Rigby, Rungwa, Sable Trail Team For Mega-Auction Safari

John Rigby and Co., Rungwa Game Safaris, and Sable Trail Productions have teamed up to provide the ultimate Tanzanian Big Four Safari Package, and possibly the highest value donation package seen at SCI.

To celebrate the 275th anniversary of Rigby Rifles, Geoff Miller has donated a sidelock double rifle in .500 NE. World renowned engraver Lisa Jo Tomlin will engrave the rifle to the specifications of the winning bidder.

Additionally, a custom bolt rifle in .300 H & H, with quick detachable mounts has been made and fitted with two scopes. Both rifles will be housed in a custom-made oak and leather case, with tools and many more accessories.

Armed with these two beautiful rifles, Rungwa Game Safaris of Tanzania and its owner/operator Harpreet Brar has designed an adventure to maximize the opportunity for a truly successful Big Four Safari. Two Luxury Camps, one in Western Tanzania and one in the Selous, have been reserved at an optimum time (August 1 – 21, 2010) for the client’s use.

Starting in the West, the team will focus on lion and leopard, along with world-class sable, roan and east African kudu. Add a bait vehicle to assist in cat hunting, and the stage is set for a once in a lifetime experience. And there’s more!

Award-winning hunting personality, author and DVD producer Marc Watts has donated the use of his award-winning cameraman Kappie to capture on film the experience of a lifetime. Not only will a fully edited DVD be produced for the client, but much of the footage may be used for an upcoming television show. And that’s not it!

Marc will host the winner at his ranch outside of Chicago prior to the safari for an intense shooting session with the new rifles. This once in a lifetime Big Four Safari Package has a fair market value of $400,000.

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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.

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SCI Conservation Efforts Benefit North American Hunters

In the last decade, Safari Club International has spent $140 million on protecting the freedom to hunt through advocacy, research and education to ensure that the hunting heritage is accessible for future generations. These programs benefit hunters throughout North American, and the majority of the work is funded with proceeds from its Annual Hunter’s Convention,  January 20-23 in Reno, Nevada.

Through direct involvement and partnerships with other conservation organizations, SCI contributes to dozens of projects in the United States and Canada every year. Earlier this year, Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) and Mossy Oak joined forces to help ensure healthy white-tail deer populations throughout North America. They have provided funding for white-tailed deer research at the University of Georgia and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study.

The project will investigate reasons for expansion of epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (EHDV) and bluetongue viruses (BTV), better define the impacts of these viruses on deer populations, and then develop recommendations to control and curtail spread of the diseases if possible. The research findings will be shared with the hunting public and wildlife professionals to better maintain healthy white-tailed deer populations throughout North America.

On the West Coast, SCI’s efforts also contributed to the successful vote by the California Fish and Game Commission against extending the current lead ammunition ban for big game hunting to the hunting of small game and upland birds in so-called condor “range.” SCI filed comments that agreed with the finding of the California Fish and Game Department that the extension of the ban was not supported by the science.

The participation of Safari Club International (SCI) in a federal lawsuit has helped ensure that hunters in Idaho and Montana can continue hunting wolves under state seasons. The Montana federal court denied a preliminary injunction requested by Defenders of Wildlife and other plaintiffs who sued to stop the hunting season, and to challenge the delisting of Idaho and Montana’s wolves.

SCI was also instrumental in successfully challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ban on the import of polar bears from Canada. When the FWS listed the polar bear as threatened in May 2008, it also determined that imports of polar bear legally hunted from approved populations in Canada would no longer be allowed, as they had been for the previous 12 years. In June, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rebuffed the FWS’s attempt to have SCI’s lawsuit dismissed without full briefing on the merits.

Another key research project funded by SCI involves the decline of woodland caribou in northern Quebec and Labrador. The caribou herds are vital to the local Inuit and Cree Indians who hunt them for subsistence, but also rely on income generated from guiding and outfitting hunters. Early indications have shown that loss of habitat and predation by black bears are two crucial factors that need to be addressed in order to preserve this resource and hunting opportunity.

These are just a few examples of the conservation efforts in North America that are made possible through the generous support of its Convention exhibitors, donors, advertisers, members and corporate sponsors. For more information on these and other conservation projects in North America, visit the SCI web site at www.safariclub.org.

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.

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SCI Feed the Hungry Feast Hosts 1,980 in Reno

The 38th annual SCI Hunters’ Convention opened Tuesday night with the 11th annual “Feed the Hungry Feast” at the Reno Events Center in downtown Reno. The Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) program helped to serve 1,980 meals of elk meatloaf, salad, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, bread and cake for dessert to the hungry of Reno. 800 pounds of Roosevelt elk and beef was provided by the SCI Northern Nevada Chapter and Multiple Use Managers.

Some 90 SCI volunteers, who arrive early each year, help to serve the food and work on the serving lines. SCI past president Merle Shepard was among those who spent the evening on the serving line providing food for the hungry.

The other 70-plus volunteers who helped to serve are from The Salvation Army Advisory Board, Wells Fargo, Kiwanis Sunrisers and Boy Scout Troop 152. The High Sierra Chefs Association helped to prepare the food for the evening’s event.

Sportsmen Against Hunger has worked with The Salvation Army since 1999 when it was held at the Reno Fairgrounds and served around 300 meals to the hungry. Over the years the event has grown tremendously and has become one of the major events to help the citizens of Reno.

Longtime sponsors who give every year are The Salvation Army, C& M Food Distributors, the Eldorado Hotel & Casino, Model Dairy, SportsServices, Truckee Sourdough, Sysco and the Reno Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone interested in helping next year, please contact Eva Wilson, SCI Foundation Humanitarian Services Manager at (520) 620-1220, Ext. 480 or e-mail ewilson@safariclub.org.

By Steve Rilenge
Sportsmen Against Hunger Co-Chair

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SCIF Sables Crystal Ornament Collection Complete

The Sables Merchandise Booth at the SCI Convention is displaying the sixth, and final, ornament of the Sables Crystal Ornament Collection which has just come out of production in Bavaria, Germany. This completes the series, and, according to Sables President Ginger Byrum, there’s no guarantee how long they will be available.

The Sables 2010 ornament depicts the head of a leopard and is the last of the Big Five Series, in addition to a Sable Antelope. The series began in 2005 with the Sable Antelope, followed in 2006 with a Lion and in 2007 with an Elephant. In 2008, the ornament featured a Rhino, and in 2009, a Cape Buffalo, ending with the Leopard in 2010.

These unique and beautiful crystal ornaments are handmade and handcut out of 30 percent Lead Crystal in the Ullmannglass production site in Bavaria, Germany. The series of ornaments is a 100 percent donation by SCI and Sables Life Members Annemarie and Norbert Ullmann.

Proceeds from the sale of these ornaments will fund SCI Foundation education programs and SCI Foundation Sables. The Sables wish to thank Norbert and Annemarie for their continued generous support of those important programs with the goal of “Continuing Our Outdoor Heritage Through Education.”

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Fabbri O/U Shotgun Added to SCI Auction

An unexpected and unadvertised item has been added to the Saturday night auction with the last minute donation by Fabbri SNC. The renowned gunmaker has donated one of its classic 12-gauge over/under shotguns. This exceptional firearm is the result of Fabbri’s focus on blending ancient artisan traditions with modern technology to create an incredibly beautiful and superbly reliable shotgun.

Tullio Fabbri, right; wife, Gisela; and son, Ivo show the Fabbri shotgun to be auctioned at the convention.

Each and every part of the shotgun is designed and produced entirely in-house using the finest materials optimized by special vacuum heat treatments. Details include 28-inch blued barrels, specially selected Turkish walnut stock and forend, both checkered and polished to perfection. The 12-gauge shotgun features 28-inch barrels choked modified and improved modified.

What sets this shotgun apart is its special, full coverage engraving that was donated by Creative Arts of Gardone V.T., Italy. The original handmade drawings from the engraver will be provided to the buyer. The shotgun comes with an exhibition-quality custom leather case with accessories.

This donation is valued at $180,000.

Founded by Ivo Fabbri in 1965, the company is based near Brescia and is managed by the founder’s son, Tullio Fabbri. The list of its international customers also reads like a Who’s Who of prominent figures, including His Majesty Juan Carlos, King of Spain, and film producer Steven Spielberg.

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SCI Inks Deal with Reno for Convention in 2013, 2015

At a joint press conference Tuesday morning, Safari Club International and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority announced that the SCI annual Hunters’ Convention will return to Reno in 2013 and 2015. The announcement was good news for the Reno-Sparks communities and for SCI.

Ellie Oppenheim, president and CEO of the RSCVA, opened the press conference by welcoming SCI back to Reno for the 8^th consecutive year for an event that is anticipated by everyone in the community from hotels and restaurants to shops and cab drivers.

“SCI is very excited that we’re coming back to Reno in 2013 and 2015,” said Larry Rudolf, SCI president. “We love this town and it has truly become our home away from home. It’s a great venue for our members, exhibitors and corporate sponsors.”

Reno was not the only venue that SCI was considering, but Skip Donau, SCI Site Selection Chairman, explained that through the efforts of the RSCVA and local business leaders “they made us an offer we couldn’t refuse, so we look forward to bring the Convention back here to Reno.”

Reno Mayor Robert Cashell thanked SCI for all the contributions it has made to the community and in particular the annual Sportsman Against Hunger Feast.  Sparks Mayor Geno Martini, echoed the sentiment and said, “It’s a great way to start 2010 and good news for the entire community.”

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SCI Recognizes Top 10 Exhibitors at Appreciation Party

Each year Convention exhibitors help fund many of SCI’s conservation, education and humanitarian programs. Through their participation as exhibitors and the donation of an incredible array of outstanding auction items, SCI has become the leader in worldwide conservation. In recognition of their contributions, SCI honored an elite group of the top ten exhibitors during the annual Exhibitor Appreciation Party Tuesday evening.

President Elect Kevin Anderson expressed SCI’s gratitude to all the exhibitors for their support, particularly in light of the challenging economy, but individually praised the ten exhibitors who have contributed greatly to SCI’s success over the years through their participation in the show and generous donations of product and services.

The top ten were determined using a combination of tenure, booth size and past donations and they included:

#1 – John Rigby & Co.

SCI’s perennially top-ranked exhibitor is the oldest gun maker in the English-speaking world.  Though Rigby now operates in Paso Robles, California, they are the modern incarnation of one of Britain’s most storied gun makers.  Rigby has exhibited with SCI since 1988, and SCI has profited more than $300,000 from the sale of their donations.  In addition, Rigby has donated top-quality firearms to SCI to honor important guests at the SCI Convention.

#2 – Rann Safaris

Jeff Rann, the driving force behind Rann Safaris, has been hunting professionally since 1977. Jeff has conducted safaris in South Africa, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. In 1998, SCI named him its International Professional Hunter of the Year. His many contributions to the club have made him SCI’s Number 2 ranked exhibitor and our evening auctions have featured Jeff’s Okavango Delta hunts for years.

#3 – Beretta USA

One of the world’s oldest corporations, Beretta has been owned by the same family since its inception in 1526. Under the leadership of current owner Ugo Beretta, they have been unflagging supporters of SCI.  Since 1992, Beretta has donated at least 34 firearms to SCI that have a combined retail value of nearly $500,000.

#4 – Swanepoel and Scandrol

A reliable donor of Zambian safaris, Swanepoel and Scandrol’s hunt donations bring some of the best values at SCI’s auctions.  Doug Scandrol and Peter Swanepoel established their company together in Zambia in 1984.  Swanepol and Scandrol’s professionals have guided SCI members to more than 2300 record book animals.  More than 100 of these are currently in the top ten of their species.

#5 – Holland & Holland

H&H is as well-known for their classic cartridges as for the quality of their guns.  Their quality has made them favorites of such hunting luminaries as Samuel Baker and J.A. Hunter. H&H has been a consistent donor to SCI’s auction program since 1983, but their crowning achievement in that department is a grand Millennium Special Royal grade double rifle in .600 Nitro Express that sold for $270,000 in 2000, netting $189,000 for SCI.

#6 – Call of Africa

When Ross Parker and his wife, Kristen, opened their gallery in 1987, they were fortunate enough to represent some of Africa’s most talented artists.  They now feature African and environmentally themed art by artists from around the world.  Call of Africa has exhibited at SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention since 1987, and SCI has been able to further mission programs with the $250,000 raised from their donations.

#7 – John Banovich

The work of internationally acclaimed wildlife artist John Banovich can be described as flawless, inimitable, and transcendent and auction sales reflect these sentiments.  An exhibitor since the early 1990’s, over the years his donations have netted proceeds nudging the $400,000 mark.  John’s talent fittingly earned him the nod as the first featured artist for SCIF’s Conservation Artist of the Year program.

#8 – Mayo Oldiri Camp

Although Mayo Oldiri is the only top-ten exhibitor who has not regularly exhibited with SCI since the last century, their Cameroon safaris for bongo and Lord Derby eland have graced SCI’s evening auctions since 2001.  The family-run operation is owned by Antonio Reguerra and offers first-class savannah and forest safaris.  The superb quality of their donations surely accounts for their rapid ascent through the ranks of exhibitors.

#9 – Kobus Moller Studios

Kobus Moller has always been a staunch supporter of Safari Club International. Year after year he has made the long trek from halfway around the globe to exhibit at SCI and donate his original art for our auctions. His paintings have been shown around the world with great success and acceptance in South Africa, Sweden, and the United States. Kobus is also SCI Foundation’s 2010 Conservation Artist of the Year.

#10 – Tanzania Game Tracker Safaris

An exhibitor with SCI since 1983, Tanzania occupies one of the bigger displays on the show floor.  For several years, they have taken SCI auction buyers to some of Tanzania’s premier safari destinations.  Their hunters have entered almost 600 entries in SCI’s Record Book of Trophy Animals.

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Media Alert: SCI Hunters’ Convention Opening



***Media Alert***

Safari Club International Annual Convention Opening Ceremony.

A kick-off event is planned for Safari Club International’s Annual Hunters’ Convention in Reno on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. National and local dignitaries will join SCI for the official opening of the convention to attendees and media.  All media must be credentialed.

WHAT:

Kick-off the 2010 Safari Club International Annual Hunters’ Convention as the show floor officially opens to attendees and members of the media.  All media must be credentialed.

WHO:

SCI President Larry Rudolph & other key SCI leadership

Governor Haley Barbour, Mississippi

Ellie Oppenheim, President & CEO, RSCVA

Mayor Robert Cashell, Reno, NV

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 20th

9:45 a.m.

WHERE:

Entrance to Hall 3, Reno-Sparks Convention Center

4590 S. Virginia St., Reno, Nevada

Contact:

Erica Fitzsimmons, efitzsimmons@theheraldgroup.com, 202-441-8740

Jill Stockton, jstockton@RSCVA.com, 775-827-7654

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Safari Club International is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI effectively represents hunters’ interests in legislative bodies at every level, the legal arena and international diplomatic forums. Safari Club International Foundation funds programs worldwide in wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian services. For more information visit www.scifirstforhunters.org or call (888) HUNT-SCI.

Asian Conservation Projects Reported by SCIF

The Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) issued a report during the SCI Convention on its conservation, education, and humanitarian projects around the world. Among the highlights were Asian projects benefiting the snow leopard, saiga antelope, and argali sheep.

Snow Leopard

The SCIF snow leopard project was initiated to estimate snow leopard abundance, population age structure, recruitment, survival and causes of mortality, home range and movement patterns, food availability and other variables in the Altay-Kayan-Sayan region of Siberia. Now in the third year of the project, the Russian Academy of Science has partnered with the project and is up-scaling the research effort. New information will be collected from ARGOS satellite collars that will be put on captured snow leopards. The project will also
produce an environmental assessment for snow leopard habitat quality to determine whether management of natural resources or game species is necessary to improve snow leopard habitat.

Argali Sheep

SCIF completed its scientific review of argali sheep, testing DNA and using morphometrics (body size measurements) to properly classify species of sheep and to validate the extent and composition of surveyed sheep subpopulations. The taxonomic status of many sheep populations in central Asia was unclear and controversial, and this research has provided a clear way to classify different sheep species. As it turns out, the most useful body measurements taken to differentiate between species are of the lacrimal pit depth, the direction of horn twisting, and the presence of the first premolar.

Efforts continue to work with central Asian countries on issues related to argali sheep management, including hunting. We have confirmation from the Tajikistan government that they will endorse SCIF’s argali survey efforts and SCIF will be finalizing research plans in the next few months. This success is largely due to Safari Club’s Washington, DC staff developing a working relationship with the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Washington, DC.

SCIF recently partnered with Grand Slam Club/Ovis to support a survey of argali in Mongolia by researcher Mike Frisina of Montana. Field work has been completed and a report is being prepared.

Saiga Antelope

SCIF concluded its support of the saiga antelope project. For many years, poachers and the commercial sale of saiga horn were blamed for the regional decline of the species. The decline is one of the most dramatic in all land mammals. Results from habitat studies now show that poaching was only a small part of an ecosystem problem.

Changes in saiga habitat are now thought to be the leading cause in the decline. Nutritionally poor plant species such as needle grass and feather grass have replaced the plant species saiga rely on for food. These species now comprise 70-90% of the above ground plant biomass in saiga habitat. The sudden shift in plant species, large-scale fires in the grassland steppe, and dry summers have deprived saiga of adequate forage. In addition to this stress, high poaching levels dramatically reduced the number of mature males in the population. These factors compounded, among others, and the saiga population crashed.

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