SCI convention

[NIGHTHAWK]

Just booked a 2029 Yukon Moose and Brown Bear hunt… and got on their cancellation list.

I think I’m done for a while… Just need to sell a bunch of stuff and keep my day job!

 

[mdwest]

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

Concur! Nicole is who we'll be calling at Gracy for all future needs..

 

[Throwback]

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

First, congrats on a hell of schedule for yourself you booked, outstanding sir!

FTW, I cannot recommend it enough. My son and I have been 9 times in the last 5 years. We have taken all the courses, some more than once. Short version is, do it brother, you will learn some things and have a great time. It is run like you are in a hunting camp, you will have a lot of fun too.

Also, for the Safari course specifically, if you dont want to shoot your 450 the whole time they do have some Ruger 223 bolt action rifles that were specially made for them with heavy barrels, etc. to simulate a safari rifle that you can shoot. They have them so guys can take a break from shooting their big bores the whole time.

Lastly, just being there and around fellow international hunters, all the taxidermy etc... kinda motivates you even more to get out there and go on an adventure, but hey, sounds like you have plenty of motivation and are in turbo mode already! Good luck brother

 

[Green Chile]

I'm not able to attend but was pleased that a friend from the forum here got some books signed for me at SCI. It sounds like there is good traffic and lots of hunts being booked. That's a great sign.

 

[Hunt anything]

Well done @Scott CWO !! I didn’t realize Mr Chipman was PHing in Tanzania, I think I’ve only seen him associated with Zambia. But I’m often wrong, only need to talk to my wife to confirm that. Just seeing him on TV he has greatly impressed me!

On a lighter note, How long before the naysayers chime in about you winning an auction hunt? LOL

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

Anyone bought any guns?

 

[Scott CWO]

Well done @Scott CWO !! I didn’t realize Mr Chipman was PHing in Tanzania, I think I’ve only seen him associated with Zambia. But I’m often wrong, only need to talk to my wife to confirm that. Just seeing him on TV he has greatly impressed me!

On a lighter note, How long before the naysayers chime in about you winning an auction hunt? LOL

Yes, I can hear it now.

Peter has done some safaris in Tanzania but is definitely best known for his work in Zambia. He likes this Tanzanian area so much that he will be working more in Tanzania than Zambia going forward. His new area is one of the areas given up by the Pasanisi Family several years ago when elephant imports to the USA were put on hold.

 

[K-man]

I will split the safari with a family member or friend yet or not. I’m still in shock.

Do you need an adopted brother to go along? I'm available.....
Seriously, though have a great trip and good for you!!

 

[Hedge774]

I bought a fallow hunt in New Zealand that went for a budget friendly bid. Also spent some time with Celtic Field Sports discussing 2028 Sika hunts. I reccomend speaking with them if that kind of trip catches your eye. Show was great, but the dinner was the best part. You guys are awesome! Thanks to Rare Breed and Altitude Sickness (And any I missed) for putting this together!

 

[Rimbaud]

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!

If you’re looking for a driver, luggage handler or valet, I’m your man.