maybe those WERE trophy mounts)

GAH

Rob wasn't in Reno - he is in Germany at their Show. Barry was there with his wife Kim, and PH Brent Leesmay. But...they are great folks. I hunted with them last year, and I am hunting with them in May for buffalo and sable. I'd highly recommend them both for their ethics and for their hunting ability.

And....those aren't trophy wives - those are their "nieces"

Jeff

01 February 2005, 02:17

Frans Diepstraten

quote:
Originally posted by carmelolisciotto:
I like the diversity as well, there was an equal share of blondes and brunettes

Did anybody buy any raffle tickets off those friendly ladies in the leopard print outfits?

Frans

01 February 2005, 03:29

<DETCORD>

THE CONVENTION WAS VERY INTERESTING, AND PEOPLE WATCHING WAS CONSTANT ENTERTAINMENT. I HAD MY LIST OF OUTFITTERS THAT I HAD COMMUNICATED WITH VIA E-MAIL, AND WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING THEM PERSONALLY. I WALKED BY THESE OUTFITTERS A FEW TIMES BEFORE I ACTUALLY APPROACHED THEM, AS I WANTED TO SEE HOW THEY TREATED POTENTIAL CLIENTS AT THEIR BOOTHS. MOST WERE PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE, A FEW WERE RUDE AND POORLY MANNERED, MAKING INSULTING REMARKS AFTER THE PERSON LEFT THIER BOOTH. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DID NOT BOTHER TO DEAL WITH THESE OUTFITTERS. ONE OUTFITTER I WAS INTERESTED IN HAD A PRIME LOCATION, EXPENSIVE BROCHURES ENCLOSED IN A ELEPHANT DUNG FOLDER, BUT EVERY OTHER WORD OUT OF THE CO-OWNER'S MOUTH WAS F*** THIS AND F*** THAT. AGAIN, THEY WERE OFF MY LIST AND LOST A POTENTIAL CLIENT DUE TO HIS UNPROFESSIONALISM. OVERALL, THE CONVENTION WAS VERY INTERESTING, AND MY PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT WAS MEETING FIONA CAPSTICK, WHO IS A BEAUTIFUL AND CHARMING WOMAN.

01 February 2005, 05:04

JBoutfishn

[/QUOTE]

Did anybody buy any raffle tickets off those friendly ladies in the leopard print outfits?

Frans[/QUOTE]

I think it's called marketing

I was about to go for a chance at the hunt, but I noticed that if you bought 5 ($500), you got lunch with Gen Schwarzkoff (sp?). With the number of folks buying 5 or more, my chances of winning that hunt were slight to none.

Did anyone notice the marketing efforts just inside the entrance, anyone buy any calandars

01 February 2005, 05:15

Blacktailer

Those jewelry and fur booths are an essential part of the show. After you book your safari, you are obligated to pick up something for the little woman to keep her happy. My wife and I as usual do everything backasswards. She started trying on furs "just for fun" and found a lynx/fox vest that she fell in love with. When she batted those baby-blues at me imploringly, I said OK. Then we had to find a hunt to go on. Red stag, Argentina'06 here we come. Keep the jewelry and fur booths

Russ

01 February 2005, 05:31

GAHUNTER

Jeff,

You are correct in that I did not talk to Rob, only Barry. It's just that anytime anyone mentions them, they mention them as a pair.

I can only assume that Rob is as outgoing as his brother. From what I have heard from folks who have hunted with them, he is.

01 February 2005, 20:57

Jeff Alexander

quote:
Originally posted by GAHUNTER:
Jeff,

You are correct in that I did not talk to Rob, only Barry. It's just that anytime anyone mentions them, they mention them as a pair.

I can only assume that Rob is as outgoing as his brother. From what I have heard from folks who have hunted with them, he is.

Actually, Rob is even funnier than Barry. You get them together, and it's like Laurel & Hardy. They are great guys- but if you hunt with them and ever miss an animal - you will be razzzed to death. Their favorite saying is - "as long as there is lead in the air - there's hope!". I understand their dad Clyde was a great guy too. Booking a hunt with them is always a treat.

Jeff

02 February 2005, 01:07

Bryan W

Hey Jim,

I didn't buy the calendar, but I sure enjoyed the RACKS.

Bryan

02 February 2005, 02:13

JBoutfishn

quote:
Originally posted by Bryan W:
Hey Jim,

I didn't buy the calendar, but I sure enjoyed the RACKS.

Bryan

Worth the price of admission

02 February 2005, 23:14

Widowmaker416

quote:
Originally posted by GAHUNTER:
Barry Styles of Buffalo Range Safaris, with whom I would have booked had they had an opening. In fact, I have it in my mental notes to someday do a safari with them -- They are delightful folks, who were friendly to me even AFTER they knew I had booked with Jumbo (they are best mates).

I've hunted with the Styles on 5 safaris, going again this year, and Yes, Jumbo is a really good hearted guy!
(or maybe those WERE trophy mounts)

I would be happy to share a campfire with any of the 30 AR members who gathered at the Barns Booth.

GAH