I’d like to know other’s input on attending the event in (MN) Hinckley this year. I went to Vegas SCI in 2017 and 2018, so I’m expecting a much different event. Is it worth it to attend? Should I bring my non-hunter wife? Will there be vendors present? Any input is much appreciated.
Hi Tra3 - This is late input, for this year anyway, but thought I'd provide feedback in case you ponder attendance in future years. The Lake Superior Chapter SCI fundraiser, held annually at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, is an incredible event every year in my opinion. Of course, it's much smaller than the annual international SCI conventions, but is one of the largest SCI chapter events in the world. Whenever I can make my schedule work, my wife and I fly in for it from Colorado. The people are all terrific (attendees, chapter board, exhibitors). 500 people at the Friday evening event and at least 100 more on Saturday night is what I've experienced when attending, and I've not been able to make it the last couple of years. Definitely worth your attending.
I went to the show in Minneapolis this year. Just so happened to be during one of our big snow storm so wasn’t crazy busy. My brother-in-law came with me and just happened to know the mc at the show. He and the auctioneer are also the same at the Hinkley show. We got to talking and he said the Hinkley show is way better. I personally have never been but that is there input.
This is helpful! Thank you both. Due to family obligations I could not attend. I will plan to do so in the future. I’m hoping to get to know more SCI folks in the area. So much of my free time is focused on hunting, I might as well meet more people and learn more!
Having previously attended to Minneapolis event also, I would have to agree that the Lake Superior Chapter event in Hinckley is a better, larger, more attended event.
I attended Iowa, MN in Minneapolis, and Hinckley last year. This year only Iowa. I waited until the last minute on Hinkley this year because of potential schedule conflicts, and then it was sold out. Iowa was also sold out. I doubt the Minneapolis one would have sold out with perfect weather. Different vibe at the Minneapolis Minnesota one. Iowa is great in that it is very well run by competent and very friendly folks. And it is one day and done. If you want to take in everything at Hinckley including a couple shooting events. It runs Thursday through Sunday so a big weekend. I have no idea how the money raised in Minneapolis is spent. Both Iowa and Hinckley lay it out in the open and show you. I also think these two do try to vet the donations. In Iowa they lay out folders with details on what they are auctioning off so if you are interested in buying a hunt, you should and can read the fine print details that may not be all supplied during the heat of the auction.
@ActionBob thanks for the input. Have you seen an AH get together at the SCI shows? That might be fun to organize in the next cycle. BTW: I shoot a fair amount at the Lakeshore Conservation Club by Brainerd/Nisswa. Are you in that area?
No I have not seen an AH get together at any of these local SCI events. And yes we could try to arrange something next year. I was a member at that range though I think 2016. But I was there mostly week days and often had the place to myself. Then I sold my lake house and bought this hunting shack on the other side of Mil Lacs. Now I have room to shoot off my back deck
