TTHA sues SCI

[wesheltonj]

I could never figure out why SCI was interested in TTHA, now I know.


Lawsuit alleges thief of membership data

From TTHA

The Texas Trophy Hunters Association received a temporary restraining order against two rival groups, charging that Safari Club International stole its proprietary membership list and provided it to Buckmasters to solicit new members.

The Texas Trophy Hunters Association charges that Safari Club International gained access to TTHA’s confidential membership list during acquisition negotiations with TTHA and violated confidentiality agreements by providing the list to Buckmasters. The TRO asks a court in Bexar County to order the two groups to immediately stop using TTHA’s confidential membership list.

“What happened here is no different than inviting someone to be a guest in your home, only to have them steal your property in the middle of the night. Safari Club International said it wanted to forge a business relationship. Instead, they just wanted to surreptitiously gain access to a competitor’s most valuable asset,” said TTHA’s attorney Regan Marble of the San Antonio office of Jackson Walker.

Safari Club International approached TTHA in 2019 and sought to begin negotiations to acquire the organization as part of an effort to expand its Texas presence. TTHA provided the membership list after both parties specifically agreed that confidential information revealed in the negotiations would not be disclosed to third parties. Shortly after the negotiations broke down, TTHA discovered that its members were receiving solicitations from Buckmasters.

Based in San Antonio, TTHA is a member-based organization dedicated to promoting the sport, science and heritage of hunting. The group produces the “Hunters Extravaganza,” known as the “granddaddy” of consumer hunting shows and publishes “The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters.”

This is not Buckmasters’ first controversy regarding improper membership outreach. In 2017, Buckmasters was sued by the Alabama Attorney General over allegations it had signed up members without authorization. The 10-count Deceptive Trade Practices Act lawsuit was later settled.

“TTHA entered into discussions in good faith,” said Mr. Marble. “Luckily for TTHA members, the true nature of SCI and Buckmasters leaders was revealed before this acquisition took place. They cannot be allowed to continue to engage in these types of dishonorable practices.”

 

[Hogpatrol]

Call me a cynic but I don't doubt there are moles in all of these pro gun and pro hunting organizations intent on mischief.

 

[sierraone]

SCI is virtually broke due to 40 or 50 sub organizations not having their annual dinner/meeting due to the virus, and not sending nice checks to SCI.

Anyone that doubts this read the President and CEO message in the latest Safari Times. They are also giving big discounts to the African outfitters to give them incentive to show up in Vegas this year.

Things are not good. Not sure that DSC is in better shape, but I believe it is.

@wesheltonj ...I agree with you fully when SCI first announced they were combining with TTHA. Why?

 

[WAB]

SCI was already in a serious decline as a result of their own actions. Look at how many of us have shifted to the DSC show as an indicator. COVID, and the resultant downtown in revenue, hit them at a particularly vulnerable time. It’s really a shame. I truly hope that they rediscover themselves and come out of this stronger than ever.

 

[sierraone]

SCI was already in a serious decline as a result of their own actions. Look at how many of us Ihave shifted to the DSC show as an indicator. COVID, and the resultant downtown in revenue, hit them at a particularly vulnerable time. It’s really a shame. I truly hope that they rediscover themselves and come out of this stronger than ever.

I took their magazine during the first few years I was a member. Then IMO the magazine went down hill fast. They started having stories about investing in oil futures. I started receiving mailings of the same. Within a few months I stopped receiving the magazine and have only taken the digital version for some years now. I have never been to a SCI convention. My first DSC convention was in 1990. So for anyone that didn't know where my loyalties lie, now you do.

 

[375Fox]

I took their magazine during the first few years I was a member. Then IMO the magazine went down hill fast. They started having stories about investing in oil futures. I started receiving mailings of the same. Within a few months I stopped receiving the magazine and have only taken the digital version for some years now. I have never been to a SCI convention. My first DSC convention was in 1990. So for anyone that didn't know where my loyalties lie, now you do.

I agree with you on the magazine. I used to really enjoy reading the articles now I flip through for 5 minutes and usually decide there isn’t much of any interest to me, really too bad.