(Houston, TX- January 18, 2024) – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is proud to announce Craig Phillips as the recipient of the 2024 HSCF Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award.   

The purpose of this award is to recognize an HSCF member for outstanding achievements in big game hunting. The applicant must have taken at least seventy-five species across four continents, must be of good character, and have a known ethical hunting standard. Applicants are judged on hunting accomplishments including number of hunts, quality of species and difficulty of hunts. Applicants are also considered based on their support of and involvement with HSCF including, but not limited to, membership history, support of HSCF and HSCF programs, active involvement in HSCF and support of HSCF’s mission statement. Candidates must also demonstrate a history of actions in support of the advancement of hunting, conservation and education.

A lifetime outdoorsman, Craig has hunted on six continents, in more than twenty countries, including thirty-five safaris across Africa alone. His ever-growing global accomplishments include more than one hundred African species. In 2019, Craig won HSCF Gold Awards for both North America and Africa with his Alaskan Brown Bear and Abyssinian Kudu. Craig claims to be far from “done”, with several new adventures already planned for 2024 and beyond.

“I am both thrilled and humbled to have been recognized by my peers at HSCF simply for doing what I love. I cannot imagine a more meaningful honor,” stated Craig.

A native Texan, Craig and his wife, Elaine, make their home in Tomball. When he is not hunting, fishing, or playing golf, Craig has been actively involved in any number of conservation and education initiatives for the past thirty plus years. He has been a Houston Safari Club Foundation member for almost two decades and is similarly active in other organizations including Safari Club International, the Houston Chapter of SCI, NRA, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Coastal Conservation Association. Across these organizations, Craig has served in a variety of leadership roles. Craig is the CEO of Volia Software.

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 625 scholarships totaling $2.8 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 wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

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 (Houston, TX- January 11, 2023) This week “Hunting Matters” welcomes HSCF board member James Lofton, who is also serving as the 2024 HSCF Convention Chairperson. James will be discussing the 2024 HSCF Convention, his time on the HSCF Board of Directors and his passion for volunteering.

James Lofton has spent the last 25 years as an ambassador for the hunting and shooting sports. In addition to being a member of HSC, he is a Benefactor Member of the NRA, a Life Member of the North American Hunting Club as well as a member of the Congressional Sportsman Foundation and Gun Owners of America, among others. He has a passion for introducing new hunters to our sport and preserving our hunting and gun rights. James is eager to put his skills and passion to work for the HSCF.

James has a history of volunteering and leading charity events and groups. He was the founder and chairperson of the DFW Oilman’s Tactical Shoot from 2009-2017, which donated proceeds to support military and veteran’s groups such as Combat Marine Outdoors. CMO takes purple heart recipients on hunting and fishing trips as part of their recovery process. Sharing a camp with these hero’s is one of the highlights of James’ hunting experiences. James also was the Chairperson of the Shoot from the Heart Brazos Valley Sporting Clays Tournament from 2004-2007.

After graduating from Texas A&M, James spent the last 28 years in the oil and gas industry. He is a managing partner of JAN Resources, LLC, an oilfield service company that specializes in water treating and completion chemicals. He was a member of the FW SPE Board of Directors for 5 years, serving as President and Scholarship Chairperson during that time. James and his wife Kathryn (HSCF Member also) were fortunate to win the bid on several of the hunts and items sold at the HSCF Annual Convention dinners and Gazelle’s Luncheon auctions, including two safaris in Namibia which they completed in the summer of 2019. He was also able to share this hunt with his father, who was instrumental in starting James’ passion for hunting. James learned from his father that the woods, prairies, mountains, lakes and rivers we all enjoy are a great place to teach others about life lessons and gain an appreciation for the outdoors.

About Hunting Matters
“Hunting Matters” co-hosts HSCF Executive Director Joe Betar and Ramon Robles engage in conversations with guests from the worlds of hunting, fishing, shooting, conservation and the great outdoors. “Hunting Matters” airs Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on iHeart Media affiliate KPRC AM 950 and is available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Hunting Matters is an award-winning podcast and has been recognized by AVA Digital, NYX/Marcom, MarCom, Davey, and the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. Subscribe, listen, rate and review.

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 668 scholarships totaling $3.05 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 worldwide. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

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(Houston, TX- January 8, 2024) – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce Tom Miranda is the recipient of the 2024 Byron G. Sadler International Bowhunting Award.

The HSCF Byron G. Sadler International Bowhunting Award recognizes outstanding achievement in international bowhunting. Applicants for the award must have taken at least forty-five species across five continents with a bow, must be of good character and have a known ethical hunting standard.

Tom Miranda is a television producer, host, trapper and adventure bowhunter. Miranda began making hunting videos and by 1992 had his own adventure TV series on ESPN. Self-taught in TV production, Miranda would hire a freelance cinematographer to tape his adventures then write, produce and edit the programs himself. Tom soon became known on ESPN as the crazy bowhunter who would do anything as his adventure show featured adrenaline stunts like sky diving, bull riding and bungie jumping…. along with his bowhunting. In 2011, Miranda completed his 13-year quest to capture the archery Super Slam on video. But Tom Miranda didn’t stop his bowhunting there, he began to work toward the Safari Club International hunting award milestones. In fact, over the last twelve years, Miranda has gone full draw on over one hundred additional big game animals on six continents to complete and receive his SCI World Hunting Award ring and its highest honor…  the SCI Conservation and Hunting Award, again achieving both entirely with bow & arrow. To date only five archers have qualified for these SCI awards – Archie Nesbitt, Gary Bogner, Byron Saddler, Ricardo Longoria and Tom Miranda. Unique to Miranda is the fact that Tom has also captured all of his Award species on video, complete with the arrow impacts, quite the accomplishment.

“It’s a privilege to be a life member of Houston Safari Club Foundation, and to be presented with the HSCF Byron Sadler International Bowhunting Award at this year’s convention is quite a surprise and a tremendous honor. Byron Sadler is a conservation role model who represents, mentors and supports bowhunters worldwide. My hat’s off to Houston Safari Club Foundation for carrying on the legacy of a man whose unselfish support to conservation continues to bless all hunters, including myself, with this very special tribute and bowhunting milestone,” stated Tom Miranda.

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 625 scholarships totaling $2.8 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 wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

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(Houston, TX- January 4, 2024) Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce a partnership with their newest corporate sponsor, RC Cartridges. RC Cartridges is the “Official Shotgun Shell of Houston Safari Club Foundation”.

RC cartridges are well known among the top echelons of clay target competitors and in many countries around the world, with an enviable record of successes over the years.

“All of us are beyond excited to partner with HSCF. HSCF has done incredible work in both the field and on the range and we are excited to be a part of that lasting legacy,” stated Dakotah Richardson, RC Cartridges National Sales Manager.

“Through their support and alliance with HSCF, Dakotah and RC Cartridges demonstrate their commitment to hunting, conservation, and education and speaks volumes about their desire to support the future of hunting and shooting sports,” states Joe Betar, Executive Director, Houston Safari Club Foundation.

About RC Cartridges
The credentials of RC are impeccable and as we have seen in previous reviews in Clay Shooting, the cartridges deliver great performance. RC tests new components regularly but uses only the best that meet their quality requirements. The price of a component is a non-issue, only the consistent quality matters. The new RC test bench is approved and controlled directly by the Italian National Test Bank and is equipped with the most sophisticated detection software in compliance with the international C.I.P. The use of the best quality components on the international market, together with the professionalism of qualified technicians able to study the right loading combinations and to evaluate the ballistic data tested, are the guarantee of the known RC quality. Not least, the utmost care constantly dedicated to safeguarding the safety of all operators and the environment is a priority in all phases of the RC production process. Learn 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 $2.5 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 wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

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(Houston, TX- January 3, 2024) – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce Erik Visser of Quagga Safaris as the recipient of the 2024 HSCF Outfitter of the Year Award.  

The HSCF Outfitter of the Year is recognized by HSCF members and peers as being passionate about their occupation and conservation. The candidate demonstrates excellence in customer service, reliability, and performance and is a consistent supporter of HSCF and its mission. Award winners must be of good character and have a known ethical hunting standard.

Erik Visser founded Quagga Safaris in 1991 when he entered the safari industry as a one man show with nothing else than a dream to build his business into a leading outfit. That dream became reality through dedication, motivation and a team that shares the same goals. Erik credits his success to his loyal clients and an eighty percent rebooking track record.

Erik Visser and Quagga Safaris were also the recipients of the following awards from the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA): Uncle Stevie Award (2016); Professional Hunter of the Year (2021; Buffalo of the Year (2023); Trophy of the Year (2022); and Outfitter of the Year (2023). Erik has been a long-time member and supporter of Houston Safari Club Foundation and is very proud of the HSCF Outfitter of the Year Award.

“What an honor to receive this award from such an outstanding and leading organization such as HSCF. I dedicate this to my family, safari team and amazing clients and looking forward to sharing my campfire with many more fellow hunters. The future of our industry is in our youth, so the responsibility of all of us is to get them involved,” stated Erik.

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 625 scholarships totaling $2.8 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 wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

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(Houston, TX- December 7, 2023) This week “Hunting Matters” welcomes archery legend Dr. Ed Ashby.

Dr. Ed Ashby, a legend in the archery hunting community for dedicating more than 27 years to the study of arrow performance and broadhead lethality on six continents. Thanks to Dr. Ashby and his crew, his Natal Study helped legalize archery hunting in South Africa. Many sub-Saharan countries followed suit. The Natal Study was the definitive document used to successfully lobby for bowhunting legalization.

Dr. Ashby is also the co-founder of the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, the leading global authority on arrow and broadhead lethality.

About Hunting Matters
“Hunting Matters” co-hosts HSCF Executive Director Joe Betar and Ramon Robles engage in conversations with guests from the worlds of hunting, fishing, shooting, conservation and the great outdoors. “Hunting Matters” airs Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on iHeart Media affiliate KPRC AM 950 and is available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Hunting Matters is an award-winning podcast and has been recognized by AVA Digital, NYX/Marcom, MarCom, Davey, and the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. Subscribe, listen, rate and review.

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 668 scholarships totaling $3.05 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 worldwide. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.