SCI Hunter’s Auction A Highlight Of Annual Convention

Every year Safari Club International contributes to dozens of conservation and hunter advocacy projects around the world through the success of the hunters’ auctions held each year during the annual SCI Convention. It is the world’s largest hunting auctions and one of the finest examples of the hunting and outdoor industry contributing to the future of their sport. All the proceeds from the auctions provide a major source of funding to conserve wildlife resources and habitat and protect the freedom to hunt.

Each year Convention exhibitors, donors, advertisers, and SCI corporate sponsors donate an incredible array of outstanding auction items. This year hundreds of items – ranging from dream hunts to fine artwork and jewelry to clothing and gear – valued at over $2 million are up for bidding at the SCI Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, on January 20-23, 2010.

The auctions occur both day and night and they have something to offer any hunter and any budget. Leading the list of auction items for 2010 is a premier safari package offered by Rungwa Game Safaris. This package celebrates John Rigby & Company’s 275th anniversary and includes two new custom rifles, a 21-day Tanzania safari for lion, leopard, sable and roan. The winning bidder then moves to the Selous Game Reserve for elephant and buffalo. Award-winning hunting personality, author, and DVD producer Marc Watts of Sable Trail Productions will be on hand to film the safari. Estimated value of his package is $400,000.

There are also some great fishing trips on this year’s list of auction items. An 8-day trout and salmon fishing trip for two anglers in the Chilean Patagonia has been donated by Nomads of the Seas. Luxury accommodations are provided aboard the Atmosphere, one of the Nomads’ fleet that comes with a crew of thirty-two and serves as a mother ship for a Bell Ranger 407 helicopter, six Rogue jet boats, a Zodiac Hurricane 920 RIB, and more than fifty strategically located McKenzie drift-boats. This trip is valued at $35,700.

The SCI auctions always feature a variety of original artwork and jewelry and the 2010 Convention continues the tradition. Artwork includes original oil paintings and bronzed sculptures from notable outdoor artists and galleries. One of the premier items of jewelry has been donated by Winston’s Estate Jewelry. It is a lady’s 14 karat, yellow gold Madeira citrine quartz and diamond enhancer/pendant valued at more than $27,000.

The live and a silent auctions include a variety of more affordable items such as taxidermy gift certificates, guns, ammunition, optics and clothing with values as low as $30. No matter what a hunter’s budget or needs, there are some great values and bargains to be found at the 2010 Convention. All the proceeds from the auctions provide a major source of funding to conserve wildlife resources and habitat and protect the freedom to hunt.

For a complete listing and description of the auction items up for bid at the 2010 Convention, visit www.showsci.com. For anyone wanting to attend the Convention, complete information is also available at the SCI website, where you can find a complete of exhibitors, seminars and schedule of events.

SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 190 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 18 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

# # #