Dangers and pitfalls of attending SCI

[pigsticker]

I went a little crazy last year booking LDE, roan and kob in Cameroon and darted rhino in SA for 2025; polar bear in April 2026; and mountain nyala and melenik bushbuck in Ethiopia for 2027 so this year I didn’t book anything.

I was given a sweet offer for leopard, buffalo and PG in Botswana for 2025 or 2026 in an area that was previously only open for elephant and leopard. There are some really big buffalo and PG there that have not been hunted in years so that makes it very tempting! Still mulling it over for my son.

Instead of booking anything for myself, I concentrated on helping friends book some great hunts. I helped them book four brown bear hunts, a moose hunt, an elephant hunt in the Naye Naye Conservancy in Bushmanland in Namibia and a bongo hunt in a newer camp in Cameroon where a friend killed a huge bongo last year. I am going along as an observer on the elephant hunt so that should be fun!

sent you a pm

 

[cwpayton]

I went a little crazy last year booking LDE, roan and kob in Cameroon and darted rhino in SA for 2025; polar bear in April 2026; and mountain nyala and melenik bushbuck in Ethiopia for 2027 so this year I didn’t book anything.

I was given a sweet offer for leopard, buffalo and PG in Botswana for 2025 or 2026 in an area that was previously only open for elephant and leopard. There are some really big buffalo and PG there that have not been hunted in years so that makes it very tempting! Still mulling it over for my son.

Instead of booking anything for myself, I concentrated on helping friends book some great hunts. I helped them book four brown bear hunts, a moose hunt, an elephant hunt in the Naye Naye Conservancy in Bushmanland in Namibia and a bongo hunt in a newer camp in Cameroon where a friend killed a huge bongo last year. I am going along as an observer on the elephant hunt so that should be fun!

Dang, I'm up for adoption, my good friend .!!

 

[revturbo9967]

I’m in the middle of booking for Zimbabwe stemming from the DSC show. Next year is Namibia for plains game .

 

[Manny R]

I went to the SCI Show with several purposes in mind. One was to find a Lion hunt this year. I can't tell you how many PH's and others I talked too. Most of the Lion Hunts for 2025 were sold completely out. I found some selling a Lion hunts for $200,000; I SWEAR !!!
Finally I found what I was looking far ...Guy Whittall in the Save Valley of Zimbabwe. We talked for a while many times and got the answers I wanted. I booked the hunt arriving March 29- April 16. It wasn't the cheapest and it wasn't the most expensive but it was what I wanted.
I promised him I would bring a bottle of Blanton's Straight from the barrel Bourbon and we would toast together a great hunt and after we got my Lion we would finish the bottle. I have my airline tickets and I have my Blanton's Bourbon.
Now I need my Lion.

 

[Manny R]

Just out of curiosity has anyone here hunt with Guy or his father Roger Whittall in the Save Valley Humani / Arda of the save valley conservancy?
If you have I would like very very to talk to you ,
Thanks

 

[M70375!]

As much fun as it can be to attend large Convention's and Gun Shows, there are some inherently dangerous aspects. Temptation must be resisted at every turn, and even the slightest lapse in concentration can lead to large credit card statements.

I find myself especially drawn to gunmakers like Holland & Holland, Beretta and Jerrett. Now I need a new 30 cal hunting rifle like I need a hole in the foot, but that never stopped one from following me home from such an event.

Any booth that has free samples made with the BBQ spices and an expensive smoker that they are selling is a Danger Zone. With the small portions, small plates and toothpicks, it often takes 45 minutes before I'm full enough to walk out with my new smoker. About the time I'm in the parking lot, I remember I'm kinda tight on room in my shed because of the Blackstone and Big Green Egg I bought at the last 2 shows.

Then there are some people who just don't play fair. One particular guide has even stated that he will be located in the Rigby booth. This is akin to telling a group of 10 year olds "I'll be in the chocolate ice cream booth next to the cherries and strawberries"!

Tina recently purchased a small wooden dowel rod about a foot and a half in length. Never gave it a second though until I noticed she packed it in her suitcase for our trip to Nashville. I asked what it was for and she replied "It's for you".

I'm thoroughly ashamed to report to you gentlemen that while you are at the show you may hear a loud WHACK, and see me grasping my hand in pain followed by a female voice whispering No No No.

What are you shopping for at the SCI Convention?

BTW, Tina bought tickets for the Grand Ol Opry on Saturday night, but since I'll be sitting in one place with my hands in my lap, I feel pretty safe.

Yes, you are so right, I stopped at the Parkwest exhibit and fell in love with the Savana. I plan on driving over next week, a five hour drive from my home in Wy and test firing a 458 Lott. to see how I like it. I am quite sure I will be leaving a deposit.

 

[AZDAVE]

Lets see, we talked to the outfitter and locked in the after safari side trips for Namibia this year.
Booked a Croatia bear and wild boar for 2026 and a Uganda 2027 safari. Bought a pair of Tract bino's.
Talked with the parkwest guys, they are trying to talk me into a Model 10 full stocked single. Stopped by the Rigby, Westley Richards and Boss booths to just admire their products. Escaped with only a Rigby hat and confirmation my wife's story will be in their next Dagga boy book. Talked with @Tom Leoni at the Chapuis booth and looked at several of his doubles. Went by the Hyem booth. And in general just enjoyed the show.