SCI 2025 News & TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS

[Rare Breed]

That is the case. Higher value of donation = more points.
I've been in contact with the "powers that be" and hope to have something positive to report this week still.

Let us know how we can help my friend!!!

 

[375Fox]

I would invite the SCI outfitters to start attending NRA’s outdoor show in Harrisburg and Denver’s outdoor show. There are always other great choices.

I think the nature of that show would have to change to attract outfitters for the marketing cost they’d need to spend. It’s more of a tourist attraction show to me, not a show where people go to book serious hunts. In 4 days at SCI or DSC I’d expect outfitters would get double the interest and bookings compared to 9 days at Harrisburg, especially for higher cost hunts. Harrisburg just isn’t a business oriented show in my opinion.

 

[LivingTheDream]

Harrisburg just isn’t a business oriented show in my opinion

I would agree with that, and I have booked a hunt or two while there. But I am mostly going to see some friends.

 

[Scanos]

If a first class outfitter like Tsala cannot get into the SCI show after being there last year and putting down a deposit for this year, because someone else put down a higher donation, that is a problem. Was Tsala asked if they wanted to make a larger donation? Are we going to have a bidding war of donations over the last few booth spaces? It seems like a fundamentally flawed system. I also agree it puts family owned outfitters at a disadvantage. Tsala is one of the really special outfitters of any size out there. SCI needs to reevaluate their priorities. They should look at how to ensure access for family owned outfitters that have been long time members and contributors.

 

[375Fox]

If a first class outfitter like Tsala cannot get into the SCI show after being there last year and putting down a deposit for this year, because someone else put down a higher donation, that is a problem. Was Tsala asked if they wanted to make a larger donation? Are we going to have a bidding war of donations over the last few booth spaces? It seems like a fundamentally flawed system. I also agree it puts family owned outfitters at a disadvantage. Tsala is one of the really special outfitters of any size out there. SCI needs to reevaluate their priorities. They should look at how to ensure access for family owned outfitters that have been long time members and contributors.

I have zero stake in this. I understand Tsala’s past clients are unhappy, but the SCI and DSC shows exist to make money for those organizations not a charity to outfitters. Any Business/organization would need to prioritize what brings in the most clients and most revenue. I’d also point out Tsala hasn’t contributed to this thread or made a public statement. It’s to their benefit to work it out quietly rather than put a negative spotlight on SCI.

Edit: I should add there is one outfitter that exhibits at both shows I don’t feel should be there. They can make large donations but not put any money back into their declining areas. I don’t like it but understand what the system is.

 

[flatwater bill]

I disagree. The shows DO exist to make money, but once they accept your deposit, they have implicitly agreed to your booth. To change their minds because a bigger hunt is donated is failing to honor their commitment. On AH classified, when you say SPF you don't simply cancel the sale because someone offers more. It would mean that one's word was worthless. That would be wrong. SCI is in the wrong here.................FWB

 

[DieJager]

It's all about the Benjamins

 

[wesheltonj]

Someone donates a Big 5 or a PG hunt, which outfitter is going to get the space? Easy answer.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I really enjoy the Harrisburg show, it's just a 3 hour drive for me. The one issue you get into with the Harrisburg show is that it is 8 days, that's a long show for most outfitters to attend.

It is a long event. I've only been twice due to travel distance and other schedule conflicts. The Great American Outdoors Show was packed every day I attended. Plenty of parking, but have to get there early to get a parking spot near the event building.

 

[Mountaineer]

The show brings 200,000 attendees. It’s always packed.

 

[thi9elsp]

There is always what is “right”. That can have a different meaning either side of the table. I fully appreciate those on Tsala’s side while understanding the SCI side. As a lifetime member of SCI I would prefer Tsala had their booth as expected.

But, I provide the following as an example where it worked out well for both parties.

I hunted with a first year master guide in Alaska in 2004. In 2005 he had his first booth at DSC. Bad location and small. He started donating (DSC and SCI) at the same time. He now has his pick of locations in both conventions and is beyond successful. Not everyone can or is willing to take on the risks he took for the long term return. For him it has paid off

 

[Fixfire]

That is the case. Higher value of donation = more points.
I've been in contact with the "powers that be" and hope to have something positive to report this week still.

@BnC 04 Any update?!?!

 

[BnC 04]

@BnC 04 Any update?!?!

All I can/will say is that the proper person in a decision making level is aware and looking into the situation.
Fingers crossed it goes the way we are expecting(hoping).

Nathan

 

[358 Norma]

All I can/will say is that the proper person in a decision making level is aware and looking into the situation.
Fingers crossed it goes the way we are expecting(hoping).

Nathan

Any updates?

 

[Andrew62]

Any updates?

Just messaged with Jo, Tsala has not yet heard anything from SCI about getting a booth.