Carter Stepping Down As DSC Executive Director

DALLAS – DSC Executive Director Ben Carter has announced his resignation, effective May 31, 2017.   Ben has served as Executive Director of DSC for approximately 10 years, during which time DSC experienced tremendous growth in all phases of the organization. Most importantly, DSC became a recognized leader in the wildlife conservation and sustainable use movement. Ben will continue to serve DSC as Executive Director through May 31, 2017, and will assist DSC in the search for, and transition to, his successor.   Carter said, “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve DSC, and to lead us into the international reputation that we enjoy today. I am proud of the accomplishments made on my watch and grateful for the support from my excellent staff and volunteers over the years. I will continue to be involved with DSC, in support the important mission and programs that protect and advance our hunting heritage.”   DSC President Allen Moore acknowledges and recognizes Carter’s many years of dedicated service. “Ben has served as Convention Chair, President and Executive Director of DSC, and has played a significant role in making DSC what it is today. His contributions are greatly appreciated. DSC wishes Ben success and happiness in his future endeavors.”   About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

DSC and DSCF to Fish and Wildlife: African Leopard Up-Listing Not Warranted

DALLAS – DSC and DSC Foundation (DSCF) have joined a long list of conservation and hunting groups in submitting a united and official comment to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) status review of the African leopard. Conservation Force, a leading non-profit conservation organization, submitted the comment on behalf of DSC, DSCF, Houston Safari Club, African Professional Hunters Association, International Professional Hunters Association, Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, Shikar Safari Club International and Shikar Safari Club International Foundation.   The information contained within the official comment demonstrates that the African leopard (Panthera pardus) should not be up-listed to “endangered” as defined in the ESA in countries where it is currently listed as “threatened. The comment also contends that a “threatened” listing is not warranted in the South African Development Community countries, which form a distinct population segment and the most abundant leopard population in the world.   “As leaders in the conservation arena, we have put forth relevant information and data for the Service to determine the future of the African leopard and its associated hunting,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “The best information available shows that none of the listing factors are satisfied and the Service should find that an up-listing is not warranted. As hunters and conservationists, it’s our duty to provide this crucial information and hope the Service remains indifferent to the vitriolic rhetoric from anti-hunting groups who only want to see our proud heritage outlawed.”   The comment resulted from the Service receiving a petition from an anti-hunting group to up-list the leopard from “threatened” to “endangered” in certain countries. The Service began a 90-day, fact-finding period, in which they determined that “the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that reclassifying the leopard (Panthera pardus) as endangered throughout its range may be warranted.” The Service opened up a comment period to collect information relevant to determining if the species falls within the definition of the ESA.   The information contained in the group’s official comment shows that the leopard’s habitat is generally stable or increasing in the relevant countries, and that legal utilization of the leopard is sustainable and regulated, and well under the quotas set forth by CITES. The comment also highlights the lack of disease and predation; the existing regulatory mechanisms are more than adequate to protect the leopard and secure its survival; and no other natural or man-made factor poses a risk of endangerment to the species.   “The evidence is clear that none of the factors support or warrant reclassification of the African leopard,” said DSCF President Richard Cheatham. “The conclusions stated in the comment are founded in reason and fact, and reason and fact – rather than emotion, hyperbole and speculation – must govern the debate and must dictate the outcome. DSC Foundation urges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make a 12-month finding that up-listing of the African leopard is unwarranted.”   The official comment can be read in its entirety at this link:  http://www.conservationforce.org/news-updates-alerts

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.   About DSCF  DSC Foundation is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. DSC Foundation serves the mission of DSC to conserve wildlife and wilderness lands, to educate youth and the general public and to promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Learn more about DSC Foundation at www.dscf.org.

DSC and DSCF Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Namibia

DALLAS – During the recent 2017 DSC Convention and Expo, members of DSC and DSC Foundation (DSCF) met with government officials from Namibia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement formalizes the existing relationship between the parties. Both share a common concern for the future of Namibian wildlife as well as the desire for cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation.   DSC Executive Director Ben Carter and DSCF President Richard Cheatham met with Minister Pohamba Shifeta and three representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Republic of Namibia (MET). As part of the MoU, each party will seek to promote Namibia’s conservation hunting program, anti-poaching activities in national and state lands, to visit and exchange research and non-proprietary information, and to collaborate with continuing education and other training programs – all to promote conservation and wildlife.   “This signed agreement strengthens and advances the relationship between DSC, DSCF and MET to help Namibia continue to be a leader in wildlife and habitat conservation,” said Cheatham. “It will also increase DSC and DSCF’s support of existing programs that work so well and will allow the parties to develop and implement innovative programs that will address the ever-evolving conditions and conservation challenges faced in sub-Saharan Africa.”   Namibia has gained a favorable reputation for its sustainable-use practices and outstanding efforts in areas of wildlife management, conservation, and protection. At the IUCN World Congress in Honolulu this past summer, Namibia’s work was highlighted and hailed as an example to be followed by the rest of the world.   The MET recognizes DSC as a leader among conservation organizations who shares Namibia’s commitment to wildlife, wild places, sustainable use and financially supports projects that directly benefit wildlife and local communities. Through collaboration and concerted conservation efforts, these groups are emerging as leaders on the forefront of wildlife conservation.

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org. About DSCF DSC Foundation is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. DSC Foundation serves the mission of DSC to conserve wildlife and wilderness lands, to educate youth and the general public and to promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Learn more about DSC Foundation at www.dscf.org.

DSC Convention Continues to Set Records for Attendance and Fundraising

DALLAS – Attendees from around the world gathered in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, to celebrate hunting and wildlife conservation. The latest DSC Convention and Expo continued its record-breaking ways with more than 60,000 attendees during the four-day event. The convention featured 1,836 booths with 980 companies and 4,900 exhibitors.   “Our convention serves not only as a way to gather like-minded people under one roof, but to help raise money to fund our conservation and education efforts,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “The DSC convention has grown steadily each year and this year was no exception. We raised more than $7 million dollars to fund our mission to save wildlife and wild spaces. We would like to thank all those that attended and donated to our cause.”    The DSC Convention added around 360 new members and 250 renewals, of which 29 made the commitment to become Life Members. Nightly banquets experienced record turnouts with the Saturday night banquet and Ladies Luncheon being sold out. The convention also hosted approximately 75 media members to cover the convention and book hunts for future editorial needs.   The DSC Convention also serves to honor those who share DSC’s mission and vision of a future that includes wildlife and hunting. Several awards were presented during nightly banquets throughout the convention. DSC honored the following:   Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award: Larry and Brenda Potterfield DSC Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award: Bobby Davidson Weatherby Award: Ken Barr Conklin Award: Renee Snider Dixie Yeatts Award of Excellence: John Patterson Dave Baxter Literary Award: Ken Heard Educator of the Year: Danny Wilcox Colin Caruthers Young Hunter Award: co-winners Dalton Findley and Cole Findley Malek Award: Jay Furney Outfitter of the Year Award: Chifuti Safaris Artist of the Year Award: Peter Blackwell   The DSC Convention and Expo returns next year to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Jan. 4-7, 2018, with even more attendance and fund-raising records expected to be broken as hunters and conservationists again rally to defend wildlife and habitat around the world.   Sponsors of the 2017 DSC convention include Sports Afield, Hornady, Bass Pro Shops, Zeiss Sport Optics, Midway USA, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Company, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Lone Star Outdoor News, Blaser, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, Chattaronga, Capital Farm Credit, Global Rescue, Rock Island Auction Company, Legendary Consortium, Rungwa Game Safaris, RAD RIDES, Wildlife Partners LLC, Vogt Silversmiths, Triple G Group, Michael Mantheakis Safaris, David R. Oakes – CIMA, Sporting Classics and many others.

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

DSC Objects to USFWS Order 219

Arbitrary Decision Impacts Recreational Hunting and Fishing

DALLAS – For his last hurrah before departing office, outgoing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Director Daniel Ashe released USFWS Director’s Order 219, expanding the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle. Dallas Safari Club (DSC) objects to the Order, and condemns the decision as it targets our hunting and fishing heritage.   “This action flies squarely in the face of a long and constructive tradition of states working in partnership with the Service to effectively manage fish and wildlife resources,” stated Nick Wiley, president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The Association views this Order as a breach of trust and deeply disappointing.”   “We agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Wiley and consider the surprising, last minute actions of Mr. Ashe to be totally politically motivated,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “We will implore the new administration to swiftly abolish Order 219 and return to joint decision making based on scientific merit.”   DSC will appeal to the new leadership at the Service and support the states’ joint jurisdiction and control of wildlife management.

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

DSC Presents Capstick Award to Larry and Brenda Potterfield

DALLAS – DSC is proud to announce the winner of the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award – Larry and Brenda Potterfield – during the recent DSC Convention and Expo in Dallas, Texas. The couple is recognized for their enduring leadership in conservation and philanthropy, and their commitment to educating youth about the joys of the outdoors, hunting, shooting and wildlife. 

“Larry and Brenda have demonstrated an enduring passion to help others and pass along the tradition of hunting and shooting,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “They are consummate leaders in business and epitomize the principle of ‘paying it forward.’ Their generosity and benevolence will help sustain hunting and shooting for future generations.”   Fiona Clare Capstick, noted author and widow of Peter Hathaway Capstick, presented the award on stage to the Potterfields. The Capstick Award was established to bring honor and recognition to an individual, organization or group whose achievements reveal a sustained and significant contribution to the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. Additionally, the winner will have shown long-term commitment to our hunting heritage by pursuing that goal for the benefit of future generations.   “Brenda and I are honored to accept the 2017 Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award from Dallas Safari Club,” said Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “We passionately believe in and support the conservation of wildlife and its habitat for the benefit of future generations, and we look forward to continuing a lifelong commitment to our hunting heritage.”   Larry Potterfield is the founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. Working together, Larry and Brenda grew their business from a small-time gun shop in Missouri to one of the most successful retailers of hunting equipment, accessories, gunsmithing, reloading, shooting, and outdoor products. Much of MidwayUSA’s success is due to their commitment to making customer service their number one priority and providing a positive work environment.   The success of MidwayUSA has given the Potterfields the ability to give back to an industry and community that has brought them much joy over their lifetimes. Over the years, the Potterfields have provided millions of dollars in donations and endowments for sustained funding. In 2007, the Potterfields established MidwayUSA Foundation to provide sustainable funding for youth shooting sports teams across the nation. Since its inception, MidwayUSA Foundation has granted funds of $12.6 million to more than 2,500 different shooting teams.   Since 2008, the Potterfield family has made over $133 million in charitable contributions; meeting the benchmark IRS 50 percent maximum contribution level since 2011. In 2012, they started the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience, which held a student conference at the recent DSC Convention and Expo. Guest speaker Shane Mahoney – a noted conservationist – spoke with the students on the positives of developing a love for wildlife and how the future of wildlife starts with this generation.   The Potterfields have hunted on six continents and are avid conservationists. Their generosity is also reflected in funds donated to key conservation groups such as Wild Sheep Foundation, Houston Safari Club, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and DSC. These funds are used worldwide in an effort to protect wildlife and habitat.   As ardent hunters and shooters, the Potterfields are faithful donators to the National Rifle Association (NRA). In 1992, the couple donated $500,000 to the NRA Foundation. This initial donation has led other Friends of the NRA Committees to help raise more than $600 million for the NRA Foundation. Larry and Brenda have been recognized for their efforts with a membership to the exclusive NRA Golden Ring of Freedom, a group comprised of people who have donated more than $1 million to the NRA.   “Larry and Brenda truly care about conservation, our youth and the future of hunting,” said Carter. “The Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award honors the memory of a man who loved hunting and understood our role in preserving wildlife. Larry and Brenda have certainly demonstrated the same and are well deserving of this honor and recognition.”

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

DSC Jumpstarts New Year with 2017 Convention

DALLAS – The wait is almost over for the biggest hunting, sporting and conservation showcase in Texas. The DSC Convention and Expo returns to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Omni Hotel in Dallas Jan. 5-8, 2017. Sportsmen and women are invited to be a part of another record-breaking event to help support conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives around the world. The theme this year is Adventure.   The four-day celebration is open to the public and is one of America’s premier fundraisers for conservation. The DSC 2016 convention raised more than $6 million for wildlife programs, public education and hunter advocacy worldwide. The convention also added 450 new members to surpass the 6,000-member mark for worldwide membership.   “It has been a long wait but the convention is finally here,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “The DSC convention has become the kick starter to the outdoor convention season and we are anticipating another record turnout.”   The expo offers 2017’s first opportunity to shop for hunts with top outfitters from around the globe. Displays also include world-class sporting gear, firearms, art, collectibles, entertainment, seminars, auctions and more. Together, attractions cover the space of nearly nine football fields. Convention attendees can also attend 30 education seminars free of charge 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7.   During the four days of the convention, visitors can bid at nightly live and silent auctions. Online bidding of live auction items is now open to approved bidders. Bidders can get an early start by submitting for approval by registering here.     Daily admission to the convention is $20 per person, with multi-day and discounted family packages available. Children under 12 and active military (with ID) are free of charge.   For more information about the 2017 DSC Convention, go to www.biggame.org.   Sponsors of the 2017 DSC convention include Sports Afield, Hornady, Bass Pro Shops, Zeiss Sport Optics, Midway USA, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Company, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Lone Star Outdoor News, Blaser, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, Chattaronga, Capital Farm Credit, Global Rescue, Rock Island Auction Company, Legendary Consortium, Rungwa Game Safaris, RAD RIDES, Wildlife Partners LLC, Vogt Silversmiths, Triple G Group, Michael Mantheakis Safaris, David R. Oakes – CIMA, Sporting Classics and many others.

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

DSC Announces Seminar Schedule for DSC 2017 Convention

DALLAS – DSC announces the conservation seminar schedule of events for the upcoming DSC 2017 DSC Convention, which returns to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Omni Hotel in Dallas Jan. 5-8, 2017.   DSC Convention visitors can attend hour-long sessions on Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7 to learn from hunting and conservation experts on a wide variety of subjects, including reloading big bore rounds, trail camera tips, field medicine, improving wingshooting, building the perfect trophy room and more. Admission to these education seminars, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, is free to DSC Convention attendees.   The seminar schedule includes 30 different events. A few of the notable seminars are Buffalo presented by Craig Boddington, Advanced Reloading Techniques presented by Hornady, Producing Trophy Whitetails presented by Dr. James Kroll and Carter’s War Season 2 presented by Ivan Carter.     The complete schedule of events can be viewed here.   The expo offers 2017’s first opportunity to shop for hunts with top outfitters from around the globe. Displays also include world-class sporting gear, firearms, art, collectibles, entertainment, seminars, auctions and more. Sportsmen and women are invited to be a part of another record-breaking event to help support conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives around the world. The theme this year is Adventure.   Daily admission to the convention is $20 per person, with multi-day and discounted family packages available. Children under 12 and active military (with ID) are free of charge.   For more information about the 2017 DSC Convention, go to www.biggame.org.   Sponsors of the 2017 DSC convention include Sports Afield, Hornady, Bass Pro Shops, Zeiss Sport Optics, Midway USA, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Company, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Lone Star Outdoor News, Blaser, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, Chattaronga, Capital Farm Credit, Global Rescue, Rock Island Auction Company, Legendary Consortium, Rungwa Game Safaris, RAD RIDES, Wildlife Partners LLC, Vogt Silversmiths, Triple G Group, Michael Mantheakis Safaris, David R. Oakes – CIMA, Sporting Classics and many others.

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

DSC Congratulates Ryan Zinke on Nomination for Secretary of Interior

DALLAS – The Dallas Safari Club (DSC) congratulates Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke on his recent nomination to lead the Department of Interior. Zinke will be charged with protecting the natural resources of the U.S., which includes federal lands and overseeing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. DSC is pleased to see the position filled by an ardent proponent of continued access to public lands and a champion of conservation.    “DSC has supported Representative Zinke since his first run in Congress,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “He symbolizes the DSC mission of ensuring the future of hunting through conservation and protecting hunter’s rights. We are excited to see how he handles the critical issues facing wildlife and wild places. Our membership respects and appreciates his dedicated service to this Nation as a former Navy Seal and as a Congressman. He has proven to be a straight shooter in all aspects, and we look forward to working with the newly nominated Interior Secretary.”    Zinke is a native of Montana and has a lifelong love of hunting and fishing. During his time in Congress, Zinke has a track record of backing hunter’s rights. He announced his support for the Sportsmen’s Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Enhancement Act, which contained seven provisions to reauthorize or implement ways to fund conservation programs on federal and private lands.    In a released statement, Zinke stated, “As inscribed in the stone archway of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, I shall faithfully uphold Teddy Roosevelt’s belief that our treasured public lands are ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.’ I will work tirelessly to ensure our public lands are managed and preserved in a way that benefits everyone for generations to come.”    “Zinke is a sportsman just like the members of DSC,” said Carter. “His heart lies in the same place as ours and we feel he is the perfect person to direct management of our lands and wildlife. This is a great step in ensuring the future of hunting, fishing and the outdoor life for upcoming generations.”

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.

Dan Adler to Present Seminar on Hunting the Elusive Coues Deer at DSC 2017 Convention

DALLAS – The Coues deer is widely considered one of the most difficult deer to hunt. The subspecies of white-tailed deer live in the rugged terrain of Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico and use this harsh habitat to elude predators and hunters. Dan Adler, owner of Diamond Outfitters in Arizona, brings his expert insight and experience hunting the elusive animal with his educational seminar “Hunting Coues Deer: The Gray Ghost” to the DSC 2017 Convention and Expo at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Omni Hotel in Dallas Jan. 5-8, 2017.   Often referred to as the “gray ghost,” Coues deer have long frustrated hunters by seemingly vanishing into cover. Adler’s seminar will cover this classic epitome of western big-game, spot-and-stalk hunt. The seasoned guide will share his tactics used to bring his hunting clients nearly 100 percent harvest rate. The seminar will also include tips on shooting, glassing, judging score and an opportunity for attendees to ask Adler questions to increase their overall hunting success.   “Hunters quickly learn that the Coues deer is a very special deer,” said Adler. “You hunt them totally different than any other North American whitetail species. The strategy is totally different. Their behavior is totally different. But, once a hunter pursues a Coues deer for the first time, they will forever be hooked and want to come back.”    Adler is an accomplished archer and rifleman. He has harvested elk, mule deer, Coues deer, eastern whitetail, antelope, black beer, grizzly bear, turkey, wild boar, javelin, alligator, Asian water buffalo, axis deer, sika deer, Stone sheep, Ibex and more throughout his hunting career that has spanned the globe.   This seminar is one of many informative sessions featuring hunting and conservation experts held throughout the four-day event. Attendees can join any of the hour-long seminars free of charge. Adler’s “Hunting Coues Deer: The Gray Ghost” seminar is set for Friday, Jan. 6 at 12:30-1:30 p.m. in room D222.   The expo offers 2017’s first opportunity to shop for hunts with top outfitters from around the globe. Displays also include world-class sporting gear, firearms, art, collectibles, entertainment, seminars, auctions and more. Sportsmen and women are invited to be a part of another record-breaking event to help support conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives around the world. The theme this year is Adventure.   Daily admission to the convention is $20 per person, with multi-day and discounted family packages available. Children under 12 and active military (with ID) are free of charge.   For more information about the 2017 DSC Convention, go to www.biggame.org.   Sponsors of the 2017 DSC convention include Sports Afield, Hornady, Bass Pro Shops, Zeiss Sport Optics, Midway USA, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Company, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Lone Star Outdoor News, Blaser, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, Chattaronga, Capital Farm Credit, Global Rescue, Rock Island Auction Company, Legendary Consortium, Rungwa Game Safaris, RAD RIDES, Wildlife Partners LLC, Vogt Silversmiths, Triple G Group, Michael Mantheakis Safaris, David R. Oakes – CIMA, Sporting Classics and many others.

About DSC A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.