Tucson, AZ – From the outside looking in, a non-hunter might find it hard to comprehend. What needs to be understood is that hunters have a deep care and passion for the animals they pursue to ensure that a healthy population of that resource remains.
Hunters commit a large amount of resources and time to help promote species of game to sustainable levels to be able to pursue them for hunting.
The impact of hunters on the African lion has become a hot button issue, to say the least, over the past few years. What should be a discussion based on science has turned into an emotionally charged topic.
Hunting has proven to bring large amounts of money to many African countries. These hunters not only help support the local economies, but also help protect and promote local wildlife. In the Keeping the Lions Share Report, from 2008 to 2011, hunters generated $75 million for Tanzania’s economy alone.
But when it comes to the African lion itself, hunters have again stepped up to the plate to continue to conserve them with science based management and on-the-ground efforts with antipoaching.
Since 2007, Safari Club International has spent over $1.1 million in research efforts, including lion population surveys in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Studies conducted also researched genetics and health of local wildlife populations. Providing key information to wildlife officials and biologists is essential to ensure science-based decisions are made in conservation.
At the 2013 SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention, hunters showed their support for the African lion by raising $1.4 million. Through the SCI Foundation, the money raised for African lions will help deal with illegal poaching, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, and support ground-breaking research.
Funding for SCI’s efforts comes primarily from their Annual Hunters’ Convention, the Ultimate Hunters’ Market. This year’s 42nd Annual Hunters’ Convention will have every possible hunting expedition, safari, fishing excursion and fine firearm on display for sportsmen and women of every interest level. Six continents of adventure and wonder are under one roof at SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention. There are dozens of informative and educational seminars designed to provide attendees the opportunity to learn new hunting techniques or refine old ones on countless topics that appeal to the hunting sportsman.
The 2014 Convention runs from February 5-8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For more information, to join or register, visit www.showsci.org or call 1-888-746-9724.
About the SCI Hunters’ Convention:
Safari Club expects upwards of 24,000 international hunters to visitLas Vegas, Nevada, February 5-8, 2014. The SCI Hunters’ Convention represents the largest and most successful event to raise money for advocacy to protect hunters’ rights. The 2014 Hunters Convention will be the largest in the organization’s history with nearly a million square feet of exhibits and 2,500 vendors.
