One of our Outfitter friends asked us to post this message:

Today sees the jubilation of anti-hunters and so called conservationists in the fact that Botswana’s elephant hunting season has been put on hold because of Covid-19, this in itself may be a small victory for the masses but a huge calamity for communities, hunting operators and all associated operations that rely on a regular income generated from the hunters dollar in Africa.

With the continued spread of the global pandemic that is effectively shutting down the entire world very little thought is given to the people that are the true custodians of the African wilderness, the hunting safari operator and professional hunter.

Does the general public or “key board warrior” truly think that the “stay home – stay safe” slogan is absorbed by the poacher in the village or the ivory trader in the town? They can both now take advantage of and hoard the benefits of the distracted authorities to their advantage and the inevitable illegal smuggling of the goods once shipping and cargo routes resume operations in full.

Cancelling a hunt in Africa is like sticking a knife into an already open wound, we as operators and Ph’s try our best to utilize every dollar paid to the betterment of a wild population of game no matter where our concessions are, from Cameroon to Mozambique, Senegal to South Africa, conservation of our heritage and our wildlife is at the forefront of any hunting operation. In cancelling a hunt, we lose those vital dollars that can still be utilized for anti-poaching operations, Covid-19 is hopefully not out in the wide-open spaces of Africa. We rely on that income and those dollars to allow us to continue our operations even though the rest of the world is closing down. We want to be there when the poacher crosses the boundary line, we want to be there to find the poachers snare or confiscate the poachers stollen rifle or home-made musket.

With you as the hunting client postponing your hunt to a later date rather than cancelling outright you are helping us to help preserve what we all love, the African wilderness, the wild animals that freely roam it and the continued effort of all of us to maintain a presence in those wilderness areas to stop poaching.

This presence however requires money and salaries must continue to be paid, with your postponement rather than cancellation we can continue to do that.
I thank you for your time and your continued support in a time of great concern for everyone.

Postpone rather than cancel and save Africa and her wildlife.

Not Your Average Girls Trip

By Meagan McElya

When most women plan a getaway with their girlfriends, the first destinations that come to mind are usually associated with tropical drinks or poker chips. But this group…this group of eight ladies from Texas could never come close to being like “most women.”

Let’s start with the fact that we hardly knew each other when this whole thing started. We were a diverse group consisting of childhood friends, professional colleagues, and in my case, a mother/daughter pair. Having never visited South Africa, I was so excited when I received an invite from Monica and eager to experience such a new and exciting destination not only with my mom, Michelle, but with some of the coolest chicks I had just met that same day over our first glasses of wine at the Houston airport.

Monica, by far the most seasoned traveler to South Africa, kindly leveraged her personal relationships to coordinate travel itinerary, lodging, professional hunting services, photo safari locations, shopping sprees, you name it. She did a wonderful job creating an enjoyable trip for both groups: The ladies who were hunting, and the ladies who were strictly wanting to enjoy some R&R while capturing photos on safari. You see, not all of us are hunters. And that wasn’t a bad thing! It actually provided a great opportunity for sharing knowledge and having an open dialogue about conservation efforts and how the hunting experience was so much more than just the harvest of an animal. I just so happened to be on the trip for both reasons and had absolutely no idea at the time how fulfilling and exciting that would be.

ADDO

With swollen ankles and a hankering for a large glass of wine, we stepped off of the final flight into the Port Elizabeth airport. Walking through the arrival gate, we met up with our professional hunters, Juan, Ashley and Rudolph (Rudy), whose South African accents (and toned, tanned legs) were about the warmest welcome a group of ladies could ask for. We loaded our things into the back of each of their vehicles, and our caravan headed to the first destination: Africano Country Estate in Addo.

To break up the commute, Juan had made plans to drive through Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest national park in South Africa. I was in awe of how beautiful and unique they were. I’d have to say that my favorite was the surprisingly photogenic male warthog who decided to stop mid-stroll for a drink just as we pulled past him, almost posing for the camera.

I’m sure Rudy will tell you how I asked him about the agriculture industry as we traveled from one area to the next. I was fascinated by how similar some of the growing environments were to those that I had experienced back in Texas. Citrus fields were present up to the driveway of the Africano Country Estate, where we arrived just before sunset to settle in for a relaxing night of enjoying dinner and the company of new friends. The suites at the estate were breathtaking, featuring a large outdoor shower and a twinkling, starlight ceiling right above the bed.

That evening we mingled and exchanged stories over a gourmet meal of various sushi dishes and, of course, a few bottles of wine. And when I say a few, I mean we kept them coming to the table until we lost count. This created the perfect environment for loads of laughter and almost instant new-found friendships. After ordering a nightcap to enjoy by the fire, we all returned to our suites for the evening, excited about the plans Juan had shared with us for the days ahead.

Click below to read the full article.

Join HSCF today to receive full access to future Hunter’s Horn issues!

Join Here!

 

Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) named its annual award winners at its 2020 Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention, which was held January 24-26, 2020 at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The annual event is HSCF’s largest fundraiser.

HSCF presented their 2020 Photo and Hunting Awards at its annual banquets. Of note, Pierre C. Vorster of Pierre Vorster Safaris was presented the 2020 HSCF Outstanding Professional Hunter of the Year. Gary Glesby and Jerry Rubenstein were named as HSCF’s Outstanding Hunters of the Year. Tim Richardson was presented the first annual HSCF Conservationist of the Year award. Julianne King was presented as the 2020 Frank Green Award winner and Kevin Ormston received the 2020 HSCF President’s Award for outstanding service and commitment to the organization. Tommy Kolwes and Dixon Ashorn, of Capital Farm Credit, were recognized for their long-term commitment to hunting, farming, ranching and conservation.

HSCF sincerely thanks its Convention sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, Wildlife Partners, S&B Engineers and Constructors, Enterprise Products, Shoppa’s John Deere, Conroe Taxidermy, Global Rescue, B&B Taxidermy, TWG Travel, Pro Cargo USA, NRA Hunters Leadership Forum, Texas Hunt Lodge, Alliance Graphics & Printing and Let it Fly.

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 525 scholarships totaling $2.25 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $3.7 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

####

Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) has concluded its 2020 Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention, which was held January 24-26, 2020 at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The annual event is HSCF’s largest fundraiser.

The Expo featured almost 300 exhibitors from North America and around the world, with attendance reflecting a sizeable increase over 2019. All three fundraising banquets were at capacity. Funds raised at Convention support HSCF’s scholarship, youth education and grants programs. Entertainment included high-energy performances from Don Felder, renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles and comedian Tom Papa. Aurelia Skipwith, Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service was the keynote speaker, providing an inspirational message of her and the agency’s commitment to hunting, habitat and wildlife.

Trey White, 2020 HSCF Convention Chairman stated, “The Houston Safari Club Foundation’s 2020 Convention and Worldwide Hunting Expo was a great success. The event was highlighted by US Fish & Wildlife Director Aurelia Skipwith’s rousing defense of sport hunting as key to conservation, at our Saturday night gala. We would like to thank our sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and volunteers for all that they do for HSCF.”

Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2021 Convention here, which will take place January 22-24, in downtown Houston, at the George R. Brown (GRB) Convention Center.

HSCF sincerely thanks its Convention sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, Wildlife Partners, S&B Engineers and Constructors, Enterprise Products, Shoppa’s John Deere, Conroe Taxidermy, Global Rescue, B&B Taxidermy, TWG Travel, Pro Cargo USA, NRA Hunters Leadership Forum, Texas Hunt Lodge, Alliance Graphics & Printing and Let it Fly.

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 525 scholarships totaling $2.25 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $3.7 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.
####

Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce Texas Best Ranches as its newest Foundation Partner. Texas Best Ranches specializes in helping people realize their dreams of becoming landowners and so much more.

Texas Best Ranches provides their clients the opportunity to own Texas’ best properties, providing a comprehensive approach to land ownership and management. Jeff Soele and his team at Texas Best Ranches continue the client partnership long after the sale, offering consultation in ranching as a business, tax guidance, ranch development and exotic game and livestock management. Jeff brings 30 years of experience in buying and selling ranches, as a licensed Realtor and real estate Broker, to every relationship. Texas Best Ranches specializes in live water ranches, hunting and exotic ranches, and creating dreams & “changing lifestyles”.

Jeff Soele, owner of Texas Best Ranches states, “Running a ranch as a business center creates many tax advantages that improve your asset and increases value.”

“Houston Safari Club Foundation is greatly appreciative of Jeff and Texas Best Ranches for supporting our continuing mission to promote the future of hunting and welcome them as a valued HSCF partner.” states Joe Betar, HSCF Executive Director. 

 

About Texas Best Ranches

Texas Best Ranches has been buying and selling Texas quality live water and hunting ranches for 30 years. We need inventory and have buyers! We have unlimited proven resources, a proven marketing plan and a team of experts including CPA’s and Attorneys on staff, specializing in water development, accounting, property management, fence-building, brush control, land clearing, wildlife biology, whitetail and exotic species and more!

 

About Houston Safari Club Foundation

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 550 scholarships totaling $2.4 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at hscfdn.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information.

 

####

Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce it has been honored with a 2019 American Graphic Design Award.

The Fall 2019 issue of Hunter’s Horn has been awarded a 2019 American Graphic Design Award for Publication Design!

For 56 years, Graphic Design USA has sponsored competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity for creative professionals. GDUSA’s American Graphic Design Awards is the original and the flagship, open to everyone in the community and honoring outstanding work of all kinds and across all media. These awards honor the best designs of the year.

Roughly 10,000 entries were submitted; a highly selective 10% were chosen as winners.

“We are honored to be recognized by GDUSA,” states Joe Betar, HSCF Executive Director. “Congratulations to Carla Nielsen, HSCF’s Marketing & Publications Manager and Madavor Media, HSCF’s publishing partner, for receiving this well-deserved award.”

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 550 scholarships totaling $2.4 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $3.7 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat and conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

 

####