DALLAS EXPO IS FIRST PEEK AT ECONOMIC HEALTH OF HUNTING

DALLAS—Today’s economic jungle could prove to be fertile habitat for America’s hunters.

 

Several trends suggest the hunting industry—with its $66 billion in economic impacts—appears relatively resilient to recent downturns, but the upcoming Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention and expo offers the nation’s first real peek at the economic health of hunting in 2012.

 

Always the first major hunting show of the year in the U.S., the event is set for Jan. 5-8 at the Dallas Convention Center.

 

The reliability of the event as an economic indicator may be strengthened by its location. Texas leads the nation in number of hunters (1.1 million), annual retail sales from hunting ($2.3 billion) overall economic impact from hunting ($4.1 billion), and jobs supported by hunting (47,000).

 

DSC’s annual convention and expo is open to the public. A record 32,000 attended in 2011 and officials expect another strong showing in 2012.

 

“Our event—and the funds it generates for conservation—have both enjoyed significant growth in recent years, and our upcoming show looks to be the biggest yet,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “In a time when many organizations, businesses and even entire industries are doing their best to just ride out the bad economy, we’re actually trying to limit our growth to a manageable pace.”

 

In the final weeks of event preparation, DSC had confirmed a record 800 exhibitors with a record 400 more relegated to a waiting list.

 

“We’re emphasizing quality, variety and hospitality rather than the size of our event. These days, that’s a luxury. A very good problem to have,” added Carter.

 

While some might contend that such growth is occurring in spite of the economy, studies show participation in hunting—and related consumer spending on hunting licenses, gear and trips—may actually be increasing because of the downturn.

 

Supporting studies, trends and news include:

 

1. Hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in states used as an index by a hunting industry trade association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, in 2009. More info:

 

http://www.nssf.org/newsroom/releases/show.cfm?PR=020110-hunting.cfm&path=2010

 

2. Researchers in 2008 found a correlation between hunting participation and new housing starts. In down economies when more carpenters, electricians and other tradespeople are out of work, more hunting licenses are sold. More info:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09361/1023706-358.stm

3. A recent look at the buying habits of sportsmen in 2011 showed that purchases of hunting and fishing equipment remained steady or improved slightly from the previous year. More info:

 

http://www.southwickassociates.com/news/sportsmen-purchases-remain-steady/

 

4. If hunting were a corporation, it would rank in the top 20 percent of the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies, slightly ahead of such global giants as General Dynamics and Coca-Cola, based on a 2007 report. Includes state-by-state economic facts based on the most current federal data:

 

http://www.southwickassociates.com/portfolio-view/u-s-2007-hunting-in-america/

 

5. The 2011 DSC convention and expo set several records for size metrics and generated brisk sales for many exhibitors. More info:

 

http://www.biggame.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=188&Itemid=200

 

For 2012, the DSC event will feature a record 425,000 square feet of sporting attractions, taxidermy displays and exhibits by outfitters and professional hunters from around the world, gun makers, optics and gear companies, artists, jewelers, clothiers, furriers and many others from across the outdoor industry. Highlights also will include seminars, entertainers, dog-training demonstrations and even a special appearance by 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Day honorary chairman T. Boone Pickens.

 

Daily admission is $20 per person. Multi-day discount packages are available.

 

Expo hours are Thurs., Jan. 5, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The DSC convention and expo is the largest annual fundraiser to support the organization’s conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives. DSC spent a record $784,000 on mission-related programs in 2011, and more than $2.8 million over the past five years, for habitat protection and management, wildlife restoration and research, youth learning programs, and promoting hunter interests and benefits to conservation worldwide.

 

Historically, about 36 percent of DSC grants are used for projects in Texas.

 

In 2013, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild will relocate its annual exhibition to Dallas to be held in conjunction with the DSC convention and expo.

 

While the DSC seminars and expo hall are open daily to the public, full convention registrants can also enjoy evening events such gala banquets, celebrity speakers, awards, entertainment and auctions for world-class hunts, firearms and more. Most evening events will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas.

 

For registration and more information, visit www.biggame.org.

 

Sponsors for the 2012 DSC convention and expo include Orion Versus, Sports Afield, Midway USA, Trijicon, Lone Star Conversions, Hunting Consortium, Hornady, Tanzania Adventures, Bad Boy Buggies, Yamaha Motors, Capital Farm Credit, The Wildlife Gallery, Ruger, Blaser, Cabela’s, Sovereign Bank and RBC Wealth.

 

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

 

MIDWAYUSA RENEWS SPONSORSHIP OF DSC CONVENTION

DALLAS (Nov. 28, 2011)—Proclaiming Dallas Safari Club (DSC) as one of the world’s great conservation and hunting advocacy organizations, MidwayUSA founder and CEO Larry Potterfield has announced that his company has renewed its official sponsorship of the DSC annual convention and expo.

 

The big event, Jan. 5-8, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center, is the main fundraiser behind DSC’s mission to conserve wildlife and habitat, educate youth and the public, and promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide.

 

“DSC puts on one of my favorite shows,” said Potterfield. “Brenda and I believe in supporting programs and organizations that teach our next generation about wildlife and conservation. I hope everyone who believes as we do will join us at the 2012 DSC convention and help preserve and support our hunting heritage.”

 

MidwayUSA is a catalog and Internet retailer offering “Just About Everything℠ for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting.” For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit http://www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

Ben Carter, DSC executive director, said, “MidwayUSA is a major force behind our annual convention and expo. Their partnership allows us to host a top quality event and, even more importantly, to put more dollars on the ground for our conservation and education programs.”

 

In 2011, DSC spent a record $784,000 on mission-related programs, an increase of more than $100,000 from the previous year. Over the past five years, DSC has granted more than $2.8 million for habitat protection and management, wildlife restoration and research, youth learning programs, and promoting hunter interests and benefits to conservation worldwide.

 

The 2012 DSC convention and expo is on pace to set more records with 800 exhibitors and a 425,000-square foot exhibit hall.

 

Exhibits will include outfitters and professional hunters from around the world. Gun makers, optics and gear companies, artists, jewelers, clothiers, furriers and many others from across the outdoor industry also will be there. Daily agendas include seminars on various hunting topics by authorities considered best in their field. Additionally, the many wildlife taxidermy displays throughout the expo hall are always a hit.

 

A highly anticipated new attraction for 2012 is an expo section called “Upland Country” sponsored by Quail Coalition, a Texas-based organization focused on upland bird conservation.

Planned highlights include exhibits, dog-training demonstrations, seminars by Dr. Dale Rollins, even special appearances by noted quail enthusiast and 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Day honorary chairman T. Boone Pickens.

 

In 2013, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild will relocate its annual exhibition to be held in conjunction with the DSC convention and expo.

 

The public is welcome to attend and a crowd of some 32,000 is expected.

 

Daily admission is $20 per person. Multi-day discount packages are available.

 

In the evenings, convention registrants can enjoy gala banquets featuring celebrity speakers, awards, entertainment and auctions for world-class hunts, firearms and more. Most evening events will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas, near the convention center. For registration information, visit www.biggame.org.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

 

EXHIBITOR WAITING LIST GROWS AS DSC BUILDS EVENT QUALITY

DALLAS (Oct. 18, 2011)—A record 800 exhibitors are confirmed—with a record 400 more remaining on a waiting list—as Dallas Safari Club (DSC) enters the homestretch of preparation for its 2012 convention and expo.

 

The event, always the first major hunting show of the year in the U.S., will be held Jan. 5-8, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center.

 

The public is welcome to attend and a crowd of some 32,000 is expected.

 

Attendees will find a 425,000-square foot exhibit hall that emphasizes quality, variety and hospitality over sheer bulk, according to Ben Carter, DSC executive director.

 

“Our goal is to host the best show of its kind, not necessarily the biggest,” said Carter. “Managing the size metrics of the event. Creating a more welcoming environment. Offering ample choices of good outdoor products and services from around the world. All of this allows more attendees to find hunting adventures, guns, gear and accessories that are perfect for them. And this buying atmosphere, in turn, allows more exhibitors to do well and have a great show.”

 

The overarching goal, of course, is nurturing the event for long-haul success and support for DSC conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives.

 

Since relocating from Dallas Market Hall to the more spacious Dallas Convention Center in 2010, DSC has carefully paced its growth with show exhibitors and total exhibit space while enjoying significant gains in attendees and overall fundraising.

 

In 2011, DSC spent a record $784,000 on mission-related programs, an increase of more than $100,000 from the previous year. Over the past five years, DSC has granted more than $2.8 million for habitat protection and management, wildlife restoration and research, youth learning programs, and promoting hunter interests and benefits to conservation worldwide.

 

Carter said, “It’s gratifying to see DSC become a global force for wildlife and wild places, and I believe that’s a growing source of pride for everyone who attends or exhibits at our show.”

 

Exhibitors at the 2012 event will include outfitters and professional hunters from around the world. Gun makers, optics and gear companies, artists, jewelers, clothiers, furriers and many others from across the outdoor industry also will be there. Daily agendas include seminars on various hunting topics by authorities considered best in their field. Additionally, the many wildlife taxidermy displays throughout the expo hall are always a hit.

 

A highly anticipated new attraction for 2012 is an expo section called “Upland Country” sponsored by Quail Coalition, a Texas-based organization focused on upland bird conservation.

Planned highlights include exhibits, dog-training demonstrations, seminars by Dr. Dale Rollins, even special appearances by noted quail enthusiast and 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Day honorary chairman T. Boone Pickens.

 

In 2013, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild will relocate its annual exhibition to be held in conjunction with the DSC convention and expo.

 

Daily admission is $20 per person. Multi-day discount packages are available.

 

In the evenings, convention registrants can enjoy gala banquets featuring celebrity speakers, awards, entertainment and auctions for world-class hunts, firearms and more. Most evening events will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas, near the convention center. For registration information, visit www.biggame.org.

 

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

 

IMPROVING NEWS, INFORMATION SERVICES FOR THE TRAVELING HUNTER

DALLAS (Oct. 12, 2011)—The Dallas Safari Club (DSC) and The Hunting Report are teaming up to improve news and information services for the hunter who travels at home or abroad.

 

The Hunting Report is a monthly printed newsletter, Web site and electronic news service catering to hunters who travel. The focus is reviewing specific hunting areas, critiquing outfitters and reporting on poor governmental treatment of hunters worldwide. The Hunting Report also alerts hunters about developments affecting every aspect of their hunting travel.

 

DSC and The Hunting Report in 2010 began sharing news reports and alerts with each other’s members and subscribers.

 

Now that partnership is expanding.

 

The Hunting Report now is a regular news contributor to the DSC member magazine, Game Trails, and provides alerts for the DSC Weekly Update delivered by email, as well as immediate DSC Twitter and Facebook communications.

 

News and member updates from DSC are now being distributed through The Hunting Report’s Email Extra Bulletins and website.

 

Additionally, The Hunting Report editor and publisher Barbara Crown will attend the DSC convention and expo in Dallas, Jan. 5-8, 2012, with her publication’s extensive database of outfitter critiques. Subscribers attending the convention can visit her at booth 2649 and look up any hunt operator to see complaints and rebuttals from cases worldwide.

 

Crown has been mediating disputes between dissatisfied hunters and outfitters for 13 years. She will present a DSC convention seminar on the most common causes of bad hunting experiences.

 

Ben Carter, DSC executive director, said, “This pooling of resources is going to prove invaluable for the traveling hunter. With the larger network of eyes and ears, faster communication, and the passion of DSC members combined with the reporting expertise of The Hunting Report, today’s hunters have a powerful new way to stay informed.”

 

“DSC members will have an opportunity to subscribe to The Hunting Report at a special convention rate, and all new DSC members joining at the convention will receive a free trial subscription,” said Crown. “I’m looking forward to speaking with DSC members, making sure they have the best info to find hunting adventures that are perfect for them, and then utilizing their experiences to further help our subscribers.”

 

Learn more about The Hunting Report at www.huntingreport.com, where you can download a free sample issue.

 

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

 

 

 

DSC TO HONOR GERMAN HUNTRESS CHRISTIANE UNDERBERG

DALLAS (Oct. 3, 2011)—An icon in the European hunting, conservation and business communities, Christiane Underberg of Rheinberg, Germany, has been selected to receive the 2012 Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award from Dallas Safari Club (DSC).

Underberg will be honored at the DSC Convention and Sporting Expo in Dallas, Jan. 5-8.

DSC and the Dallas Ecological Foundation present the Capstick Award in recognition of exemplary leadership in conservation, education, hunting, humanitarian causes, research, permanent endowments and charitable giving.

Underberg has hunted throughout Europe as well as Alaska, Canada and Argentina, amassing a fine collection of trophies. She is skilled with handgun, rifle and shotgun. Her experiences afield have given her a deep environmental ethic and thoughtful, respected voice in resource conservation and management. She is or has been active in the International Council for Game and Wildlife Management, World Wildlife Fund and Council for Sustainable Development of the German Government. Underberg holds numerous honors from different countries for her work and contributions to ecological, cultural and scientific causes.

Along with her husband, she helped initiate in 1970 the Fund for Environmental Studies Tyrol/Austria for sustainable management of natural resources.

“The couple was inspired to do something after witnessing changes in the land and forest—and the resulting impacts on game animals—on one of their hunting areas. Today the organization they helped create has 40 years of data on sustainable grazing, timber and wildlife management. This pioneering work has helped shape policies and practices to help sustain and balance resource use in Europe,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director.

Underberg also is an authority and frequent speaker on hunting ethics, never missing an opportunity to communicate her strong belief that the ethical hunter is the salvation of wildlife and habitat.

She was born in 1939 in Frankfurt. She grew up hunting with her father and in 1958, at age 19, became one of the first women in the post-war era to pass the notoriously stringent German hunting exams. In 1962 she married Emil Underberg of the Underberg wines and liqueurs empire (Underberg bitters remain a great favorite of Germanic hunters). She was named to the company board in 1982. The couple has four children and 12 grandchildren.

The Capstick Award is named for the well-known American author whose defense of hunting and conservation made him a household name. Previous recipients include Harry Tennison of Fort Worth, Texas, Baron Bertrand des Clers of France, President Theodore Roosevelt, Dr. Ian Player of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, the Boone and Crockett Club, Hubert Thummler of Mexico City, and Dan Pedrotti of Corpus Christi, Texas.

About 32,000 people are expected at the DSC Convention and Sporting Expo, Jan. 5-8. The event, featuring an expo hall with more than 1,200 exhibits, seminars, auctions, entertainment and awards, is the primary fundraiser for the club’s mission to conserve wildlife and wilderness lands, educate youth and the general public, and to promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information, visit www.biggame.org.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

USA SHOOTING TEAM SHINES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 20, 2011)—With eight medals, two world records and a third-place overall finish, the USA Shooting Team is returning from the World Clay Target Championships in Serbia with plenty of optimism about the Olympics of 2012—and beyond.

Olympic veterans Sgt. Glenn Eller and Kim Rhode both earned bronze medals. Rhode, already qualified for next year’s London Games, once again established herself as a top contender.

But a special bright spot in Serbia was the performance of America’s junior shooters (20 and under). The junior team, which attended the competition thanks to sponsorship from the Dallas Safari Club (DSC), earned six of America’s eight total medals. And it was juniors who set both of the new world records.

“This event is unique in that juniors are afforded the opportunity to compete on an international stage against the best junior shooters in the world. It is invaluable experience. And with a six-medal performance, I’d say our future is in good hands,” said National Shotgun Coach Bret Erickson. He added, “Our strong junior presence would not have been possible without funding from DSC. We’re grateful for this support because, without it, many of our juniors would not have been able to attend or represent the United States.”

Junior shooters showed appreciation by competing with DSC logos on team shirts and caps.

Highlights from Serbia:

Junior Men’s Double Trap

The American team, Billy Crawford (Johnstown, Ohio), Private First Class Derek Haldeman (Sunbury, Ohio) and Ian Rupert (Muncy, Pa.) smashed a world record that had stood since 1998. The American’s total of 428 was 13 targets better than the old mark. Crawford also set a new junior world record with 147 out of 150 targets.

Men’s Double Trap
Eller (Katy, Texas), the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, showed tenacity as he charged through 36 shoot-off targets to advance to the final. He then attacked the final with 45 out of 50 targets to find himself in another shoot-off, this time for the bronze. Eller silenced Vitaly Forkeev of Russia after only four targets to earn a place on the medal stand.

Women’s Skeet

Four-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.) shot 72 match targets to tie four other shooters for only three spots in the final. It took Rhode just four targets in a shoot-off to earn her spot in the finals. In a final-round shoot-off against China’s Wei Ning, Rhode hit seven targets to Ning’s eight and captured the bronze.  

Junior Women’s Skeet

Morgan Craft (Hughesville, Pa.) fired 68 out of 75 match targets to tie with Lucie Anastassiou of France, with a silver medal at stake. In a shoot-off, Craft shot one target to Anastassiou’s two, giving the U.S. shooter the bronze. The team, which also included Brandy Drozd (Bryan, Texas) and Riley Moody (Collinsville, Okla.), won the team bronze medal.

Junior Women’s Trap

Delivering the performance of her career was Janessa Beaman (Elbert, Colo.), who earned the title of Junior Women’s Trap Champion. Beaman finished with 70 out 75 targets for an uncontested gold medal and a new personal best. Teammates Miranda Wilder (Diana, Texas) finished in fifth place and Ashley Carroll (Solvang, Calif.) in tenth, securing a team gold medal.

Overall, the U.S. finished third in the medal standings behind Russia and China with eight total medals.

Members of the USA Shooting Team are returning home to prepare for the first leg of the U.S. Olympic trials for shotgun beginning Sept. 22 in Kerrville, Texas.

Winchester® Ammunition is a proud sponsor of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team and its exclusive ammunition sponsor and supplier since 1999.

 

 

About USA Shooting:

USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

CALIFORNIAN TO RECEIVE CONKLIN AWARD AT DSC CONVENTION

DALLAS (Sept. 7, 2011)—A California sportsman will receive one of hunting’s highest honors at a ceremony held as part of the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) annual convention and expo, Jan. 5-8, 2012, in Dallas.

Kenneth L. Barr of Kelseyville, Calif., is the 2012 recipient of the prestigious Conklin Award.

The award, presented by the Conklin Foundation, has been described as hunting’s “tough guy” award. It recognizes hunters who successfully pursue game in the most difficult terrain and conditions while exhibiting the highest ethical standards and displaying ardent support, vision and leadership in wildlife conservation worldwide.

In North America, Barr has taken all of the big game species available. He has three grand slams of North American wild sheep with three more towards additional slams. He has all of the deer species in numerous multiples. In Africa, he has taken the African big five with five lions, four leopards, seven elephants and numerous Cape buffalo. He has all of the nine spiral horned antelope including all of the bushbuck, two Lord Derby eland and two bongo. He has taken nearly all of the different buffalo subspecies as well as more than a dozen forest duikers. Barr also hunts Asia frequently. Worldwide, he has taken more than 24 different mountain sheep species with a total of 48 specimens, and over 26 different wild goat species with more than 30 different specimens.

Barr will receive the 11^th Annual Conklin Award on Jan. 5, 2012, at the DSC convention. To attend, contact DSC at (972) 980-9800 or visit www.biggame.org.

Named for the late James E. Conklin, M. D., the Conklin award and foundation share a goal of strengthening and fostering support for ethical, fair chase hunting worldwide.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

IT’S GO-TIME FOR USA SHOOTING JUNIOR TEAM, WITH HELP FROM DSC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2011)—It’s go-time for young skeet, trap and double-trap shooters hoping to win a spot in the Olympics of 2012—and beyond.

The USA Shooting Junior Team (20 and under) is headed to the World Clay Target Championship in Belgrade, Serbia, Sept. 3-14, supported by a grant from Dallas Safari Club (DSC).

The DSC grant, given to the USA Shooting Team Foundation, is helping 14 junior shooters (names and hometowns below) accompany the USA Shooting National Team to the elite competition. Goals include qualifying for the Olympics, gaining vital international experience and honorably representing the U.S.

“Our junior team is determined to keep its strong momentum going,” said USA Shooting Team Foundation Executive Director Buddy DuVall. “Last year, they returned from the World Shooting Championships in Munich with seven individual medals and seven team medals. DSC was a big part of that success and we’re honored that the club is helping our youngest athletes realize another opportunity to excel on a world stage.”

DuVall said junior shooters will again show appreciation by competing with DSC logos on team shirts and caps.

DSC Executive Director Ben Carter said, “We’re so proud to help these young athletes make their mark for our country—as well as for our sporting way of life. Many members of the USA Shooting Team come from a hunting and wildlife conservation background, and they’re true ambassadors for our community both at home and abroad.”

The partnership between DSC and USA Shooting has been building for several years. DSC sponsorships are reciprocated by shooting team members assisting with DSC conventions, youth education events, public exhibits and more.

Athletes to Watch

• Caitlin Connor, Jaiden Grinnell, Rachael Heiden, Jon Michael McGrath and Collin Wietfeldt, though technically still juniors, will compete in the open category where they will have the opportunity to earn points toward Olympic qualification.

• Heiden won bronze in the junior competition last year. This year, she has two World Cup medals and is currently the top-ranked women’s trap shooter in the world. If she medals in Belgrade, she will earn a 2012 U.S. Olympic nomination.

• McGrath is a reigning junior world champion and won World Cup gold earlier this year in men’s skeet.

• Grinnell won silver in the junior competition last year. This year, she won a World Cup medal and is currently ranked in the Top 10 in the world along with open teammates Connor and Kim Rhode in women’s skeet.

• Miranda Wilder won a junior women’s trap gold medal at the World Championships last year and earned a spot on the national team with a silver medal finish at the 2010 USAS National Championships for shotgun.

• USA Shooting National Team members Rhode and Staff Sergeant Josh Richmond have already earned 2012 Olympic nominations (pending approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee). Richmond will deploy for Afghanistan following the event. Rhode is chasing Olympic history as she aims for five individual medals in five consecutive Olympiads.

World Shotgun Championships Team Roster

(*USA Shooting Junior Team member sponsored by DSC)

 

Men’s Trap

Ryan Hadden (Pendleton, Ore.)

Lance Bade (Vancouver, Wash.)

Collin Wietfeldt (Hemlock, Mich.)

Junior Men’s Trap

Garrett Walters (Burr Oak, Mich.)*

T.J. Bayer (College Station, Texas)*

Dustin Anderson (Woodstock, Ga.)*

Women’s Trap

Rachael Heiden (Clinton, Mich.)

Corey Cogdell (Eagle River, Alaska)

Caitlin Weinheimer (Kerrville, Texas)

Junior Women’s Trap

Miranda Wilder (Diana, Texas)*

Ashley Carroll (Solvang, Calif.)*

Janessa Beaman (Elbert, Colo.)*

Men’s Double Trap

Josh Richmond (Hillsgrove, Pa.)

Jeff Holguin (Yorba Linda, Calif.)

Glenn Eller (Katy, Texas)

Junior Men’s Double Trap

Derek Haldeman (Sunbury, Ohio)*

Billy Crawford (Johnstown, Ohio)*

Ian Rupert (Muncy, Pa.)*

Men’s Skeet

Vincent Hancock (Eatonton, Ga.)

Jon Michael McGrath (Tulsa, Okla.)

Frank Thompson (Alliance, Neb.)

Junior Men’s Skeet

T.J. Bayer (College Station, Texas)*

Phillip Jungman (Caldwell, Texas)*

Dustin Perry (Crockett, Texas)*

Women’s Skeet

Kim Rhode (El Monte, Calif.)

Caitlin Connor (Winnfield, La.)

Jaiden Grinnell (Port Angeles, Wash.)

Junior Women’s Skeet

Brandy Drozd (Bryan, Texas)*

Morgan Craft (Hughesville, Pa.)*

Riley Moody (Collinsville, Okla.)*

About USA Shooting:

USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

ALASKA GUIDES AND DSC: ‘PREFERRED CONSERVATION PARTNERS’

DALLAS (Aug. 17, 2011)—The Alaska Professional Hunters Association is the newest organization to align with Dallas Safari Club (DSC) as “Preferred Conservation Partners.”

The alliance recognizes each group’s high standards and principles. A new agreement commits both partners to promote the other as a way of reinforcing the best practices in the guiding and outfitting industry, and today’s most effective conservation, education and hunter advocacy efforts.

“We’re proud to stand up with APHA to help ensure the future of hunting,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “This kind of partnership is a new way for like-minded groups to show solidarity for the integrity, ethics, stewardship and leadership that made sportsmen the first and best advocates for conservation.”

APHA Executive Director Robert Fithian said, “Our board of directors was unanimous in support for this new ‘Preferred Conservation Partner’ agreement with DSC. We look forward to a strong partnership for the ultimate benefit of hunters, wildlife and habitat.”

The agreement identifies many cross-promotional opportunities for both organizations in the next three years.

Earlier this year, DSC and the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia entered the first “Preferred Conservation Partner” agreement.

DSC intends to build its network of preferred conservation partners in coming months.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

 

About the Alaska Professional Hunters Association (APHA)

APHA is the voice of the professional guide in Alaska and is dedicated to the wise use of the state’s wildlife resources. Members pledge to uphold the organization’s code of ethics and objectives. For more information, visit www.alaskaprohunter.org.

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

DALLAS (Aug. 4, 2011)—More than 11,000 middle- and high-school students across Texas are headed back to class this fall to learn about conservation, hunting, fishing, archery, orienteering, camping and other outdoor skills. The curriculum, now formally adopted by more than 100 schools (see list below), is part of the Outdoor Adventures education program developed by the Dallas Ecological Foundation.

The Dallas Ecological Foundation is an affiliate of Dallas Safari Club (DSC).

“Outdoor Adventures is designed to introduce students to a lifetime of opportunities in the great outdoors through coursework and activities in their PE classes,” said Scot McClure, program coordinator for the Dallas Ecological Foundation. “This is not your traditional PE course. Instead of teaching PE with basketballs and tennis rackets, we use rods and reels and bows and arrows.”

The curriculum is accredited by the State of Texas and aligns with national education standards.

School participation has grown from 21 to 110 in just the past five years. The program appears poised for continued growth.

McClure said, “Many schools now have a waiting list because Outdoor Adventures classes fill so quickly. Teachers and principals say this is one of the most exciting programs because students need a fun class that motivates them to stay in school and concentrate on all of their studies.”

Educators say enrolled students often see improved self-esteem, attendance, discipline and grades.

Many students also get involved in extracurricular activities, especially at schools where archery teams, fishing clubs, etc., are created as spinoffs of the Outdoor Adventures program.

Joe O’Dell, a PE teacher at Austin Middle School in the Irving Independent School District scheduled over 200 students for Outdoor Adventures this fall, saying, “Outdoor Adventures teaches students how to enjoy the outdoors and truly meets the needs of all our students.”

Teachers in the Outdoor Adventures program receive special training, complete scope and sequence, syllabus, daily lesson plans and cross-curricular opportunities in math, science, writing, technology and other applications, and more.

A key partner is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The agency’s hunter education, boating safety, angler education and National Archery in Schools Program coursework and activities are incorporated into program curriculum.

Other partners include Midway USA Foundation, Inc., Houston Safari Club and numerous private donors.

The Dallas Ecological Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation. Its mission is to serve as a grant and funding medium for public and youth education and wildlife and habitat conservation programs worldwide. Through the foundation, DSC is addressing conservation and education issues worldwide. Learn more at www.dallasecologicalfoundation.org.

Schools participating in the Outdoor Adventures education program include:

High Schools
Allen 9th Campus
Argyle
Arlington
Arlington Bowie
Arlington Lamar
Arlington Martin
Arlington Seguin
Burleson Centennial
Cedar Hill
Chico
Woodlands College Park, Conroe ISD
College Station
Colleyville Heritage
Coppell
Crowley North
East Central San Antonio
Electra
Elkhart
Garland
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie 9th
Grand Prairie Dubinski Career
Grand Prairie South, 9th
Grand Prairie South
Grapevine
Grapevine Colleyville, ISD Bridges
Greenville
Hardin
Irving
Irving Academy
Irving MacArthur
Irving Nimitz
Katy
Keller
Keller Central
Keller Fossil Ridge
Keller Timber Creek
Kountze
Lake Dallas
Lewisville
Lewisville Flower Mound Marcus
Lewisville Hebron
Lewisville The Colony
Lexington
Lovejoy
Mansfield Career/Tech.
McKinney
McKinney Boyd
McKinney North
Mercedes
North Forest
Northwest Byron Nelson
Northwest Justin
Paris
Pasadena
Pasadena Dobie
Pasadena Memorial
Pasadena Rayburn
Pasadena South Houston
Pilot Point
Plano
Plano East
Plano West
Rio Grande City Grulla
Rockwall
Rockwall Heath
Rusk
Somerset
Southlake Carroll
Stephenville
Trinity HEB
University of Texas Charter Schools

Middle Schools
Argyle
East Central Heritage
East Central Legacy
Ennis Junior High
Houston ISD-Lanier
Irving ISD-Austin
Irving ISD-Bowie
Irving ISD-Crockett
Irving ISD-de Zavala
Irving ISD-Houston
Irving ISD-LBJ
Irving ISD-Travis
Joshua Loflin
Lewisville Arbor Creek
Lewisville Creek Valley
Lewisville Delay
Lewisville Downing
Lewisville Durham
Lewisville Griffin
Lewisville Hedrick
Lewisville Huffines
Lewisville Killian
Lewisville Lamar
Lewisville Lakeview
Lewisville McKamy
Lexington
Maypearl Junior High
Mercedes
Mineral Wells
Northwest Pike
Paris Junior High
Prince of Peace Carrollton
Roma Berrera
St. Mary’s in Sherman
Southlake Carroll
Utley-Rockwall
Garner E.S.-GPISD

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.