Convention State Of Mind

By John McLaurin, SCI President

Now is the time for members to tie up any loose ends — things like registration, dinner reservations, travel and hotel bookings — because it’s only a few weeks until we all gather for the SCI Convention in Nashville Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2024, for what is shaping up to be an even bigger celebration of hunting and sustainable use wildlife conservation than last year. And last year set records! Time to set some more! 

Never has SCI moved forward faster or more significantly than right now. The excitement in the air is palpable. Yes, you can see it, you can feel it, you can even smell it! And it’s all good! Convention 2023 triggered a momentum that continues growing bigger and stronger by the day. 

But that enhanced level of excitement doesn’t just revolve around Convention. It involves every aspect of SCI. It is on the advocacy front that SCI is advancing most rapidly. For that, I thank the SCI volunteer leadership, professional staff and you, the individual members of this fantastic organization. It takes all of us moving forward together to ensure a bright future for hunting and wildlife around the world. 

Here are two examples that show how SCI’s advocacy efforts make headway in our fight to save hunting: 

• SCI’s Hunter Advocacy Action Center (HAAC) is the most effective tool for sportsmen and women to act on critical issues affecting the hunting community. The HAAC achieves real results in local, state, federal and international governing bodies. Take action today at safariclub.org/haac. 

• The international, government and public affairs weekly email from SCI Advocacy takes a timely, deep dive into the topics affecting SCI members and the hunting and conservation community at large. Be a part of it. Stay abreast of current activities, Sign-up today at safariclub.org/hunter-advocacy-email-alerts. 

This is just a quick glimpse from a high-level strategic perspective into the great things SCI is doing. Never has there been such an effective organization of hunters at the global level than today’s SCI. With your help, we can accomplish even more in the months and years to come. Join me in what’s going to be a wild ride and one to tell future generations about. Become more involved in SCI to experience everything SCI has to offer. 

I thank all SCI members for your consistent, dedicated and passionate support of hunting and sustainable use wildlife conservation! I look forward to seeing everyone at the SCI Convention in Nashville Jan. 31-Feb. 3.

Until then, Good Hunting, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!