Countdown to DSC 2017 Convention Begins

DALLAS – The biggest hunting, sporting and conservation showcase in Texas is just three months away. 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 2016 DSC 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.   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.   “Each year, we see new and phenomenal growth for the convention,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “The convention has expanded to include attendees from across the world and will feature some of the most prominent members of the hunting community. We are expecting another great year of fundraising and are looking forward to seeing new faces.”   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.

DSCF Grant Supports K9 Anti-Poaching Unit

DALLAS – DSC and DSC Foundation (DSCF) grants are once again going directly to funding conservation and anti-poaching activities for wildlife. DSC and DSCF granted funds to build and sustain the South African Rhino Protection Programme’s K9 unit, trained and housed at the South African Wildlife College (SAWC). The tracking dogs team with field rangers in finding and capturing suspected poachers.    Specifically, the grants will be used to build dog kennels and support operational expenses, including feed and training. Without the K9 unit, field rangers are left at a distinct disadvantage. The success rate is approximately 30 to 1 when comparing a ranger team with a K9 asset to one without. In the near future, the K9 facility at SAWC will be available to train rangers from other countries in southern Africa.    The K9 unit is part of an overall five-point strategy of the South African Rhino Protection Programme, which is designed to strengthen rhino conservation efforts.   “It is our duty as hunters to promote the conservation of wild game,” said DSCF President Jim Tolson. “Poaching is the most serious threat to African big game. DSCF is proud to put our money on the front lines of this fight.”   Over the past five years, DSC and DSCF have provided more than $5 million for conservation and anti-poaching efforts globally.    Established in 1996, the South African Wildlife College has trained more than 14,000 individuals from 46 different countries in natural resource management and conservation practices.

USFWS Disappoints DSC with Final Rule for Alaska Wildlife Refuges

DALLAS – DSC is dissatisfied with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) final rule pertaining to management of wildlife in Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuges. The ruling takes away Alaska’s authority to set predator control regulations and other established means and methods of hunting in the state’s 77 million acres of refuges. The rule goes against decades of legal precedent and pre-empts Alaska’s authority to manage its wildlife.   “The impact of this ruling could be felt for generations and may possibly be the first of many government overreaches that directly affect our traditional hunting heritage,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “Wildlife Refuges in Alaska will now be under the direct influence of a governmental body that has routinely capitulated to the emotions of anti-hunters.”   With the declaration, the USFWS has usurped Alaska’s authority to manage the publicly owned wildlife. Not only has Congress previously directed that the state has the primary authority to managing rules for wildlife, the USFWS ruling conflicts with the provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.    DSC agrees with U.S. Congressman Don Young, of Alaska, when he characterized this ruling as “an unilateral power grab.” This intervention could stand as a dangerous precedent for future exploitations to take control of traditional and successful state management of wildlife.   “Hunters across America should take notice of this evolving situation,” said Carter. “Our rights to hunt are being methodically eroded. If we don’t protect these rights now, it is only a matter of time before we lose our proud heritage.”

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 Names Peter Blackwell as Artist of the Year

DALLAS – A tradition since 2002, DSC chooses an outstanding outdoor wildlife artist who exhibits dedication to conservation, outdoor education and hunting as DSC Artist of the Year. For 2017, DSC has selected Peter Blackwell of Kenya for his ability to bring wildlife to life through his fresh and innovative paintings.    Growing up on a remote farm in northern Kenya, Blackwell was fascinated with Africa’s diverse wildlife and the African bush. The artist built a reputation for his ability to accurately portray wildlife, including an amazing talent for capturing the fine intricate work of precise feathering.    “Peter’s artwork captures the landscape and wildlife of a place that many of our members have come to call a second home,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “For years, Peter has been generous in donating his works to DSC to help raise money for our conservation efforts. His dedication to his craft and his love of wildlife and wild places is certainly deserving of this recognition.”   This honor includes a special promotion for the artist during the 2017 DSC Convention in Dallas as well as one of Blackwell’s paintings being featured on the cover of DSC’s Convention issue of Game Trails magazine. The artist will be presented with an award at the convention’s prominent Wednesday night banquet. Blackwell joins a long list of artists acclaimed as the DSC Artist of the Year, including Jan Martin McGuire, John Seerey-Lester, John Banovich and Kobus Muller.    The 2017 DSC Convention is set for Jan. 5-8 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and purchase Blackwell’s art, along with many other outdoor artists’ works.

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 Petition for Leopard Uplisting

Op-Ed by Ben Carter Executive Director Dallas Safari Club   In light of a recent petition submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider the listing status of the African leopard, DSC firmly reasserts its stance on well-regulated hunting’s critical and integral role in wildlife conservation.    Anti-hunters readily step to the podium to spout misinformation and demonize hunters who legally take game. But, how many times have they opened up their wallets to truly make a difference where conservation actually happens? Now is the time for these groups to put up or shut up. Put up cash, put boots on the ground, get your hands dirty – anything other than the tried-and-true method of emotional manipulation of a misinformed public and bogging down the work and progress of the USFWS.   Contrary to the popular outcry from animal rights groups that well-regulated hunting is one of the main causes in the decline of leopard populations, scientific evidence tells another story that includes habitat loss, human-leopard conflicts and depletion of prey base species. Removing hunters and the much needed revenues generated from the system of conservation will have little to no effect on these pressing issues.   One of the first steps to leopard recovery will be changing the mindset of local communities to see the leopard as an economically viable asset instead of a threat to their livelihoods and safety of their families. Hunting brings in needed revenues to communities and helps incorporate a healthy leopard population as a local necessity.    While anti-hunters have difficulty comprehending how the legal hunting of some animals benefits the species as a whole, there is a successful precedent for this system of conservation – the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.   A century ago, many of the big-game animals routinely hunted now would have been considered ‘endangered’ then. Through rigorous management, scientific policymaking and revenues generated by hunters, these animals have rebounded and flourish across the continent. This success is always ignored by those who only want to ban hunting completely.   As was the case more than 100 years ago, the cost of conservation falls on the shoulders of outdoorsmen. According to Jim Tolson, chairman of the newly formed DSC Foundation, DSC and the DSC Foundation have directly provided more than $5 million in funds over the last five years for conservation efforts globally. One of the latest grants from the DSC Foundation has gone to Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching group in Mozambique.    The dedicated group of rangers and scouts have spent the last 20 years combating the most critical threat to the area’s wildlife – rampant poaching. Over the course of their service, animal populations have rebounded by staggering numbers. Achieving such success in the midst of legal hunting may come as a surprise to some. In fact, it is due solely to hunting and hunting groups. One hundred percent of Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching’s operation budget is derived from hunting or generous donations from groups such as DSC and DSC Foundation.    DSC will continue to advocate for sustainable use over senseless, emotionally-driven rhetoric. DSC has the pride of knowing our efforts are paying dividends for the future of wildlife.

About DSC (Dallas Safari Club) 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.

DSCF Grant Supports Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching

DALLAS – As part of its ongoing mission to ensure the future of wildlife and hunting, DSC Foundation (DSCF) recently granted funds to help support Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching and their successful anti-poaching efforts in Mozambique. The funds provided go directly to purchasing fuel for the group’s helicopter, which has helped to dramatically reduce poaching in the area.   “While anti-hunting groups talk about saving animals, DSC, DSCF and hunters are actively doing so,” said DSCF President Jim Tolson. “Revenues generated from hunters and funds provided by groups like DSC and DSCF are critical to the success of the day-to-day efforts to combat the leading threat to African wildlife – poaching.”   Wildlife in Mozambique was decimated after 30 years of civil war. By 1994, animal counts were dismal due to rampant poaching. To mitigate the damage, Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris helped assemble the Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching group. Since then, the group has continued to grow in numbers and effectiveness.    “When we first started it wasn’t uncommon to drive for several hours without seeing a single animal,” said Haldane. “We have grown over the last two decades and experienced staggering population recoveries and a decrease in poaching activities.”   Since the first count after the civil war, sable populations have grown from 44 in 1994 to over 3,000 today. The area also has the only viable population of Selous’ zebra. The group started with five zebras in 1994 and now boast close to 1,000. Buffalo numbers have increased from 1,200 in the mid-90s to the current population of 22,000. The increase in populations can be applied to virtually all species in the region.    The group’s success is due to vigilant patrolling and the removal and destruction of snares and traps. The year-round, anti-poaching activities have led to hundreds of arrests. Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching consists of 23 dedicated individuals, seven fast-response motorcycles, a Land Cruiser and their most effective tool – an R22 helicopter. When flown regularly, the group found a noticeable and distinct drop in poacher movement.    Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching is solely funded by revenues derived from hunters and donated funds. The helicopter is deployed around five hours a week with a yearly, direct running cost of approximately $70,000. Funds from the DSC and DSCF grant go directly to help offset these costs and are part of the overall success of the group. The achievements gained by Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching are an excellent example of how hunting and conservation’s mutual relationship benefit wildlife in Africa.

About DSCF DSC Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the mission of Dallas Safari Club through grants to like-minded organizations and Foundation initiatives. DSC Foundation is seeking tax exempt status under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Learn more about DSC Foundation at www.dscf.org. About DSC (Dallas Safari Club) Formally introduced in 2015 as an official member of the IUCN, the United Nations’ International Union for the Conservation of Nature, DSC is increasingly recognized as an international leader in conservation. DSC’s mission is 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.

DSCF Grant Supports Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching

DALLAS – As part of its ongoing mission to ensure the future of wildlife and hunting, DSC Foundation (DSCF) recently granted funds to help support Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching and their successful anti-poaching efforts in Mozambique. The funds provided go directly to purchasing fuel for the group’s helicopter, which has helped to dramatically reduce poaching in the area.   “While anti-hunting groups talk about saving animals, DSC, DSCF and hunters are actively doing so,” said DSCF President Jim Tolson. “Revenues generated from hunters and funds provided by groups like DSC and DSCF are critical to the success of the day-to-day efforts to combat the leading threat to African wildlife – poaching.”   Wildlife in Mozambique was decimated after 30 years of civil war. By 1994, animal counts were dismal due to rampant poaching. To mitigate the damage, Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris helped assemble the Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching group. Since then, the group has continued to grow in numbers and effectiveness.    “When we first started it wasn’t uncommon to drive for several hours without seeing a single animal,” said Haldane. “We have grown over the last two decades and experienced staggering population recoveries and a decrease in poaching activities.”   Since the first count after the civil war, sable populations have grown from 44 in 1994 to over 3,000 today. The area also has the only viable population of Selous’ zebra. The group started with five zebras in 1994 and now boast close to 1,000. Buffalo numbers have increased from 1,200 in the mid-90s to the current population of 22,000. The increase in populations can be applied to virtually all species in the region.    The group’s success is due to vigilant patrolling and the removal and destruction of snares and traps. The year-round, anti-poaching activities have led to hundreds of arrests. Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching consists of 23 dedicated individuals, seven fast-response motorcycles, a Land Cruiser and their most effective tool – an R22 helicopter. When flown regularly, the group found a noticeable and distinct drop in poacher movement.    Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching is solely funded by revenues derived from hunters and donated funds. The helicopter is deployed around five hours a week with a yearly, direct running cost of approximately $70,000. Funds from the DSC and DSCF grant go directly to help offset these costs and are part of the overall success of the group. The achievements gained by Zambeze Delta Anti-Poaching are an excellent example of how hunting and conservation’s mutual relationship benefit wildlife in Africa.

About DSCF DSC Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the mission of Dallas Safari Club through grants to like-minded organizations and Foundation initiatives. DSC Foundation is seeking tax exempt status under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Learn more about DSC Foundation at www.dscf.org. About DSC (Dallas Safari Club) Formally introduced in 2015 as an official member of the IUCN, the United Nations’ International Union for the Conservation of Nature, DSC is increasingly recognized as an international leader in conservation. DSC’s mission is 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 and DSC Foundation Grant Total Surpasses $5 Million

DALLAS – Over the last five years, DSC and the DSC Foundation have granted more than $5 million for wildlife conservation, public education and hunter advocacy causes worldwide. Grants for the fiscal year of 2015-2016 came to well over $1 million.   For four straight years, DSC has granted over $1 million in grants for important projects, in keeping with its vision as a society that values wildlife, engages in its conservation and understands and supports the role of well-regulated hunting in the sustainable use of wild resources.    Funded projects range from lobbying Congress for beneficial legislation and bolstering anti-poaching efforts and assisting orphaned rhinos in Africa to renewing life insurance policies for game wardens in Texas.    DSC generates most of these funds from the annual DSC Convention and Sporting Expo held each January. The 2017 event is slated Jan. 5-8 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.    “With the popularity and success of our annual convention, we are able to provide financial assistance to our DSC Foundation, as well as to groups who are on the front lines of wildlife conservation, education and hunter advocacy. These funds go directly to people who are making a difference for wildlife and ensuring the future of hunting worldwide,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director.   A brief short list of groups funded by DSC and DSC Foundation:   Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia National Wild Turkey Federation Conservation Force Hunters for the Hungry International Professional Hunter’s Association NRA Institute for Legislative Action Operation Game Thief The Wildlife Society, Inc. Zimbabwe Professional Hunters & Guides Association Park Cities Quail  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Institute Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Texas Outdoor Writers Association, Inc. Tread Lightly!, Inc. Namibia Professional Hunters Association Conservation Visions Inc. Delta Waterfowl

About DSC (Dallas Safari Club) 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 New Chapter System and 2016 Convention Event Highlights

DALLAS – Dallas Safari Club (DSC), a globally focused hunting conservation organization based in Dallas, announces the launch of a chapter affiliation program. Under the new chapter program, like-minded conservation groups without geographical ties to the organization will be eligible to seek local DSC chapter status and be an influential part in achieving DSC’s vision of a society that values wildlife, engages in its conservation, and understands and supports the role of well-regulated hunting in the sustainable use of wild resources.   Since its start in 1982, DSC has functioned as an independent organization located in Dallas. As news of the club’s successful efforts spread, so too did its membership ranks, which swelled to more than 6,000 members around the world by the start of 2015.   “Over the last four years, DSC has given grants totaling more than $5 million to directly support its mission statement of conservation, education and protecting hunters’ rights,” DSC Executive Director Ben Carter said. “DSC’s leadership role in the conservation world combined with our consistent membership growth and record-breaking convention attendance figures led to a lot of membership interest from groups outside the Dallas area. We’re excited to begin the process of adding those groups to the DSC family.”   The announcement of DSC’s chapter program comes as the organization continues preparations for its “Conservation” convention. More than 50,000 attendees are expected at the 2016 DSC Annual Convention, which will run January 7-10 at the Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.  The upcoming convention will draw exhibitors and attendees from around the world, filling more than 800,000 square feet of convention center space with over 1000 exhibitors filling 1800 exhibits.   Events scheduled for the 2016 DSC Annual Convention include the presentation of the Weatherby Award, one of hunting’s most prestigious honors, which will be presented during a banquet on Wednesday, January 6 inside the Omni Hotel Ballroom where all of the 2016 DSC Annual Convention’s nightly banquets and auctions will take place.   Presentation of the Conklin Award, a prestigious honor informally referred to as hunting’s “Tough Guy” award, will be presented at a banquet on Thursday, January 7. Friday, January 8, will be the DSC Foundation banquet.   On Saturday, January 9, DSC will present its most prestigious honor, the Capstick Award, at a black-tie banquet capped by DSC’s spectacular live auction.  The auction will feature exotic trips, the world’s finest firearms; original works of art, custom jewelry and furs among the many lots up for bid.   Other events scheduled in conjunction with the 2016 DSC Annual Convention include Friday’s Ladies Luncheon, as well as Saturday morning’s Life Member Breakfast, where the keynote speaker will be world-renowned hunter Jim Shockey.  In addition, the annual Exhibitor’s Welcome Party will take place on Wednesday night at the world famous Gilley’s in Dallas.   The DSC ANNUAL Convention is the organization’s largest fundraiser and provides the resources necessary to continue DSC’s mission which benefits all sportsmen and women.  This active support of conservation and education are the cornerstones of the group’s efforts to protect hunters’ rights worldwide.   Details about becoming a DSC chapter will be available soon on our website. Please visitwww.biggame.org.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Formally introduced in 2015 as an official member of the IUCN, the United Nations’ International Union for the Conservation of Nature, DSC is increasingly recognized as an international leader in conservation. DSC’s mission is 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 International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation

DALLAS – An international assembly of conservationists representing 86 countries has been selected to receive highest award given by DSC. The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), a politically independent advisory body which aims to preserve wild game and hunting, will receive the Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award during DSC’s 2016 convention and sporting expo, Jan. 7-10, in Dallas. DSC and the Dallas Ecological Foundation present the Capstick Award to recognize exemplary leadership in conservation, education, hunting, humanitarian causes, research, permanent endowments and charitable giving. “We’re proud of our long relationship with CIC,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “This is an organization that promotes, on a global scale, sustainable use of wildlife resources and hunting as a tool for conservation. It works with governments, international environmental organizations, UN institutions and public authorities, all with the vision of helping the world better understand how sustainable hunting benefits both people and nature.” Carter specifically recalled CIC’s quick support of DSC in 2013, after DSC advanced the concept of self-imposed harvest restrictions among lion hunters. DSC defined the ideal huntable male lion as “at least six years of age and not known to head a pride or be part of a coalition heading a pride with dependent cubs.” Research shows that overharvest of young male lions could reduce lion populations overall, a concern for conservation and management of this iconic species. However, hunting older male lions has no negative effect on populations. Restricting harvest to this surplus segment of the population will conserve lions as well as the beneficial overall support of conservation that lion hunters bring to Africa. “More than 70 major safari operators, hunting industry leaders and top conservationists quickly pledged support for our lion policy. Then, at a meeting in Budapest (Hungary), the CIC adopted a policy similar to ours, which added an even larger international voice for lions, lion hunting and lion conservation,” said Carter. The CIC is, of course, involved in countless other hunting and conservation issues worldwide. To learn more, visit the CIC website at www.cic-wildlife.org. The Capstick Award is named for the well-known American author whose defense of hunting and conservation made him an outdoor legend. Past 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, Dan Pedrotti of Corpus Christi, Texas, Christiane Underberg of Rheinberg, Germany, John and Chrissie Jackson of Metairie, La., and Dr. Red Duke of Houston. The DSC convention and sporting expo, Jan. 7-10, will feature seminars, auctions, banquets, entertainment and awards. The public-welcome exhibit hall annually draws some 40,000 attendees. It all serves as the primary fundraiser for the club’s mission to conserve wildlife and wilderness lands, educate youth and the general public, and promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. For more information, visit www.biggame.org.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Formally introduced in 2015 as an official member of the IUCN, the United Nations’ International Union for the Conservation of Nature, DSC is increasingly recognized as an international leader in conservation. DSC’s mission is 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.