Inside SCI: Alaska Chapter Banquet Success 

SCI’s Alaska Chapter hosted their annual banquet and expo last weekend in Anchorage, Alaska. Over two days, the Alaska Chapter hosted several seminars, meetings, and banquets to celebrate and fundraise in support of Alaska’s hunting heritage. Some of the seminars included a discussion on sheep hunting in Alaska, hunting bears over bait, and a presentation by Brent Cole, member of the Legal Task Force, on interfacing with wildlife officers in the field. The Chapter honored military and first responders on Friday night at the American Heroes’ Night. The weekend was capped off with their Alaskan Sportsmen’s Banquet. Through raffles and auctions, the Chapter raised substantial funds to promote and protect wildlife and hunting within the state. The Chapter President, John Sturgeon, presented the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with a check for the proceeds to date for the 2023 Alaska Chugach Governors Dall Sheep Raffle totaling over $350,000. Those funds will be matched on a 3:1 ratio through the Pittman-Robertson Act, resulting in over $1.2 million going towards conservation. The banquet was well attended with local hunters, guides, and outfitters. SCI President-Elect John McLaurin and members of SCI’s Legal Advocacy Team also attended the banquet to underscore the important role that preserving Alaska’s hunting opportunities plays for all hunters, including those in the Lower 48. Many State legislators were in attendance, as well as one of Alaska’s U.S. Senators, Dan Sullivan. The Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, gave a speech and presented an award. The membership of SCI’s Alaska Chapter grew over the course of two days, including new life member Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. SCI National was proud to be a part of such a momentous weekend for hunting and conservation efforts in Alaska!