SCI Convention: A Celebration of Hunting, Art, and Adventure

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This Week at Whetstone Weekly: Safari Club International Annual Convention

Last weekend, I attended Safari Club International’s (SCI) Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. This event is the ultimate gathering of hunters, conservationists, and adventurers from all over the world. It celebrates the outdoors in every way imaginable—from art and conservation to hunting trips that will leave you daydreaming for weeks.

The Outfitters: Opportunities of a Lifetime

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The SCI Convention is famous for its global representation of outfitters and guides, and this year did not disappoint. Whether you’re dreaming of chasing elk in the Rockies, hunting red stag in New Zealand, or fishing for marlin off the coast of Africa, you can find it all under one roof. There were booths for nearly every outdoor adventure you could imagine, and the passion of these outfitters was infectious.

One outfitter, in particular, caught my attention—a company that takes you out on an old-school, mountain man-style trapline. Imagine working in the frozen wilderness, learning the art of trapping, and living the lifestyle of the early fur traders. Think Hugh Glass and Jim Bridger. Here’s the kicker: you pay them for the experience of running their trapline. It’s a savvy move on their part, but honestly, I think it’s genius. They’ve turned hard work into an adventure that pays off for both sides. If I could book just one trip from this year’s show, this might be the one!

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The Art of the Outdoors
While the outfitters are a huge draw, I have to admit the art exhibits might be my favorite part of the convention. Walking through the aisles of sculptures, paintings, and handcrafted pieces feels like stepping into a gallery dedicated to wildlife and the outdoors. Think of an art museum where you can pester all the artists with your dumb Bob Ross commentary.

There’s something for every taste: intricate bronze sculptures of deer mid-stride, vibrant paintings of African savannahs, and even modern, abstract depictions of predators in action. Each piece tells a story and celebrates the beauty and spirit of the natural world.

The art reminds me of why I do what I do as a land manager and conservationist. It captures the essence of wildlife and wild places, preserving those moments of wonder and awe that keep us connected to the outdoors.

Why I Attend
SCI isn’t just about outfitted hunts or stunning art—it’s about supporting a cause. The organization does incredible work to protect hunting rights, promote sustainable-use conservation, and ensure that future generations can experience the same outdoor opportunities we enjoy.

Attending the convention each year allows me to connect with like-minded people, learn about new opportunities, and support an organization that does so much for hunters and conservation.

Whether you’re there to book your next big adventure, admire the world-class art, or support SCI’s mission, the convention has something for everyone. If you haven’t been, it’s worth putting on your calendar for next year. And who knows? You might find yourself signing up for a mountain man-style trapline adventure like I’m considering!

Let’s Talk Habitat
Attending SCI reinforced one thing for me: excellent hunting starts with a great habitat. Whether managing land for trophy whitetail, improving turkey nesting cover, or restoring native grasslands, a solid management plan makes all the difference. If you’re ready to take your property to the next level, I’d love to help. Schedule a habitat consultation with me before my spring calendar fills up, and let’s build a plan to maximize your land’s potential. Visit www.whetstonehabitat.com to get started!

Until next week,
Zack Vucurevich
Founder, Whetstone Habitat