SCI convention

[Hornedfrogbbq]

It is killing me not to be there. I know it isearly but 2 days are down already. Anyone have first impressions? Who booked with? Guns purchased?

 

[CAustin]

It is killing me not to be there. I know it isearly but 2 days are down already. Anyone have first impressions? Who booked with? Guns purchased?

It’s a good show. No bookings for me yet. Plenty on fine boom sticks and two pipes to drool over.

 

[Hedge774]

I'll be there tomorrow with bells on.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

Send pics everyone!

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I’ve had a great experience so far. I like the location and set up.

Reached several milestones:

1. Booked Ele, Buff, Tiny 10, PG, small cats hunt for Bots, Moz, and SA for Oct 2026.

2. Got good quote and dates for Spain for Ibex, Chamois, Mouflon, Roe Deer, Iberian Red Deer, Wild Boar, and possibly a Fallow… Then extend my stay to take in a F1 Race and finish with 3 days of fishing on Canary Islands. Talked my Girlfriend into going too…

3. Got a good quote and dates for BC Moose, Whitetail, and Lynx plus a wolf tag. 12 Days in Nov 2027.

4. Got a good quote and dates for Scotland for December this year for 5 days hunting Red Stag and Roe Deer. Then I’ll stay another 5 days to see the sites and pay my respects. My grandfather was named William Wallace, so it’s time I made the pilgrimage.

5. Got a good quote and dates for a 2027 Caribou hunt. Still need to sort that out.

6. Meeting an outfitter early tomorrow for breakfast to talk about Yukon Moose Hunt.

7. Got fitted for Kenetrek (Mountain Extreme 400) boots and will likely order those tomorrow.

8. Talked to Ty at MOA Rifles and spec’d out a custom Left Hand 7MM REM MAG, but likely go with a 7 PRC Extreme MTNR with 22” barrel and a pretty small, but effective can. Although Ty is trying to talk me into a 20” barrel…

9. Getting a quote from Gracy for my Africa flights with Emirates through Dubai to get to Joberg in the morning. Then catch my next flight to Moz.

10. Stopped at Heym to discuss time frame and options on a LH Double in 500 NE. 2 Years timeframe…

11. Spent some time with my NZ outfitter. He was eager to show me how many of my videos made it in his promo. They actually came out pretty good considering they were filmed on an iPhone through a spotting scope.

12. Got a quote and dates from a Saskatchewan outfitter for ducks and geese for 2027. For a group of 10 people.

13. Tried on some Arctic Parkas. Expensive!

14. Talked to SWIFT about some 450 bullets. May pick up a box of each A-Frame Heavy and Break-Away Solids. Prices are going up, again!

Tomorrow will be locking in contracts and paying out more deposits. Then dinner with some of AH’s finest!

 

[wesheltonj]

. . . 2. Got good quote and dates for Spain for Ibex, Chamois, Mouflon, Roe Deer, Iberian Red Deer, Wild Boar, and possibly a Fallow… Then extend my stay to take in a F1 Race and finish with 3 days of fishing on Canary Islands. Talked my Girlfriend into going too…

. . .9. Getting a quote from Gracy for my Africa flights with Emirates through Dubai to get to Joberg in the morning. Then catch my next flight to Moz.

2. - Make sure on your Spain quotes it's all in. Otherwise it's 21% VAT on top.

9. Did you use Nicole, Hannah, Shawn, Debbie, Gio? Nicole is the best.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

2. - Make sure on your Spain quotes it's all in. Otherwise it's 21% VAT on top.

9. Did you use Nicole, Hannah, Shawn, Debbie, Gio? Nicole is the best.

2. Good point. -includes VAT, my GF’s rate, and optional tour guide and driver for her if she wants a shopping day or sightseeing on her own.

9. Debbie and I’ve used Debbie before… I’m certain they were all there/here at SCI.

Thanks!

 

[Andrew62]

I won’t be there either, certainly planned on being there, life just gets in the way of plans sometimes.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

I’ve had a great experience so far. I like the location and set up.

Reached several milestones:

1. Booked Ele, Buff, Tiny 10, PG, small cats hunt for Bots, Moz, and SA for Oct 2026.

2. Got good quote and dates for Spain for Ibex, Chamois, Mouflon, Roe Deer, Iberian Red Deer, Wild Boar, and possibly a Fallow… Then extend my stay to take in a F1 Race and finish with 3 days of fishing on Canary Islands. Talked my Girlfriend into going too…

3. Got a good quote and dates for BC Moose, Whitetail, and Lynx plus a wolf tag. 12 Days in Nov 2027.

4. Got a good quote and dates for Scotland for December this year for 5 days hunting Red Stag and Roe Deer. Then I’ll stay another 5 days to see the sites and pay my respects. My grandfather was named William Wallace, so it’s time I made the pilgrimage.

5. Got a good quote and dates for a 2027 Caribou hunt. Still need to sort that out.

6. Meeting an outfitter early tomorrow for breakfast to talk about Yukon Moose Hunt.

7. Got fitted for Kenetrek (Mountain Extreme 400) boots and will likely order those tomorrow.

8. Talked to Ty at MOA Rifles and spec’d out a custom Left Hand 7MM REM MAG, but likely go with a 7 PRC Extreme MTNR with 22” barrel and a pretty small, but effective can. Although Ty is trying to talk me into a 20” barrel…

9. Getting a quote from Gracy for my Africa flights with Emirates through Dubai to get to Joberg in the morning. Then catch my next flight to Moz.

10. Stopped at Heym to discuss time frame and options on a LH Double in 500 NE. 2 Years timeframe…

11. Spent some time with my NZ outfitter. He was eager to show me how many of my videos made it in his promo. They actually came out pretty good considering they were filmed on an iPhone through a spotting scope.

12. Got a quote and dates from a Saskatchewan outfitter for ducks and geese for 2027. For a group of 10 people.

13. Tried on some Arctic Parkas. Expensive!

14. Talked to SWIFT about some 450 bullets. May pick up a box of each A-Frame Heavy and Break-Away Solids. Prices are going up, again!

Tomorrow will be locking in contracts and paying out more deposits. Then dinner with some of AH’s finest!

What an amazing list and day!

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

I’ve had a great experience so far. I like the location and set up.

Reached several milestones:

1. Booked Ele, Buff, Tiny 10, PG, small cats hunt for Bots, Moz, and SA for Oct 2026.

2. Got good quote and dates for Spain for Ibex, Chamois, Mouflon, Roe Deer, Iberian Red Deer, Wild Boar, and possibly a Fallow… Then extend my stay to take in a F1 Race and finish with 3 days of fishing on Canary Islands. Talked my Girlfriend into going too…

3. Got a good quote and dates for BC Moose, Whitetail, and Lynx plus a wolf tag. 12 Days in Nov 2027.

4. Got a good quote and dates for Scotland for December this year for 5 days hunting Red Stag and Roe Deer. Then I’ll stay another 5 days to see the sites and pay my respects. My grandfather was named William Wallace, so it’s time I made the pilgrimage.

5. Got a good quote and dates for a 2027 Caribou hunt. Still need to sort that out.

6. Meeting an outfitter early tomorrow for breakfast to talk about Yukon Moose Hunt.

7. Got fitted for Kenetrek (Mountain Extreme 400) boots and will likely order those tomorrow.

8. Talked to Ty at MOA Rifles and spec’d out a custom Left Hand 7MM REM MAG, but likely go with a 7 PRC Extreme MTNR with 22” barrel and a pretty small, but effective can. Although Ty is trying to talk me into a 20” barrel…

9. Getting a quote from Gracy for my Africa flights with Emirates through Dubai to get to Joberg in the morning. Then catch my next flight to Moz.

10. Stopped at Heym to discuss time frame and options on a LH Double in 500 NE. 2 Years timeframe…

11. Spent some time with my NZ outfitter. He was eager to show me how many of my videos made it in his promo. They actually came out pretty good considering they were filmed on an iPhone through a spotting scope.

12. Got a quote and dates from a Saskatchewan outfitter for ducks and geese for 2027. For a group of 10 people.

13. Tried on some Arctic Parkas. Expensive!

14. Talked to SWIFT about some 450 bullets. May pick up a box of each A-Frame Heavy and Break-Away Solids. Prices are going up, again!

Tomorrow will be locking in contracts and paying out more deposits. Then dinner with some of AH’s finest!

thats the way to keep busy at the show, seems u got a lot done for sure

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

What an amazing list and day!

I was at the show Wednesday as well…

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I also spent some time talking with one of the guys that does the 4-day SAAM Safari Training. I’ve been through similar training, but was specifically interested in the large bore dangerous game target training. I need to run through some drills and practice with my 450 prior to my next hunt. This course seems pretty extensive, but also expensive for 4 days.

Jury is still out on this one… 450 Dakota ammo is expensive. But, getting run through by a buff or stomped by an Ele due to lack of practice or being unprepared has me thinking more about it. It’s just a value consideration.

**Ok, I realize my example of being unprepared is a little extreme… My concerns are for making a good first shot and being prepared to make effective follow up shots. This requires practice off sticks at a minimum.

FTW Ranch Great Hunting and World Class Training

The FTW SAAM team is a dedicated group of professionals with backgrounds in US Military Special Operations & World Wide Hunting. We are focused on wildlife conservation.

ftwsaam.com

 

[Flipper Dude]

Well, the wife got a little boozed up and bought an Alaska fishing trip for two couples for 17K at the Ryman auction. I made her pay for it on the spot. Teach her a lesson, ya know.

Hell yes , I’m going

 

[Rare Breed]

I’ve had a great experience so far. I like the location and set up.

Reached several milestones:

1. Booked Ele, Buff, Tiny 10, PG, small cats hunt for Bots, Moz, and SA for Oct 2026.

2. Got good quote and dates for Spain for Ibex, Chamois, Mouflon, Roe Deer, Iberian Red Deer, Wild Boar, and possibly a Fallow… Then extend my stay to take in a F1 Race and finish with 3 days of fishing on Canary Islands. Talked my Girlfriend into going too…

3. Got a good quote and dates for BC Moose, Whitetail, and Lynx plus a wolf tag. 12 Days in Nov 2027.

4. Got a good quote and dates for Scotland for December this year for 5 days hunting Red Stag and Roe Deer. Then I’ll stay another 5 days to see the sites and pay my respects. My grandfather was named William Wallace, so it’s time I made the pilgrimage.

5. Got a good quote and dates for a 2027 Caribou hunt. Still need to sort that out.

6. Meeting an outfitter early tomorrow for breakfast to talk about Yukon Moose Hunt.

7. Got fitted for Kenetrek (Mountain Extreme 400) boots and will likely order those tomorrow.

8. Talked to Ty at MOA Rifles and spec’d out a custom Left Hand 7MM REM MAG, but likely go with a 7 PRC Extreme MTNR with 22” barrel and a pretty small, but effective can. Although Ty is trying to talk me into a 20” barrel…

9. Getting a quote from Gracy for my Africa flights with Emirates through Dubai to get to Joberg in the morning. Then catch my next flight to Moz.

10. Stopped at Heym to discuss time frame and options on a LH Double in 500 NE. 2 Years timeframe…

11. Spent some time with my NZ outfitter. He was eager to show me how many of my videos made it in his promo. They actually came out pretty good considering they were filmed on an iPhone through a spotting scope.

12. Got a quote and dates from a Saskatchewan outfitter for ducks and geese for 2027. For a group of 10 people.

13. Tried on some Arctic Parkas. Expensive!

14. Talked to SWIFT about some 450 bullets. May pick up a box of each A-Frame Heavy and Break-Away Solids. Prices are going up, again!

Tomorrow will be locking in contracts and paying out more deposits. Then dinner with some of AH’s finest!

Just awesome!!!!! A convention of a lifetime!!! I salute you sir!!!!

 

[Fatback]

I won’t be there either, certainly planned on being there, life just gets in the way of plans sometimes.

Gonna miss seeing you at the dinner tomorrow. Hope all is well.

 

[DLSJR]

I was told that Wednesday’s attendance was the biggest first day SCI has ever had. And today was busier. Every PH I’ve talked to is having a good show, business-wise.

 

[Scott CWO]

I checked in with the outfitters and PHs for the trips I have planned and helped a couple clients do some bookings.

Well, then, I think I got a great deal at the Ryman auction tonight. Earlier, I had placed an online bid for the Tanzania 21-day safari in the Selous with Peter Chipman. The safari includes everything except trophy fees. I’ve always wanted to hunt with Peter someday. Before the auction, I talked to Peter and most of the hunters that hunted there with him last year and they were very happy and said the game numbers were very good. Peter said last year was even better than he could have imagined. Last year was Peter’s first year there and the brand new camp is super nice. Since it was the first year, nobody hunted a lion but they did hunt leopards, elephant, buffalo and plains game. A 60 pound elephant, a 62” kudu, three 40”+ buffalo and some very nice leopards were taken, among other good animals. Two nice lions were seen but not hunted.

The listed price in his brochure shows $133k plus trophy fees for a full bag. I put in a minimum bid and then also a max online bid of $40k and figured there was no way I would be successful during the live auction. I figured I had nothing to lose but everything to gain. At the live auction, just two other people placed bids and my max bid of $40k was successful! I still can’t believe it. My parents, wife and friends were incredulous. I’m not sure if I will split the safari with a family member or friend yet or not. I’m still in shock.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Congrats Scott, great deal

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I was told that Wednesday’s attendance was the biggest first day SCI has ever had. And today was busier. Every PH I’ve talked to is having a good show, business-wise.

I don't know the actual numbers, but based on the view from the @JKO HUNTING SAFARIS booth and walking the floor a bit, I would not be surprised at record attendance. Opening day was very impressive and yesterday was even more.

Our booth seems to get busy fast and stay that way for the most part. Sometime early afternoon I'm guessing there's auctions going on and the floor traffic drops a bit. A little later it picks up again and we're busy thru the end of the day.

I expect today the convention will be packed.