Safari Club International is an international organization composed of hunters and supporters of wildlife conservation. SCI claims to have approximately 48,700 members and 176 local chapters. ^[1] The date of establishment or date of founding of an institution is the date on which that institution chooses to claim as its starting point. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Nickname: Location in Pima County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: , Country State Counties Pima Government  - Mayor Bob Walkup (R) Area  - City  195. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... A website (alternatively, Web site or web site) is a collection of Web pages, images, videos and other digital assets that is hosted on one or several Web server(s), usually accessible via the Internet, cell phone or a LAN. A Web page is a document, typically written in HTML... For the political science journal, see International Organization. ... Hunters was a commissioned soundtrack for the Discovery Channel series Hunters: The World of Predators and Prey. ... cheese ...

Safari Club International Foundation, the 501 (c) 3 branch of SCI funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian services. ^[2]

Leadership

SCI was founded by hunter C.J. McElroy, ^[3] who was eventually forced to resign his leadership role. ^[4] McElroy has 335 hunted animals listed in SCI record books, including African elephants, Pacific walrus, southern white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, Scimitar-horned oryx, addax, hippopotamus, pygmy hippopotamus, the national African llama, Alaskin Bull Worm(evil duranged creature of mind eating death fiends.)dama gazelle, polar bear, African lions, bengal tigers, wolves, leopards, jaguar and others. Some of these species have become endangered and can no longer be hunted in their native habitats. ^[5]

In 2007, SCI elected a new president, Dennis Anderson, of Anaheim, California. Anderson has hunted in Asia, Africa, Europe, the South Pacific and North America, completing the "North American 29" (see below) in 2003. ^[6] Anderson has reported hunting polar bear, ibex, gazelle, roe deer, wolf, Asian elk, bighorn sheep, rhinoceros, bontebok, rhebok, vaal, reedbuck, lynx, elephant, and hyena. ^[7]

The organization's headquarters is in Tucson, Arizona. An annual convention is held in Reno, Nevada. Nickname: Location in Pima County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: , Country State Counties Pima Government  - Mayor Bob Walkup (R) Area  - City  195. ... “Reno” redirects here. ...

Mission Statement

Safari Club International claims to be the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide.

• Providing value to members by shaping policies and legislation that protect the freedom to hunt locally, nationally and internationally.

• Keeping members informed regarding issues that impact hunting while educating and entertaining members with articles about hunting in all forms of media.

• Providing a community for hunters worldwide where information is exchanged, and where members are able to participate in a market for hunting goods and services.

• Promoting a positive image of hunters and portraying them as responsible citizens who fund wildlife conservation, education and other programs which benefit the community.

International Wildlife Museum

The International Wildlife Museum was founded in 1988 in Tucson, AZ. The museum displays over 400 kinds of mammals, birds, and insects, all of which were donated by hunters, government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or zoos. ^[8] There is a pond in the front of the museum that serves as habitat for various frogs, fishes, and insects.

Some of the museum’s permanent exhibits include: insects, sheep mountain, birds, predators and prey, and an area focusing specifically on Sonoran desert animals in the daytime and at night. ^[9]

Conservation Projects

SCIF spent 75 percent of its expenditures, over $3.7 million on education and conservation projects. ^[10] Education expenditures totaled $2.08 million, and conservation expenditures totaled $1.87 million. ^[11] SCIF conservation projects include population surveys and the creation of a long-term Argali sheep conservation plan in Kyrgyzstan, financial support for a survey and radio collaring project in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, and sponsoring the International Conference on Alpine Ibex in Europe. ^[12]

Humanitarian Services

Sportsmen Against Hunger began in 1989, ^[13] and through the network of SCI chapters, provides food banks with meat from harvested animals. In 2006, over 170,000 pounds of wild game were donated to charitable relief organizations. ^[14] The Sensory Safari program allows sight-impaired individuals to get a “visual” perspective of what animals are like by feeling mounts, skins, skulls, horns, and antlers.^[15] The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) asked SCIF to host a Sensory Safari at its annual convention. In 1997, the NFB signed a memorandum of understanding with SCI to host Sensory Safaris at all future NFB national and state conventions.^[16] Hunters who participate in the SafariCare program take bags filled by SCI chapter with medical, school, and relief supplies to clinics and schools to remote regions of the developing world.^[17] The SafariWish program is part of the SafariCare program, designed to give children with life-threatening illnesses a chance to go hunting.^[18] The Disabled Hunter program, through SCI chapters, provides sponsorship for hunting trips for disabled sportsmen.

Annual Hunters' Convention

For the last 35 years, SCI has hosted the Annual Hunters’ Convention, claimed to be the “industry’s largest convention”. In 2007 over 22,000 SCI members, and 1,000 exhibitors participated in the Convention.^[19] Hunts, knives, artwork, and other items are auctioned during the day and after the evening entertainment. Every night after the convention hall closes, there is evening entertainment followed by another auction at the host hotel. The 2006 Hunters’ Convention grossed over $11.2 million. ^[20]

Publications

The organization publishes Safari magazine, a bi-monthly publication that features hunting stories, issues affecting the hunting sportsman, reviews of books and equipment, as well as conservation reports. Much of the magazine also features ads for various corporations catering to hunters, largely big game safaris, hunting opportunities in and outside the U.S. and taxidermists specializing in big and exotic game. Safari also has a special awards issue, which honors trophy hunters each year. Cover page of Safari Magazine Safari is a monthly gujarati popular science and general knowledge magazine published by Harshal Publications, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. ...

It also publishes Safari Times, the news arm of the organization.

Awards

SCI has its own scoring and record book system which ranks the biggest tusks, horns, antlers, skulls and bodies of hunted animals. Hunters are rewarded with trophies for completing a “Grand Slam;” a “Special Awards Issue” of SCI’s magazine is dedicated to this topic and those who win awards are listed in SCI’s “Record Book of Trophy Animals.” This book ranks every species of game animal using the SCI official scoring method. “Highest scores go to the animals with the largest measurements.” ^[3]

Every animal that meets the minimum score required for a record book entry is eligible to enter the medallion program and is assured of received at least a bronze medallion.

SCI’s Grand Slams, Major Awards and the Safari Club International Award are adorned with golden statues, miniature animals, the name of the hunter and usually the species of animals killed. ^[3]

SCI’s Top Ten Awards Program

SCI has a “Top Ten Awards Program” which rewards hunters who score in the top 10 of any species with pin featuring a lion’s head. A hunter with one animal ranking in the top 10 is eligible to purchase a sterling silver pin. For two to four animals the hunter can purchase the pin in 14k gold; Five to nine can purchase a 14k gold pin with a ruby; Ten to fourteen can purchase a 14k gold pin with an emerald; Hunters who have ten or more animals ranked in the top 10 can purchase a 14k gold pin with a diamond. ^[3]

The Inner Circle

There are 25 “Inner Circles.” Each geographic region has its own category. A minimum number of animals is required to obtain a copper, bronze, silver or gold trophy in each category. For example, of the 167 eligible African species, 17 are required to obtain a copper award, 26 for a bronze, 49 for a silver, 59 for a gold and 80 for a diamond. ^[21]

Minimum in each category to receive the Diamond Award

• “Trophy Animals of Africa” requires 80 animals; only 37 if hunting with a bow
• “Spiral-horned Antelopes of Africa” requires 17 animals
• “Pygmy Antelopes of Africa” requires 15; only 6 if with a bow
• “Trophy Animals of North America” requires 32; only 28 if with a bow
• “Introduced Trophy Animals of North America” requires 18; only 11 if with a bow
• “Red Deer/Wapiti of the World” requires 8; only 6 if with a bow
• “Trophy Animals of South America” requires 12; only 6 if with a bow
• “Antlered Game of the Americas” requires 23; only 17 if with a bow
• “Trophy Animals of Europe” requires 16; only 8 if with a bow
• “Chamois of the World” requires 6; only 3 if with a bow
• “Ibex of the World” requires 6; only 5 if with a bow
• “Trophy Animals of Asia” requires 15; only 8 if with a bow
• “Trophy Animals of the South Pacific” requires 12; only 8 if with a bow
• “Wild Oxen of the World” requires 8; only 6 if with a bow
• “Gazelle of the World” requires 11; only 8 if with a bow
• “Predators of the World” requires 15
• “Wild Goats of the World” requires 15; only 6 if with a bow
• “Wild Sheep of the World” requires 10; only 6 if with a bow
• “Mountain Game of the World” requires 27 (12 sheep and 15 goats); only 15 if with a bow ( 8 sheep and 7 goats)
• “Antlered Game of the World” requires 36; only 20 if with a bow
• “Wild Pigs and Peccaries of the World” requires 7; only 6 if with a bow. ^[22]

Global Hunting Award

The “Global Hunting Award” requires the hunter to have hunted 6 continents to receive a diamond award (a minimum of 17 native in Africa, 13 native or introduced in North America, 4 native or introduced in South America, 6 native or introduced in Europe, 6 native to Asia and 4 introduced in the South Pacific, for a total of 50 animals). ^[23]

Hunting Achievement Award

The “Hunting Achievement Award” requires a minimum of 125 animals, or 60 if hunting with a bow. ^[24]

Grand Slams

There are 15 “Grand Slams.” These focus on the class of animal killed. Grand Slams include:

• “African Big Five Club” (African lion, African leopard, African elephant, African buffalo and an African rhinoceros)
• “Dangerous Game of Africa” (requires a minimum of five from the African lion, African leopard, African elephant, African rhinoceros, African buffalo, Hippopotamus and Nile Crocodile)
• “African 29” (African lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and a small cat, eland, bongo, kudu, nyala, sitatunga, bushbuck, sable antelope, roan antelope, oryx/gemsbok, waterbuck, lechwe, kob or puku, reedbuck or rhebok, wildebeest, hartebeest, mamalisc, impala, gazelle, pygmy antelope, springbok, dik-dik, bush duiker, forest duiker, nubian ibex, aoudad, hippopotamus, and wild pig)
• “North American 29” (from grizzly bear, Alaska brown bear, coastal black bear, inland black bear, polar bear, desert mule deer, Rocky Mountain mule deer, Sitka black-tailed deer, Columbia black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer, coues white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk, Tule elk, Alaska-Yukon moose, eastern Canada moose, western Canada moose, Shiras moose, central Canada barren ground caribou, mountain caribou, Quebec-Labrador caribou, woodland caribou, Alaska-Yukon barren ground caribou, Artic Islands caribou, pronghorn, Rocky Mountain or California bighorn sheep, dall sheep, desert bighorn sheep, stone sheep, American mountain goat, muskox, American bison, gray wolf, American alligator, cougar and jaguar)
• “Cats of the World” (minimum of four of: lion, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, cougar, lynx, cougar or puma, serval, carcal, African golden cat or bobcat)
• “Bears of the World” (a minimum of 5)
• “North American Wild Sheep” (a minimum of 4)
• “North American Elk” (minimum of 3)
• “North American Caribou” (minimum of 5)
• “North American Deer” (minimum of 5)
• “White-tailed Deer of the World” (minimum of 5)
• “European Deer” (minimum of 9)
• “Moose of the World” (minimum of 4)
• “South American Indigenous Animals” (minimum of 6)
• "Wild Turkey" (minimum of 5).^[25]

Binomial name Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758) Distribution of Lions in Africa Synonyms Felis leo (Linnaeus, 1758) The lion (Panthera leo) is a mammal of the family Felidae and one of four big cats in the genus Panthera. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Distribution of Loxodonta africana (2007) Species Loxodonta adaurora (extinct) Loxodonta africana Loxodonta cyclotis African elephants are the two species of elephants in the genus Loxodonta, one of the two existing genera in Elephantidae. ... Binomial name Syncerus caffer (Sparrman, 1779) Subspecies The African Buffalo or Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a bovid from the family of the Bovidae. ... Species Ceratotherium simum Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Diceros bicornis Rhinoceros unicornis A rhinoceros is any of five surviving species of odd-toed ungulate in the family Rhinocerotidae. ... Binomial name (Laurenti, 1768) The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is one of the 3 species of crocodiles found in Africa, and the second largest species of crocodile. ... Binomial name Tragelaphus eurycerus Ogilby, 1837 The Bongo, Tragelaphus eurycerus is a large African forest antelope species. ... Male Greater Kudu Female Greater Kudu The Kudu are two species of antelope: Lesser Kudu, Tragelaphus imberbis Greater Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros Kudu: has a symbolic role in Hindu and Buddhist architecture. ... Binomial name Tragelaphus angasii Gray, 1849 Male nyala. ... Binomial name Tragelaphus spekeii Sclater, 1863 The sitatunga or marshbuck (Tragelaphus spekeii) is a swamp-dwelling antelope found throughout Central Africa centering on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Botswana and in Zambia. ... Binomial name Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas, 1766 The Bushbuck (Traelaphus scriptus) is an antelope that is found in forest and woodland throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. ... Binomial name Hippotragus niger Harris, 1838 The Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) is an antelope that inhabits wooded savannah in East Africa south of Kenya, and in Southern Africa. ... Binomial name Hippotragus equinus Desmarest, 1804 The Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus) is a grassland antelope found in West, Central,East Africa and Southern Africa. ... Species Oryx beisa Rüppell, 1835 Oryx dammah Cretzschmar, 1827 Oryx gazella (Linnaeus, 1758) Oryx leucoryx Pallas, 1766 An Oryx is one of three or four large antelope species of the genus Oryx, typically having long straight almost upright or swept back horns. ... Binomial name Oryx gazella (Linnaeus, 1758) The gemsbok or gemsbuck (Oryx gazella) is a large African oryx antelope. ... Binomial name Kobus ellipsiprymnus (Ogilby, 1833) The Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is an antelope found in Western, Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. ... Binomial name Kobus leche Gray, 1850 The Lechwe (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in Okavango Delta of Botswana, the Kafue Flats and Bengwelu Swamps of Zambia, and the very southeast of Democratic Republic of the Congo. ... Binomial name Kobus kob (Erxleben, 1777) The Kob (Kobus kob) is an antelope found across Sub-Saharan West Africa. ... Binomial name Kobus vardonii (Livingstone, 1857) The Puku (Kobus vardonii) is an antelope found in wet grasslands in southern Democratic Republic of Congo and in Zambia. ... Species Redunca arundinum Redunca fulvorufula Redunca redunca Reedbuck is a common name for African antelopes from the genus Reducna. ... Binomial name Pelea capreolus (Forster, 1790) The Grey Rhebok or Grey Rhebuck (Pelea capreolus, locally known as the Vaal Rhebok or Vaalribbok) is a species of antelope endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. ... Species Connochaetes gnou Connochaetes taurinus The wildebeest (plural, wildebeest or wildebeests), also called the gnu (pronounced or ), is an antelope of the genus Connochaetes. ... Binomial name Alcelaphus buselaphus Pallas, 1766 The Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is a grassland antelope found in West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. ... Binomial name Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812) An impala (Aepyceros melampus Greek aipos high ceros horn + melas black pous foot) is a medium-sized African antelope. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Binomial name (Zimmermann, 1780) Range map For other meanings of Springbok, see Springbok The Springbok (Afrikaans and Dutch: spring = jump; bok = antelope, deer, or goat) (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a small brown and white gazelle that stands about 75 cm high. ... The dik-dik is a small antelope named for the sound it makes when alarmed that lives in the brush of southern and eastern Africa. ... Binomial name Sylvicapra grimmia (Linnaeus, 1758) The Common Duiker, Sylvicapra grimmia, also known as the Gray or Bush Duiker, is a small antelope with small horns found in west, central, east, and southern Africa. ... Binomial name Capra nubiana F. Cuvier, 1825 The Nubian Ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) is a rocky desert dwelling goat antelope found in mountainous areas of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Sudan. ... Binomial name Ammotragus lervia Pallas, 1777 The Barbary Sheep or Aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) is a goat-antelope found in rocky mountains in North Africa. ... For the Brooklyn-based indie rock band, see Grizzly Bear (band). ... “Black Bear” redirects here. ... This article is about the animal. ... Binomial name (Rafinesque, 1817) The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a deer whose habitat is in the western half of North America. ... Trinomial name Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Richardson, 1829 Like all deer, black-tailed deer are herbivores. ... Binomial name Zimmermann, 1780 The White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), also known as the Virginia deer, or simply as the whitetail, is a medium-sized deer found throughout most of the continental United States, southern Canada, Mexico, Central America and northern portions of South America as far south as Peru. ...

World Hunting Award Rings

World Hunting Award Rings were introduced in 1995 and is the second highest award in the World Hunting Awards Program. It is a Super Bowl style, gold and gemstone ring. According to SCI, 48 hunters have received this award. A hunter who receives this award must have completed 11 SCI Grand Slams and 17 Inner Circles at the Diamond Level, including the Fourth Pinnacle of Achievement and Crowning Achievement. ^[26]

Crowning Achievement Award

This award is a green marble obelisk with gold-filled crown highlights. Hunters who receive the award must have nine “Grand Slams,” the “Hunting Achievement” at the Silver Level, the “Trophy of Animals of Africa” at the Silver Level and 13 of the remaining 19 “Inner Circles” at the Copper Lever or higher, and the fourth “Pinnacle of Achievement.” ^[27]

Pinnacle of Achievement Awards

SCI has a “Pinnacles of Achievement” system where, year by year, hunters can advance to the next pinnacle. A hunter must have an entry in a specific number of Inner Circle awards at a specific level to be eligible.^[3] To enter the first, a hunter much have six of the 35 “Grand Slams”/”Inner Circles.” To enter the second: four “Inner Circles” at the Silver Level and two Grand Slams. To enter the third: four “Inner Circles” at the Gold Level and three “Grand Slams.” To enter the fourth: five “Inner Circles” at the Gold Level and one “Inner Circle” at the Diamond Level. ^[28]

SCI Hall of Fame

SCI instituted the SCI Hall of Fame in 1982 to recognize those who have “excelled in trophy hunting”.^[3]

International Hunting Award

This award is presented each year to the member with the highest achievements in hunting each year. This award is based on the total number of species of wild game killed, the quality of the trophies entered in the SCI record book, the number of countries hunted and the number of hunts taken. ^[29]

Diana Award

The Diana award is given to women who “have excelled in international big game hunting.” ^[30]

World Conservation & Hunting Award

This award is given to hunters who have hunted six continents to hunt more than 300 species. The hunter will have taken all 14 Grand Slams, the 23 Inner Circles, Pinnacle of Achievement (fourth) and the Crowning Achievement Award. ^[31]

Political lobbying

In 1979, when SCI was fairly new, it sought government approval to import 1,125 trophies from 40 different species (gorillas, cheetas, tigers, orangutans, snow leopards and others) for "scientific research and incentive for propogation and survival of the species." Because the animals were to be hunted, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denied the request. ^[32]

Since that time, SCI has had more successes.

Polar Bear Imports

In 1994, SCI successfully lobbied for a loophole in the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, which was enacted in 1972 and banned the importation on marine mammals or their parts. This loophole allowed for the importation of sport-hunted polar bear trophies into the United States from Canada. ^[33] The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 prohibits, with certain exceptions, the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, and the importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the U.S. Congress defines take as “harass, hunt, capture... This article is about the animal. ...

In 2007, SCI testified at a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service hearing opposing the proposed listing of polar bears as a "threatened" species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The FWS is concerned that global warming is or will place polar bears at risk of extinction. ^[34]

Criticism

Canned Hunts

SCI accepts animals killed in canned hunts for inclusion in its record books.^[32] Many hunting organizations do not, including Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett, based on their belief that canned hunting violates the concept of “fair chase.” A canned hunt is essentially a trophy hunt where the customer is guaranteed a kill by the simple expedient of the hosts pre-capturing the animal, and releasing it into an area where the hunter can take a shot at it, such as in a fenced-in area. ...

Endangered Species

SCI supports the hunting of endangered species, including the cheetah and the critically endangered black rhino. ^[35]

SCI went to court in support of hunting endangered antelope in canned hunts. ^[36]

In Literature

"Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals and the Call to Mercy," Matthew Scully, 2003. This book contains extensive details of SCI's annual conference.

Revenue Sources

In 2007, the New York legislature earmarked $50,000 of taxpayer dollars for SCI. ^[37]

The average SCI member owns 11 rifles, six shotguns, five handguns and a bow. Two-thirds of members spend about one month hunting each year. ^[32]

References

Footnotes

1. ^ SCI Form 990|p.27
2. ^ New Member Welcome Kit
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Safari Magazine, Safari Club International, Special Edition June, 1988
4. ^ "Safari Club International," Bill Quimby, Former SCI President, 1995
5. ^ Safari Club International's Record Book of Trophy Animals
6. ^ Safari Club International Elects New Leadership
7. ^ The Hunting Report (sign-up required)
8. ^ International Wildlife Museum About Us
9. ^ International Wildlife Museum Virtual Tour
10. ^ Charity Navigator Safari Club International Foundation
11. ^ [SCI Foundation Annual Report 2006 pg.19]
12. ^ [SCI Foundation Annual Report 2006 pg.14-17]
13. ^ [1]
14. ^ [SCIF Annual Report pg. 7]
15. ^ Buckeye Bulletin
16. ^ SCIF Sensory Safari
17. ^ The Free Library
18. ^ Helium
19. ^ [SCI New Member Welcome Kit pg. 3]
20. ^ [990 http://www.scifirstforhunters.org/docs/content/165/SCI_2005_990.pdf SCI Form 990]
21. ^ “Trophy Animals of Africa” Safari Club International
22. ^ “World Hunting Awards” Safari Club International
23. ^ “Global Hunting Award” Safari Club International
24. ^ “Hunting Achievement Award” Safari Club International
25. ^ “World Hunting Awards” Safari Club International
26. ^ “World Hunting Award Rings” Safari Club International
27. ^ “Crowning Achievement Award” Safari Club International
28. ^ “Pinnacle of Achievement Awards” Safari Club International
29. ^ “International Award” Safari Club International
30. ^ “Diana Award” Safari Club International
31. ^ “World Conservation Hunting Award” Safari Club International
32. ^ ^{a b c} The Humane Society of the United States, "A View to a Kill: How Safari Club Int'l Works to Weaken ESA Protections"
33. ^ The Humane Society of the United States, "Polar Bears Hunted in Dwindling Habitat."
34. ^ Safari Club International press release, Outdoor Wire, March 7, 2007.
35. ^ The Humane Society of the United States, "Trophy Hunting is Not Conservation."
36. ^ The Humane Society of the United States press release, "Trophy Hunting Groups Asks Federal Court to Endorse "Canned" Hunting of Endangered Animals Trapped Behind Fences," December 29, 2005
37. ^ New York Times. April 11, 2007. “A Budget That Covers All Bases”

NY Times article is from April 9, not 11 and should now be linked (NY Times archives now freely available)

External links

• Safari Club International - Conservation Efforts Home
• Safari Club International - Official website