IN MEMORIAM: Fernando Saiz Luca de Tena
IN MEMORIAM: Fernando Saiz Luca de Tena
A Champion of Ethical Hunting, Conservation, and the Spirit of Spain’s Outdoors
Safari Club International mourns the passing of Fernando Saiz Luca de Tena, a leader, an outfitter, and an advocate for ethical hunting and wildlife conservation. Fernando was born in Madrid on September 19, 1947, and his life’s work advanced the global hunting community while preserving and celebrating Spain’s rich outdoor heritage.
As president of Cinegética-SCI, Spain’s premier hunting fair held annually in Madrid, Fernando helped unite voices and traditions from around the world in a shared commitment to hunting. He was also the founder of the Culminum Magister association, dedicated to the ethical pursuit of high-mountain species. Under his guidance, it became a beacon for responsible hunting practices and environmental stewardship.
Fernando’s career was marked by many achievements. He played a key role in the merger of the Venatoria and FICAAR fairs, which led to the creation of Cinegética, now one of Europe’s most prominent hunting events. Amongst his accomplishments Fernando was received the “Outstanding International Professional Hunter” award and the first Spanish recipient of the prestigious C.J. McElroy Award from Safari Club International. Through his company, Fernando Saiz – Spain, he opened the doors of the Iberian Peninsula to hunters from around the globe, offering world-class experiences rooted in tradition, respect for nature, and hunting excellence.
“Fernando was more than a friend to SCI he was a global ambassador for our values,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International. “His commitment to ethical hunting and international collaboration was unwavering. The hunting world has lost a giant, but his legacy will endure through the land he loved, the wildlife he fought to protect, and the lives he inspired.”
His dedication and leadership have left a lasting mark on the hunting industry, setting a standard for sportsmen worldwide. Whether building community through Cinegética, mentoring young hunters, or championing sustainable use, Fernando brought passion, integrity, and a deep love for wildlife to everything he did.
Fernando passed on May 19, 2025, in Madrid. The Cinegética-SCI team joins together in mourning his loss and extends our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Fernando’s spirit lives on in every mountain pass, every pursuit, and every conservation success inspired by his work.
Rest in peace, Fernando. You will be missed, but never forgotten
W. Laird Hamberlin
CEO Safari Club International